Is Cooking The New Green Flag? 71% Singles In India Prefer Making Food Together Over Restaurant Dates

"He suggested we cook together instead of going to another restaurant," Priya recalls, laughing. "I was terrified, but also curious. We ended up making the most terrible pasta I've ever tasted, but we couldn't stop laughing. That's when I knew he was different."

Priya's story isn't unique. A recent survey by Happn reveals that 71% of Indian singles believe cooking together strengthens romantic connections, transforming kitchens nationwide into the new cupid's playground.

71% of Indian Singles Say Cooking Builds Romantic Bonds

Rahul Sharma, a 29-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, discovered this firsthand. "I used to think dinner dates were just about good food and conversation," he explains. "But when my girlfriend and I started cooking together, it became about teamwork, patience, and seeing how we handle stress together. You learn so much about someone when they're trying to flip a dosa for the first time."

The data backs up these personal experiences. According to happn's findings, 72% of respondents say that cooking together creates deeper bonds with their dating partners. But it's not just about the cooking itself, it's about the experience surrounding food that's reshaping modern romance.

The Rise of Kitchen Chemistry in Dating

Gone are the days when a simple restaurant visit sufficed for getting to know someone. Today's singles are seeking more immersive experiences. The survey shows that 37% of participants feel that unique food experiences like chef's table dinners or cooking workshops spark deeper conversations early in relationships.

Meera Patel, a 24-year-old teacher from Mumbai, experienced this evolution firsthand. "My best first date ever was at a pottery-and-pasta workshop," she shares. "We were both terrible at making bowls, but amazing at making conversation. There's something about doing something together that breaks down walls faster than any restaurant small talk."

Why Indian Singles Are Ditching Dinner Dates for Cooking Classes

This shift toward experiential dating is gaining momentum, with 52% of singles expressing interest in attending curated culinary events as a way to forge more meaningful connections. These aren't just dates, they're relationship-building blocks disguised as fun activities.

The Role of Food Compatibility in Modern Relationships

But what happens when your masala preferences don't align? The survey reveals fascinating insights into how food compatibility affects relationships. Nearly half of respondents (49%) consider food compatibility important in relationships, with 29% labelling it as ‘extremely important.’

Amit Gupta, a 31-year-old chef from Pune, learned this lesson the hard way. "I dated someone who was strictly vegetarian while I loved my weekend mutton curry," he explains. "At first, we thought love would conquer all, but meal planning became a constant negotiation. We realised we needed someone who could share our food journey, not just tolerate it."

What Your Food Choices Say About Your Dating Style

The survey shows that 43.3% of singles say mismatched food preferences depend on how extreme the differences are, while 25% consider incompatible tastes a complete deal-breaker. It's a reality that's forcing singles to think beyond surface-level attraction.

Biryani Leads the Way: India’s Favourite First-Date Food Revealed

When it comes to impressing on first dates, Indian singles have their strategies figured out. The survey crowns biryani as the ultimate first-date dish, with 44% choosing it as their go-to impression maker. Paneer Tikka follows at 24%, with Butter Chicken rounding out the top three at 18%.

"Ordering biryani shows confidence," explains Kavya Reddy, a 27-year-old consultant from Hyderabad. "It's not too messy, everyone loves it, and it's substantial enough to share stories over. Plus, how someone eats biryani tells you a lot about their personality. Are they methodical or adventurous? Do they save the best pieces for last or dive right in?"

Instagram, Food Photos & Dating: A New Age Love Language

The data reveals that while 36% of singles are willing to try something completely new on dates, 39% prefer balancing familiar comfort with adventurous choices. It's a delicate dance between showing openness and maintaining authenticity.

The Instagram Factor: When Food Photos Spark Romance

In our digital age, attraction often begins before we even meet. The survey uncovers that 17% of singles admit they would develop crushes based on someone's food photos or restaurant reviews. Another 35% say they might be influenced by a well-curated food profile.

Tarun Malhotra, a 28-year-old photographer from Gurgaon, understands this phenomenon. "I once swiped right on someone purely because their food photography was incredible," he admits. "Their ability to make street food look artistic told me they appreciated beauty in everyday moments. We've been together for eight months now."

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AI, Apps & Appetite: How Tech is Curating the Perfect Date Night

Recognising this culinary romance revolution, happn recently launched Perfect Date, an AI-powered feature that recommends memorable date spots by analysing both users' profiles, interests, and habits. The technology aims to remove the guesswork from planning, allowing couples to focus on building genuine connections.

Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO and President of happn, observes, "Food has always been a language of love, but now it's becoming 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, experience, and playfulness."

The Future of Indian Romance Is Cooking Together

This culinary dating revolution is rewriting the rules of romance. Cooking classes are becoming the new bowling alleys, farmers markets are replacing coffee shops, and meal prep sessions are turning into relationship milestones.

Sneha Krishnan, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Chennai, sums it up perfectly: "My grandmother always said the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. But she never told me that cooking together could be the way to both our hearts. It's not about being a perfect cook, it's about being willing to create something together, even if it's a disaster."

Whether it's bonding over burnt rotis or discovering shared spice tolerances, Indian singles are proving that love truly is best served hot, preferably with a side of laughter and a willingness to try again tomorrow.

The survey's findings suggest we're witnessing more than just a dating trend; we're seeing a fundamental shift toward authentic, experience-based connections that go far beyond swipes and profiles. In a world where everything seems instant, cooking together reminds us that the best things, including love, take time, patience, and the right ingredients.

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Image Courtesy: Freepik