I'm on something of a food revolution: I want to get couples interested in cooking together.

For many, cooking is a chore.

There’s the shopping, the prep work, the cooking itself and then the worst part: the cleaning up.

It can appear too time consuming, especially if you are cooking solo.

But honestly, it doesn’t have to be.

By having someone else – particularly your significant other – with you in the kitchen, you can not only lighten the workload, but also turn the experience into something that can strengthen the bond between the both of you.

It will be no surprise that cooking together is a favourite activity to do with my partner.

Before we started dating – and much to my dismay – most of his meals were takeaways from various hawker centres.

I’m a firm believer of home-cooked meals.

Slowly, I got him to appreciate meals I made and we have since “upgraded” to cooking and baking together.

It’s a journey we are really enjoying together and, if I may say, it’s really strengthened the relationship. I organise cooking classes on Sundays, and most of these classes are for couples.

There’s a mix of couples. Those who have just started dating, newlyweds and couples well into their marriage.

Part of the fun for me is in observing the couples in class and how they interact as they prep and cook their meals.

Most of the time, it is the guy that is more detail-orientated. They tend to be very good at the prep work.

The women tend to excel at finesse, such as measuring the amount of seasoning that goes into a dish.

The joy on their faces as they work, the banter, the look of joy and accomplishment as they enjoy the finished product is priceless.

To show I practice what I preach, my partner and I are heading off to Bangkok.

The highlight of the trip? We are attending a cooking class there together.

QUALITY TIME

Between juggling work, family and social commitments, it can be hard getting some quality time with your partner.

A date night at a nice restaurant might sound perfect, less tiring and may offer a chance to dress up.

But there’s a potential downside – The distraction of other people.

When you cook together at home, there won't be such distractions – just be sure to switch the TV off and stow the smartphones.

It is just the two of you in the kitchen. This gives you time to chat and connect as you prepare the ingredients. This is, of course, followed by (what should be) good food with a loved one.

TEAMWORK

It’s not just about spending time together.

With a common goal at hand, you can learn to divide tasks and work together.

You can also work on your compromising and problem-solving skills.

This will give you a better foundation on how you can work together as a team outside the kitchen.

BONDING

Whether it’s acquiring a new cooking skill or discovering a new recipe, if you do it together you will connect over the experience. I’ve found it to be addictive.

Before you know it, you could be spending an hour or two together, cuddled up on the couch, leafing through cookbooks, deciding what you want to whip up next.

MAKE A DATE OF IT

Grab a bottle of wine, turn up the music and turn your cooking session into an impromptu dance party – but watch out for sharp objects.

You aren’t working in the kitchen in a top restaurant.

Relax. Silly moves are allowed and encouraged.

Have a laugh and goof around together. You can’t really do that if you’re out at a restaurant. Well you could, but only to the annoyance of the other patrons.

Once dinner is ready, switch to some relaxing tunes, kick back and enjoy each other’s company.

HEALTHIER FOOD

With the knowledge of what is going into the dish you are preparing, the food you make can be healthier than what is prepared outside. You can control the amount of oil, salt andother seasoning that goes into the dish.

You can both feel proud that you are looking out for each other.

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