Cover Stephanie Lee and husband, Ken-Yi
Stephanie Lee and husband, Ken-Yi
1 / 1
From bonding over nasi lemak to catching a flight just to see their partner, our Tatler friends look back on their first dates
When it comes to dates, everyone has a different preference—some prefer a simple dinner and a movie, while others may enjoy a fun night out at the club or bar. Regardless, finding out your sweetheart’s dating style might just be the first step to making their hearts flutter—case in point, our Tatler friends' first date stories.
This Valentine’s Day, we take a trip down memory lane as our Tatler friends reminisce about their first date with their significant other and what made them go head over heels for them.
In case you missed it: Beautiful blooms: Luxurious bouquets to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day
Stephanie Lee and Ken-Yi Choo
Above Stephanie Lee and Ken-Yi Choo
Stephanie Lee and Ken-Yi Choo
1 / 1
“We weren't officially a couple then—our first date was watching the film Wall-E at Orchard Cineleisure together. I came straight from a barbecue night out with friends and smelt like charcoal barbecue ribs while Ken-Yi was in an outfit which he thought was cool (definitely the contrary for me, I was horrified).
He didn’t consult me when he purchased the tickets and chose front-row seats, while I always choose to sit right at the back. Wasn’t the most memorable first date for the right reasons but suffice to say, we moved forward from that, had a great laugh, and are now happily married with three kids (we just celebrated our 10th Anniversary last October).”
Loh May-Han and Adrian Ng
Above Loh May-Han and Adrian Ng
Loh May-Han and Adrian Ng
1 / 1
“As a preamble to the hours before our first date, which was at Fong Seng Nasi Lemak, Adrian was introduced by a mutual friend as he apparently needed some “help with pharmacology”. This happened at the old NUS medical library, and I was thinking to myself: “This poor senior, final year medical student must be very stressed just weeks before his exams. Let me see what I can help him with”.
Needless to say, we hit it off over nasi lemak! The rest, as they all say, is kopi-c-gah-dai—coffee with evaporated milk and extra sugar—robust, flavourful and extra sweet.
Adrian’s point of view was: “We had supper. It was good”.”
Shireena Shroff Manchharam and Ashish Manchharam
Above Shireena Shroff and Ashish Manchharam
Shireena Shroff and Ashish Manchharam
1 / 1
“Our first date was in Delhi at a restaurant called Aqua. Ashish had flown all the way from Singapore, where he was working, to see me. He was the perfect gentleman! We did long distance for a few months after.”
Read more: Valentine’s Day 2023: 14 romantic gifts and decor for design geeks
Iroshini and Kevin Chua
Above Iroshini and Kevin Chua
Iroshini and Kevin Chua
1 / 1
“Kevin and I had been best friends for a while in medical school in Ireland when he first asked me out on a date. Why I remember our first date so well is because it terrified me! He came to pick me up in his car and once I got in, he didn’t start the car. He was holding on to the steering wheel very tight with knuckles all white and he looked at me. Then, he said very calmly: “I don’t date. We are going into this with marriage in view.” Looking back, 21 years later, I have always appreciated his candour.”
Susan and Adrian Peh
Above Susan and Adrian Peh
Susan and Adrian Peh
1 / 1
“We were law school classmates and would hang out in groups with common friends. Adrian was always a warm and caring friend on campus. Knowing how much I love music and the piano, Adrian brought me on our first date to a club at Dynasty Hotel, as it was then called (it is now known as the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel), where he was a member. There was music and live piano playing at the club. We had a lovely dinner there, chatting and listening to music. He gallantly drove me home afterwards.
That night, and many more to come, formed a treasure trove of warmest memories as the years rolled by. We have been married for 36 years now and are still deeply rooted in love, with Adrian being always as caring now as he was then. True, unconditional love is all about mutual respect, understanding and honest communication. True love never fades, never ends.”
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
