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Cooking for a first date? All the best. You’ve skipped the uncomfortable restaurant chairs, the noisy atmosphere, and all the “so, what do you do?” conversations and decided to impress in your own kitchen. Romantic? Absolutely. Risky? Perhaps.
The first dinner at home can be a sweet memory… or a complete fiasco that gets retold for years (and not in a good way). So, before you put on your apron and go on a culinary mission, let’s talk about the dishes you should avoid and other things to keep in mind.
Garlic and Onion: Enemies of the First Kiss
We know that onions add flavor to everything from pasta to beans. But your romance shouldn’t end with “Sorry, I have to go…now.”
Why is that a problem? After a meal full of garlic or onion, your breath will be like a superpower – but not a good one. And there is no gum, spray or candle that can neutralize it. And if you both eat onions? Well, at least you are in harmony… in smell.
What is the better option? Light, aromatic dishes without aggressive spices like raw garlic or too much cumin. Spices are great, but this is not the time for culinary revenge.
Too Spicy to Tolerate
There’s nothing wrong with loving it spicy. But a first date is not the time for a “who can withstand more chili peppers” competition.
Imagine a fiery dish that warms you both. Reality: red cheeks, teary eyes, a runny nose, and silently begging the universe to finish dinner as soon as possible.
Instead…
Stick to moderate spices. Food can be full of flavor and without tears. For example, a mildly spicy curry or a dish with coconut milk that provides warmth without the drama.
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Dishes That Require a Culinary Degree
A first date is not a time to play Gordon Ramsay, unless you really are. So, what are those high-risk foods?
- Soufflé – falls faster than your enthusiasm when you see it not growing
- Sushi – if you don’t know what you’re dealing with, don’t experiment with raw fish
- Anything that requires a cooking torch – seriously, leave that to the chefs
A safe option?
Something simple but satisfying. For example, homemade risotto, delicious vegetable pie, or chicken curry with basmati rice. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive. Better yet, make a dish you’ve made before and have some experience with.
Food That Leaves a Mark… in Your Teeth
Spinach, sesame, corn… If you don’t want your partner to remember you for your green smile, skip it.
There’s nothing romantic about having a spinach leaf between your teeth for 20 minutes while you try to tell an interesting story from high school. Smooth meals, nothing fibrous, nothing that sticks to the gums. Let your smile shine, without plant decoration.
Dishes That Last Forever
Crabs, ribs, or anything you must pull apart with your hands? Let’s save that for a later date. Instead of enjoying each other, you fight with a shell, pour lemon on each other, and end up smelling like a fish tank. This is great for telling stories to friends, but not for first-date chemistry.
Food that is easy to eat with a fork and knife is a better option. And no, your fingers shouldn’t be sticky after every bite.
Heavy, Greasy and Soporific Food
Yes, creamy pasta and deep-fried wonders are delicious, but do you want your date to end up in a food coma?
The consequences might not be so pleasant. Instead of flirting and talking, yawning, nodding, and possibly a quiet “can I lay on your couch for five minutes?”
Go for the light version. Grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, a touch of basil… something that gives energy, not sleep.
Source: Pexels
Dishes with a Specific or “Acquired” Taste
We like to experiment with food, but fermented fish and highly aromatic cheeses are not for everyone. Maybe you like sauerkraut with smoked tofu, but your date might not be ready for that level of intimacy. Your effort can turn into a silent shock.
Choose familiar flavors. There are already enough unknowns on a first date – don’t let food be one of them.
“Romantic Dishes” That Are Actually Too Much
Chocolate strawberries? Oysters? It may seem romantic in theory, but in practice it can be weird. If dinner looks like a scene from a movie, it can seem unnatural. And no one wants to feel like an extra in someone else’s romance.
Let it flow naturally. A dinner prepared with care, in a relaxed atmosphere, says more than any aphrodisiac. Play music, light candles if you like, but don’t turn into the organizer of a romantic show program.
Bonus Tip: The Atmosphere Is Half the Battle
Ok, you have successfully prepared the dish. But what about the rest? You have nothing more to worry about except creating the perfect ambience. The atmosphere is the key! If everything else works, you’re sure to make a great impression. And here are a few little things that can make a difference.
Background Music? Yes
Music can be real magic in creating a relaxed atmosphere. It shouldn’t be too loud or too quiet – just enough to complement the conversation without being too distracting. Find a playlist that is just for this moment.
Maybe something light, like jazz or lo-fi beats. And if you already know the person well enough and know they like classical music, a soft piano in the background can be a hit.
Clean Table and Relaxed Atmosphere? Mandatory
There is nothing worse than being stressed about a messy desk or space. Together with the smell of freshly prepared food, a clean table and relaxed space will create a perfect atmosphere and will certainly help you make a good impression.
Plan for After Dinner? Nice Touch
There’s nothing better than planning something fun after dinner. Whether it’s a walk in the park, enjoying your favorite cake, or watching a funny mini-series, this shows that you’ve thought about the whole dinner, not just what you’re going to eat.
If you’re thinking, “All of this sounds great, but I don’t have a date to cook for.” Well, that’s where Locanto steps in.
On the Locanto app, you can meet people who are really looking for a relationship, friendship, or someone to share their love of good food and even better company with.
Then maybe your next dinner at home won’t be a solo adventure but the start of something really beautiful.
Source: Pexels
Less Complications, More Honesty
A first date is not a test of cooking skills – it is an opportunity to get to know each other, to relax, and to enjoy each other. And remember: delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Romance often lies in simple things.
Avoid dishes that can ruin the atmosphere, make an impression with your effort (not your garlic), and indulge in dinner. If it clicks – great. If not, at least you ate well.
Now, what are you going to prepare?