Food, Love and Connection

The idea that “the couple that eats together stays together” highlights the importance of shared moments and shared experiences in strengthening relationships. Sharing meals fosters communication, connection and a sense of togetherness that can easily be lost in busy modern life. Sitting down to eat as a couple allows time to talk, laugh and unwind, creating an intimate space to bond and understand each other better. Whether it involves cooking a meal side by side or dining out, these shared experiences build trust and affection. Ultimately, eating together is not just about food; it is about nourishing the relationship itself.

As many as 86 per cent of Brits in long term relationships, say eating nice food together is one of the most important parts of a relationship. While 77 per cent of Brits, say regular romantic meals are a must, to keep the relationship alive. And the study revealed the dishes which are most likely to get someone’s heart racing – with a juicy steak, with fries emerging as the most romantic meal to eat with your other half (30 per cent), followed by a chicken tikka masala (22 per cent).

While one in ten like to woo their other half with a rustic French onion soup, a creamy prawn risotto, or a rib sticking chicken, ham and leek pie.

Other meals which get us in the mood for love include a bubbling fish pie (12 per cent), melty macaroni cheese (12 per cent), or a creamy spaghetti carbonara (12 per cent), according to the 2,000 couples surveyed.

But forget fancy restaurants, 62 per cent say when it comes to eating together, home is where the heart is.

Other components for the PERFECT meal include mood lighting (19 per cent), candles (26 per cent), romantic movies (28 per cent) – and making sure the kids are at sleepovers (13 per cent).

Sharing a pudding (16 per cent), laying the table nicely (14 per cent) and games of scabble (10 per cent), are also ingredients for love.

Music plays a big part too. For the one in ten couples who can’t resist a slow dance in the kitchen, John Legend (29 per cent), Elton John (16 per cent) and Marvin Gaye (11 per cent), top the at-home playlists.

The survey was commissioned by Charlie Bigham’s, to celebrate the launch of its new Brasserie range for two.

A spokesperson for Charlie Bigham’s said; “The results show that food really is the heart of the home date night. Couples are increasingly looking to recreate the restaurant experience at home – not just for special occasions, but as part of their date nights or monthly treats.

“Our Brasserie range offers restaurant-quality dishes designed to make these evenings effortless yet memorable. From hand-crafted Beef Wellingtons to indulgent Coq au Vin, the range has been created to bring that same sense of occasion into the home.

TOP ROMANTIC MEALS, ACCORDING TO BRITISH COUPLES

1. A juicy steak, with fries, 30%
2. Chicken tikka masala – 22%
3. Lasagne – 20%
4. Beef Wellington – 17%
5. Beef Bourguignon – 14%
6. Chicken Parmigiana – 13%
7. Fish pie – 12%
8. Macaroni cheese – 12%
9. Spaghetti carbonara – 12%
10. Salmon Wellington – 11%
11. Thai green curry – 11%
12. Chicken Biriyani – 11%
13. Spaghetti Bolognese – 11%
14. Shepherd’s pie – 10%
15. Steak and ale pie – 10%
16. Chicken Kyiv – 10%
17. Chilli – 9%
18. French onion soup – 9%
19. Prawn risotto – 8%
20. Chicken, ham and leek pie – 8%