Dating gets better over food

For New Delhi-based Yamini Gola, there’s something instantly comforting about connecting with someone who’s just as enthusiastic about food as she is. “I remember having a lengthy conversation once about the best cheesecake in town. The moment my potential match mentioned his favourite bakery in Connaught Place, it felt as though we’d already been on a food walk together, even before we’d met in person. That kind of shared excitement creates an immediate connection,” she shares.In another case, 24-year-old Varchasvi Mahajan, food isn’t just about taste; it’s a powerful conversation starter. “I love it when the other person shares the same level of enthusiasm for food as I do,” she says. “It reveals so much about their palate, personal preferences, and even how health-conscious they are.”Much like Yamini and Varchasvi, many singles on dating apps believe that food plays a matchmaker role in today’s dating scene. A recent survey reveals that 72% believe culinary compatibility helps strengthen their bond, whether it's through cooking together or picking the perfect first-date dish.Food and Dating- 37% of singles feel that immersive food experiences, such as chef’s table dinners or culinary workshops, help spark meaningful conversations early on- 52% would attend curated food events to connect more meaningfully- 49% say food preferences are important in relationships- 25% of singles consider mismatched food preferences a deal-breaker- Top dishes to impress: Biryani – 44%, Paneer Tikka – 24%, Butter Chicken – 18%- Mentions of 'chai' in bios rose by nearly 19% in June 2025 compared to January- The 'chai–pakoda date' emerged as a popular monsoon dating trend, blending warmth with nostalgia.(as per survey from dating apps Happn and Tinder)‘Food is a meaningful way for people to connect’Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO of Happn, a dating app, expresses, “Food has always been a language of love, and now it’s a meaningful way for people to connect and build compatibility. From dining out to experimenting in the kitchen, Indian singles are discovering new ways to bond through flavour and shared experiences.”Bangalore-based Navaneethan Ravikumar (31), a user of the Aisle dating app, says, “Sharing similar food preferences makes things simpler. We’re both non-vegetarians, so planning travel, booking restaurants, or picking meals is effortless. In a relationship, it’s also important to respect each other’s diets and support their food choices.”Food preferences can be a deal-breaker tooJammu-based Varchasvi adds, “I genuinely struggle to spend time with someone—let alone date them—if we can’t enjoy a few nibbles together. Whether it’s grabbing some street food or watching them obsess over calorie counts, it really matters.”