For some, dating is complicated and for others, it is simple because there are so many different ways for them to connect with each other and through that explore their romantic sides. For Indian singles today, love isn’t just in the air; it’s on the plate.

A new survey has found that food is more than just a backdrop for romance because it is a defining part of it. From cooking together to choosing the perfect first date meal, culinary compatibility is quietly becoming one of the most important elements in modern relationships.

For many singles, cooking isn’t just a chore; it’s a recipe for deeper connection. Conducted by happn, the dating app, the survey has found that a strong 72 per cent of respondents say that cooking together strengthens their bond with someone they’re dating. Beyond the kitchen, 37 per cent feel that immersive food experiences like chef’s table dinners or workshops help spark deeper conversations early on. 52 per cent of singles say they’d be interested in attending curated culinary events as a way to connect more meaningfully, turning shared meals into lasting memories.

When asked about food preferences in relationships, nearly half of the respondents, 49 per cent said that food compatibility is important, with 29 per cent calling it "extremely important". When it comes to contrasting tastes, 43 per cent say it depends on how extreme the discord is, while a quarter consider incompatible food preferences a complete deal-breaker.