Is Shushi Special on Dat Night?
We’ve always known sushi is the perfect first date, and now it’s scientifically proven. Every year, Match.com releases its Singles in America study, the most comprehensive national study of American singles that exists. The data is put together by biological anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, the premier anthropologist on love and dating. The study found that taking your date out for sushi didn’t just help make for a great first date, it also improves the chance of a second date by 170%!
What makes sushi such a perfect first date? Here’s our take on why sushi is scientifically the best choice.
A first date is all about getting to know someone, and sushi is perfect for it. It’s fun, light, and easy to share. Going out for sushi is the polar opposite of a stuffy French restaurant. Instead of ending the meal feeling full and lethargic, you feel energetic and vibrant from a nutritious meal. You can practice using chopsticks, laugh when a roll doesn’t quite make it to your mouth, and enjoy a varied meal with plenty of choices. It’s also possible that barbecue eel was ordered – which is known in Japan for its aphrodisiac qualities!
But What Makes Sushi So Special
Sushi is a little different than safer, more boring alternatives. The study found that 75% of respondents preferred simple American food for a first date. That might be one of the keys to understanding why sushi improved the odds of a second date by 170% – you either love sushi, or the idea of eating raw fish creeps you out. It’s likely that when discussing options for a date, sushi is either a solid yes or an avoid at all costs meal. I’ve never met a single person (pun intended) that just “sort of liked” sushi. If you’re a sushi lover, It’s common sense that going on a date for something you love is going to leave a good taste in your mouth!
So, what’s the take-away? If you want to lock down that second date, make sure sushi is on the menu, you typically won’t regret it!
I have always been fascinated by the creation and culture of different foods, particularly sushi and sashimi in the modern era of Japanese cuisine. I am a classically trained chef and sushi connoisseur, also having operated a food service company and enjoy investigating and experimenting with food around the world.