Is it permissible to eat or drink after sexual intercourse and before performing ghusl?

It is not obligatory to perform ghusl (ritual bath) after janabah (state of ritual impurity due to sexual activity) before eating. Rather, it is sunnah (recommended) for one to perform wudu (ablution) if he intends to eat while in a state of janabah. This is a matter upon which there is a consensus among scholars. The evidence for this is the hadith narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): "If he (the Prophet) intended to eat or sleep while he was in a state of janabah, he would perform wudu." Narrated by Muslim.