People say you should be yourself on a first date. But you might want to save the part of you that inhales garlic bread and can toss back hot dogs like Joey Chestnut for the sixth date.
If you want the dinner to go as seamless as possible (and secure a goodnight kiss) there are a few dishes you should probably avoid. Nothing ruins a good vibe like wing sauce all over your fresh white 'fit.
"Eat whatever food makes you feel satiated and comfortable," says modern day etiquette expert, COO of Fresh Starts Registry, and co-author of Simple Scripts to Support Your People Jenny Dreizen. "Some people might not want to eat something messy because it can be distracting to think about if sauce is heading up your nose while you’re trying to make polite conversation."
According to a study published in 2021, your date might be paying closer attention to your order than you might think. Of the 3,000 U.S. adults surveyed, 40% said they are looking for someone who is passionate about food, while 38% said they're turned off by fussy eaters. Pizza, burgers, and salad were listed among the safest foods while 19% of people said they'd avoid oysters, 18% said mussels, and 17% said sushi.
Here are 10 foods you should never order on a first date. Trust us.
Garlic Naan Bread (or Anything Too Garlicky)
Whether you're planning to smooch at the end of the date or not, you don't want your lethal garlic breath threatening a good time. You should probably skip that order of classic garlic or naan bread, or anything with too much of the herb.
Onions
Speaking of stanky foods, you might want to rule out onions (or at least the raw red kind) while you're at it. Particularly a cup of French onion soup that's coated in melted cheese. According to one Reddit user, there's "no graceful way to eat that with someone looking at you." Fair enough.
Pho or Ramen
It's simply impossibly to eat these dishes elegantly (you'll probably get liquid all down your chin and possibly your shirt). It's also a sure-fire way to ruin your hair and makeup.
"I love pho, but it's so warm that the steam hits your face and that humidity can make your makeup run or flatten your hair," one person wrote on Reddit.
"Personally I find foods like ramen, chicken wings, and anything with poppyseeds to be distracting for me," Dreizen adds. "I am unworried about the mess. I just want to make sure my attentions aren’t split."
Buttered Noodles
You read the survey results. Eating like a seven-year-old is not going to do you any favors. It might even get you dumped.
Wings or a Rack of Ribs
Wings or a rack of ribs are about as messy as it gets. Plus, you heard Dreizen. It's hard to connect when you're so hyper-focused when diligently cleaning your flat wing.
Salad
Although survey respondents deemed salad a "safe" food, relationship coach Kara Francis says she would avoid it. "I would not eat salad on a first date," she says. "Don't eat anything that could get stuck in your teeth without knowing—that could be embarrassing."
Broccoli
One Reddit user says they avoid broccoli for that reason. "It's guaranteed to get stuck in your front teeth," they wrote.
Cheese
Dairy can be risky for some people; there can be digestive side effects that you probably don't consider sexy. "[Never] go to a cheese and wine tasting," another person wrote in the thread. "You'll fart your way out of a possible relationship. Get fish, veggies... lighter stuff."
Finger Foods
There's a certain level of comfort that comes before you can confidently eat with your hands in front of someone. That's especially the case for finger foods that require a bib or a little extra work to crack 'em open. "Crab. Lobster. No go," a Redditer said. "No one gets laid after wearing a bib."
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Remember what I said about getting spaghetti sauce all over your clothes? Just save yourself the trouble of pulling out a Tide stick mid-date and don't order the dish.
