First dates are all about making a good impression. You want to connect, have an engaging conversation, and feel comfortable. The food you choose can surprisingly impact this dynamic. Some dishes, while delicious, are simply too messy, awkward, or problematic for a first encounter. Opting for graceful, easy-to-eat foods allows you to focus on your date, not on wrestling with your meal. Avoiding culinary disasters helps ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Here are 10 types of dishes you should probably never order on a first date, and the reasons why.
1. Anything Excessively Messy (e.g., Ribs, Saucy Wings)
Barbecue ribs, saucy chicken wings, or anything requiring you to eat extensively with your hands and a pile of napkins is a risky first date choice. While incredibly tasty, these foods inevitably lead to sticky fingers and sauce-smeared faces. This can make you feel self-conscious. It also distracts from conversation. Opt for dishes that can be eaten neatly with utensils. Save the messy delights for when you know each other better.
2. Huge, Hard-to-Eat Burgers or Sandwiches
Towering burgers or overstuffed deli sandwiches that you can barely fit in your mouth present a challenge. Trying to take a graceful bite without ingredients spilling out is difficult. This can lead to awkward moments or make you feel less than elegant. Choose sandwiches or burgers that are manageable in size. Or, consider cutting them in half if they are large. The goal is to eat with ease, not struggle.
3. Foods Loaded with Garlic or Onions
Garlic and onions are flavor powerhouses. However, their potent aroma tends to linger on your breath long after the meal is over. This can be a major concern if you’re hoping for a close conversation or a goodnight kiss. While delicious, dishes heavily featuring raw or copious amounts of cooked garlic or onions are best avoided on a first date. Prioritize fresh breath and comfortable proximity.
4. Very Long Pasta Strands (e.g., Spaghetti, Linguine)
Navigating long strands of pasta like spaghetti or linguine can be tricky, even for seasoned eaters. Slurping is generally a no-go. Twirling them perfectly onto a fork without splashing sauce requires skill and attention. This can detract from your ability to engage in conversation smoothly. Opt for shorter pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or ravioli. These are much easier to eat neatly with a fork.
5. Whole Lobsters or Crabs Requiring Tools
Ordering a whole lobster, crab, or other shellfish that requires bibs, crackers, and specialized tools turns dinner into a labor-intensive project. While a fun experience, it’s not ideal for a first date. The focus shifts entirely to dissecting the seafood. This leaves little room for eye contact or flowing conversation. Save these interactive, potentially messy seafood feasts for a more established relationship stage.
6. Extremely Spicy Dishes (Unless You Both Love Heat)
Ordering a very spicy dish can be a gamble. If you can’t handle the heat, you might end up sweating, teary-eyed, or constantly reaching for water. This can make you uncomfortable and disrupt the date’s flow. Unless you know your date also enjoys intense spiciness, it’s safer to choose something milder. You want to enjoy the food and conversation, not battle a fiery palate.
7. Complicated or Unfamiliar Exotic Foods
A first date isn’t usually the best time to experiment with highly unusual or complex exotic foods you’ve never tried before. You don’t know how your body will react. You might also struggle with unfamiliar eating utensils or customs. Stick to cuisines or dishes you are somewhat familiar with. This ensures you’ll likely enjoy your meal and feel comfortable eating it. Save culinary adventures for later dates.
8. Dishes That Are Difficult to Share (If Sharing is Expected)
If the date involves an expectation of sharing plates (like tapas or some appetizers), choose items that are easy to divide and eat gracefully. Avoid dishes that are awkward to split or require very specific serving methods. Portioned items work best. This avoids any fumbling or discomfort around dividing the food. Good shareable options facilitate a more relaxed interaction.
9. Anything Known to Cause Digestive Upset For You
This might seem obvious, but be mindful of your food sensitivities. Avoid dishes containing ingredients that you know sometimes cause you gas, bloating, or other digestive discomfort. The last thing you want on a first date is to feel physically unwell or self-conscious about bodily functions. Choose foods that you know agree with your system. Your comfort is paramount.
10. The Most Expensive Item on the Menu (If You’re Not Paying)
If your date is treating, or if you’re unsure how the bill will be handled, ordering the priciest item on the menu can sometimes send the wrong signal. It might appear presumptuous or as if you’re taking advantage. It’s generally considered to choose something in the mid-price range unless your date specifically encourages you to order whatever you like. This shows thoughtfulness and good manners.
Choose Food That Fades into the Background
The best food choices for a first date are those that are delicious, easy to eat, and don’t cause undue mess or discomfort. Your meal should complement the experience, not become the main event or a source of anxiety. Opting for simpler, neater dishes allows you to relax, focus on your date, and enjoy the conversation. Making thoughtful food choices helps set the stage for a positive and memorable first impression. Good food and good company should go hand in hand.
What foods do you think are the best or worst to order on a first date? Do you have any funny first-date food disaster stories? Share your thoughts and experiences below!
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