We’ve all seen the quintessential wedding night scenes in Bollywood movies and Indian TV shows. The bride walks in, carrying a glass of milk for the groom as they enter a flower shop subbing as a bedroom. The milk, likely sprinkled with saffron, was believed to be an aphrodisiac—something to elevate romance, fertility, and perhaps even libido.
Food, after all, has always been more than just nourishment. Think of the ice-cream tub you reach for during period cramps or that extra-large McDonald’s meal after a breakup. Food holds power over our moods and emotions, offering comfort, distraction, or even a sense of celebration.
So, it’s hardly surprising that certain foods have long been linked to desire, intimacy, and romance. We’ve all heard of aphrodisiac foods, said to heighten sensual experiences. But how much of this is actually true? Delhi-based relationship counsellor Ruchi Ruuh believes it’s as much about psychology as it is about biology. “The idea that specific food can spark instant desire is questionable. While a few foods do contain nutrients that can support a healthy body and a healthy sex life, the real magic happens in our minds. If you believe a food is romantic or an aphrodisiac, that belief can act as a placebo for setting a mood,” she explains.
Some foods are indeed nutrient-rich and may influence blood flow, hormone balance, or mood. But often, it’s the aroma, taste, or even years of subliminal messaging that give chocolates, strawberries, or a glass of wine their sensual reputation. To understand this better, we spoke to experts who unpacked both the science and the symbolism.
The term “aphrodisiac” comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and refers to foods or substances believed to heighten sexual desire, arousal, and pleasure. Historically, rare, exotic, or phallic-shaped foods like oysters, caviar, or asparagus were linked to lust and romance.
In India, herbs with medicinal properties, such as ashwagandha, tulsi, and shatavari, were regarded as natural aphrodisiacs. It is likely that this was because these herbs helped regulate menstrual cycles, maintain hormonal balance, and support sexual health in women. In men, they were believed to improve testosterone levels.
A quick scan of popular sources throws up a familiar list of so-called aphrodisiac foods:
But do these properties fully explain their role in intimacy? Not quite, says Ruuh.
“Some foods like chocolates and oysters became symbols of romance through a combination of their historical rarity, physical appearance, and perceived effects,” she explains. “Chocolate was once a valuable, exotic luxury, making it a powerful gift to show affection. Oysters are symbolically linked to love goddesses and have a unique, tactile quality. These narratives are passed down through generations, shaping our cultural script for romance.”
Instead of obsessing over which foods qualify as aphrodisiacs, Ruuh recommends focusing on foods you and your partner actually enjoy. “Foods that are sensory-rich and can induce play in the food ritual can be beneficial. Introduce food play and games, such as guessing, blindfolded tests, or food that creates physical sensations. The mild discomfort and subsequent endorphin rush are a physical experience you share, creating a fun, exciting memory,” she adds.
Saurabh Sharan, Head Chef at The Love Hotel in Delhi, a space known for its playful take on sensual romance, agrees. “Any thoughtful pairing of ingredients, combined with the experience of enjoying them, can feel romantic and sensual. It is by no means limited to the classic pairing of strawberries and chocolate. Even something as simple as a beautifully made soup, when shared with a loved one, can lift the mood,” he says.
Contrary to popular belief, eating a box of strawberries or devouring a bar of dark chocolate may not suddenly set the mood. What matters is the experience built around the food. It’s about creating an environment that feels sensual and intimate, whether solo or with a partner.
Sharan suggests experimenting with indulgent pairings. “Oysters or scallops enjoyed alongside a fine wine, for instance, creates a truly sensual experience,” he says. But it’s personal, he adds. “For some, it may be chocolate, avocado, or saffron. But in truth, it’s often the food one genuinely loves. Indulgence cannot be forced; it only works when you truly enjoy something, which in turn acts as a natural mood enhancer.”
Ruuh shares a similar perspective. “Acts of service like cooking together can act as a powerful aphrodisiac as you can innovate, create, and play together. This collaborative space can show your partner that you care about them. Little gestures and rituals like sharing meals together can create a sense of emotional safety and intimacy, which can later translate into physical intimacy. Engage in sensory play by choosing foods that stimulate sight, smell, and touch. Try feeding each other. These simple acts can reintroduce a sense of playfulness and physical closeness. Don’t put pressure on the food to create instant desire. Instead, focus on enjoying the emotional nourishment of the experience. The act of caring is the ultimate desire booster,” she explains.
Here’s the thing: no food is magic. You won’t eat one bar of chocolate and instantly feel like you’re getting your groove on in the bedroom. Many of the effects of the so-called aphrodisiac foods are subtle, cumulative, and deeply tied to your health, sleep, stress, hormones, and circulation.
So treat these foods as gentle partners and tools to create a sensual and arousing environment. Don’t make drastic changes to your diet or go overboard, as it could also backfire and cause health issues. Instead, start in small ways and small amounts — a honey drizzled dessert, a red wine for a candlelight dinner or perhaps a vanilla-scented candle in the bedroom could also do wonders. And that’s the beauty of food, it’s never just about survival, it can be about pleasure, tenderness, connection.
