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7 Rom Com & Food Pairings For Valentine’s Day

There’s nothing more romantic than cuddling up, watching a movie, and munching on your favorite snacks. Romantic comedies are often synonymous with Valentine’s Day. From When Harry Met Sally to 10 Things I Hate About You, rom coms are known to be heartwarming, easy watches that are also a bit cringey. We all love them.

Paired with a bit of food, watching a rom com is a great Valentine’s Day activity. Whether you’re with your lover, friends, or even alone — a rom com and snacks are bound to make your day just a little better. Here’s a list of rom com and food pairings to complete your Valentine’s Day.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days & Veggies and Hummus

During a date night, Kate Hudson’s Andie pretends to be vegetarian to annoy Matthew McConaughey’s Benjamin — right after he’s served her a beautiful homemade rack of lamb. Andie proceeds to sing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” to get a bigger rise out of him. Eat some vegetables with hummus in honor of Andie’s false vegetarianism. Pair a garlicky hummus with carrots, cucumbers, radishes, and bell peppers.

Notting Hill & Dried Apricots

In Notting Hill, Hugh Grant’s bookstore owner William offers Julia Roberts’ movie star Anna Scott apricots soaked in honey to eat. William rambles about how this snack is pointless because it makes the apricots just taste like honey, in which case you would just buy honey. Anna replies with one of the film’s most famous quotes: “Don’t worry, I thought the whole apricot honey thing was the real low point.” Snack on some dried apricots while watching this movie. They will taste like apricots, not honey. They are also not as sticky and messy. Win-win!

10 Things I Hate About You & Pad Thai

Julia Stiles’ character Kat is moody and edgy, with likes including feminist literature, angry indie-rock music, and Thai food. Commemorate Kat’s interests with a takeout box of pad Thai, a delicious rice noodle dish that is sweet, savory, and nutty. You can also have a Lady and the Tramp moment with the noodles.

Clueless & Lunchables

Clueless evokes a certain nostalgia that takes you straight back to high school: crowded hallways, decorated lockers, lunch tables, and more. Lunchables have a similar nostalgic feel to them, in all their processed glory. There’s something about building your own mini pizza or savoring the bit of chocolate packed into Lunchables. The color of the packaging even recalls Cher’s iconic plaid yellow outfit.

You’ve Got Mail & Apple Pie

Set in the fall, You’ve Got Mail is full of warm, cozy scenery that makes you want to switch seasons. Tom Hanks’ Joe and Meg Ryan’s Kathleen fall in love as online pen pals, and the entire film is truly heartwarming. Mimic the feelings this movie gives you through food by serving a slice of warm apple pie. Bonus points if it’s homemade.

Ella Enchanted & Cheese Puffs

On her journey to find the fairy that cursed her, Anne Hathaway’s Ella comes across a wedding party for giants. These large creatures are surprisingly friendly, and feed her food. In the book this film is based on, Ella feasts on an enormous cheese puff that oozes with melted cheddar when she bites into it. While watching this movie, try store bought cheese puffs or make your own in the oven, if you’re feeling fancy.

When Harry Met Sally & Pastrami Sandwiches

Everyone knows that iconic (or potentially infamous) scene when Billy Crystal’s Harry and Meg Ryan’s Sally are eating pastrami sandwiches at Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City. Channel your inner Sally while watching this movie by eating pastrami from your local Jewish deli. Honestly, any kind of sandwich will do.

Maya is the spring Editorial Intern for Spoon University, covering food news, emerging trends, and all things culinary.

Maya is a sophomore at Northwestern University studying Journalism and Economics. In addition to writing for Spoon, you can find her published work in The Daily Northwestern, Spoon University @ Northwestern, The Stanford Daily, and The Castro Valley High School Olympian.

A native to the San Francisco Bay Area, Maya grew up eating her dad's delicious pasta and gumbo, turning her into a huge foodie. Her favorite foods are dim sum and the rajas tacos at Cenaduria Elvira in Oakland. When not writing articles or studying, Maya can be found baking, crocheting, dancing, or passionately singing along to Taylor Swift songs.