Do you have any strategies on how to budget for dates?

Personally, I'm very happy if I can get good deals for meals for two. I always look at value ultimately - and always try to achieve a goal of spending $5-10 per pax with quality food (read: not undersized burgers an/cheap soggy overpriced pasta/bubble tea etc.)

And easy way would be to check out good food at hawkers. It's still enjoyable, relatively lower cost, and you are not likely paying +++ for service and ambience. Of course, there is a trade-off, and this is provided you both are ok with it.

Additionally, I noticed that as couples get married - the budgeting bit really kicks in as both would need to start thinking about their finances. So if you guys are looking to get married, it's not a bad idea to get started on thinking about how much to spend on meals!