First dates are nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about food choices. Whether you’re nervously trying to impress your date or simply aiming for a relaxed, fun evening, the last thing you want is to make a mess or cause an uncomfortable situation at the dinner table. But not all foods are created equal when it comes to date nights. Some meals are far too messy, smelly, or difficult to eat without causing embarrassment. So, before you order that second round of spicy wings or dive into that huge bowl of pasta, here’s a list of the worst foods to eat on a first date because making a great impression starts with a little thought about what’s on your plate.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the 10 foods that might ruin your date if you’re not careful. From garlic-laden dishes to foods that could leave you dealing with uncomfortable after-effects, these choices should be saved for a later date, preferably once you’ve already established a strong connection. Let’s dive into these first-date faux pas and help you avoid a culinary disaster when it matters most.
Garlic-Laden Dishes
Garlic is a staple in many cuisines, but on a first date, it can be a serious mood killer. Whether it’s in a pasta, pizza, or even a salad dressing, garlic tends to linger long after the meal is over. While it’s delicious and can add flavor, its pungent odor can be overpowering, especially during a romantic conversation. Having garlic on your breath can make you feel self-conscious, and your date may not appreciate the lingering smell. If you want to avoid worrying about your breath, stick to milder flavors that won’t leave you needing an emergency mint afterward.
Spicy Foods
While a little spice can add excitement to a meal, it can also leave you with uncomfortable aftereffects, making you wish you had chosen a more neutral dish. Spicy foods, such as chili or hot wings, can lead to sweaty palms, a red face, and digestive discomfort, none of which are ideal when trying to impress someone. You might find yourself fanning yourself or searching for a glass of water, which can distract from the conversation and ruin the vibe. For your first date, consider something less spicy to avoid potential discomfort later.
Ribs and BBQ
Ribs and other BBQ dishes are delicious, but they come with a price—messiness. With sauce splattering everywhere and your fingers inevitably covered in sticky residue, it’s not the ideal choice for a first date. Trying to look cute while devouring a rack of ribs can quickly turn into an awkward situation. Plus, if you don’t have a proper napkin or wipe, you could end up with barbecue sauce on your clothes or face. Save the ribs for a casual dinner with friends, and opt for a neater meal on your first date.
Shellfish
Shellfish, including lobster, crab, and shrimp, can be tricky to eat, especially if you have to wrestle with the shell. If you’re new to eating these foods, trying to break into a lobster tail or peel shrimp can lead to frustration and potential spills. Plus, dealing with the shells might take up more time than you’d like during a date, leaving you distracted and making things feel a bit less intimate. If you’re on a first date, stick to dishes that are easier to eat with a knife and fork and don’t require too much effort.
Spaghetti
While spaghetti is a classic comfort food, it’s not the best choice for a first date. Trying to twirl a forkful of spaghetti without it slapping your chin or dripping sauce everywhere can be a challenge. The long strands of pasta can also be difficult to manage, and you run the risk of slurping awkwardly. Not only could this make your meal messy, but it could also make you feel self-conscious. If you’re craving pasta, opt for something like penne or ravioli, shorter shapes that are easier to manage on a date.
Fried Foods
Fried foods like fried chicken, French fries, or onion rings may seem like an easy choice, but they come with a lot of crunch and grease. The grease can leave you feeling uncomfortable after the meal, especially if you’re trying to keep things light and fun. Also, the sound of crunching and munching through the meal can come across as less than refined. If you’re aiming for a graceful dining experience, fried foods should probably be avoided on a first date, especially if you want to keep things from feeling overly greasy.
Anything Difficult to Share
While a large, mouthful-sized sandwich or a whole pizza may sound like a great idea, it could be awkward to eat on a first date, particularly when unsure of how much to eat. When serving more than one person or when the amount is too large for one person, it can be an unnecessary discomfort. Instead of ordering something difficult to share, go for smaller, more manageable dishes. When it comes to meals, it’s great to make the first course more relaxed by splitting appetizers.
Anything With Strong Smells
Certain foods, like blue cheese, durian, or some types of fish, can leave a strong, lingering smell. Even if you love the taste, these strong-smelling foods are notorious for lingering long after the meal ends. No matter how good the food is, the overpowering scent can turn your date off, especially if you’re looking to kiss them later. When in doubt, choose a dish with subtler flavors and aromas to avoid lingering odors that could detract from the overall experience.
Overly Complicated Dishes
When you’re on a first date, you don’t want to be so focused on your complicated dish that you can’t have a conversation. Overly intricate or extravagant meals, like those requiring multiple courses or heavy fine dining, can make the date feel more like a formal occasion than a casual night out. A dish that requires too much attention, such as one that needs careful cutting, lots of sauces, or a complicated prep, can make you feel awkward or distracted. Keep it simple with a dish you can eat without too much fuss, and let the conversation flow naturally.
Foods That Could Cause Immediate Discomfort
Some foods are just plain tasty but can wreak havoc on your digestive system if eaten too fast or without caution. Eating beans, onions, and spicy foods may cause gas, bloating, or discomfort, all of which definitely aren’t things you want to experience on your first date. Choose less stomach-churning food to prevent those awkward moments down the road! We don’t know anyone who wants to deal with digestion troubles while trying to wow their date.
Summary: Make the first date a successful one
It may be easy to want to go out for your favorite snack, but some foods for the first date can cause problems. A messy, smelly, or complicated meal can also distract from the main event: getting to know your date and making a good impression. If you’re feeling uncertain, opt for something simple, light, and easy to eat so you can concentrate on the conversation, not the sauce that’s getting on your clothes or plate or the one you have trouble chewing through. Next time you’re thinking about that first date dinner, keep in mind that your dinner will be just as easy as your conversation you’re hoping to have.
