Top spots for wholesome meals for you and your family
These healthy family-friendly restaurants provide kid-friendly menus, nutritious food and fun locations
Text: Akhila N
Nowadays our weekend plans include either a blissful hike in one of Singapore’s unexplored territories or finding the latest places to safely grab lunch in the city. For parents out there, this can be an increasingly tedious task as another weekend of pizza and nuggets usually isn’t the best choice for your gut or your sanity. Here’s our round-up of the top healthy family-friendly restaurants in the city for you and your children to enjoy.
Looking for organic and clean meals? Carrotsticks & Cravings hits the spot for açai bowls and avocado toast for brunch and quinoa tarts and salads for lunch. On top of wholesome meals, they also serve golden turmeric lattes and healthy-ish sugar-free dishes. Your kids will definitely be kept occupied with adorable mini cupcakes, fruity popsicles and energy balls that offer an adrenaline rush and nutrition.
Not a usual suspect for family-friendly food affairs, on weekends Super Loco is a treat for children and adults alike, likely due to their weekend kids menu serving up avocado and tomato toast, chicken tacos and fresh fruit plates as a healthy dessert option. Your little ones can sink their little teeth into ham and cheese quesadillas and sweet pineapple crepes, while grown-ups can tuck into classic huevos rancheros and a sparkling sangria. After brunch, kids adore running across the brightly coloured Art Bridge, and we recommend you join the chase to work off those Mexican desserts (or not!).
The Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari is one of the best healthy family-friendly cafes in Singapore. The restaurant encompasses a large outdoor playground, plenty of jungle greenery to explore and an edible garden to put your green thumbs to work. Tuck into a meal that’s packed with healthy and delicious ingredients made with fruits and herbs harvested straight from the on-site garden. Parents can enjoy the Power-Breakfast Jars, a protein-packed smoothie bowl that is much needed when out with the kids.
One of our favourite healthy family-friendly restaurants has got to be Open Farm Community. This farm-to-table restaurant is on every parent’s top spot for good reason. Apart from thriving beds of kale, thyme and Italian basil, there is a huge sandpit for children and quirky sculptures. The children’s menu is extremely healthy, fresh and inventive. The beef bolognese with pecorino cheese and chives are a hot favourite among the kiddos (and parents!). Other scrumptious treats include the cheese and butter pasta and the crispy fish and chips.
Credits: Café Melba
Sleeping in during the weekend is a thing of the past when you have kids who are up at dawn. Luckily, Café Melba opens its doors at 8am and it is a delightful little place for your children to get some good food and indulge in some fun-filled activities which start at 9am. This breezy, Aussie-style eatery has expanded its menu with local favourites such as beef rendang and chicken tikka masala, and the kid-friendly set menu includes the usual crowd-pleasers: pancakes, pasta and pizza with a choice of fruit juice or milk and a scoop of ice-cream. Psst... kids eat free with the purchase of a main meal on Mondays!
Smack in the centre of Bishan Park lies Grub, the bistro serves up burgers surrounded by lush greenery. Its menu is comprised of local Singaporean flavours with a touch of Japanese influence, made with fresh produce from all over the world. Kids can run and play before winding down with the cool Milo Float. While there isn’t a kids’ menu, you can share some of Grub’s yummy delights with your children. On selected Saturday mornings each month, Grub has activities lined up such as clay sculpting, floral arrangement, crafts and Chinese storytelling, all of which are free for diners.
An advocate for good kids’ nutrition, family-friendly Jamie’s Italian has an impressively wholesome yet appealing menu for children. Think Fish of the Day in a bag, happy chicken lollipops, and even a mini-picnic that will keep the food moods at bay. Kids are the VIPs here, and the staff know just how to look after their wants and needs with activity packs at the ready. Your little ones will have a ball with the themed menu which includes items such as the Secret Seven Gnocchi, Mini Spaghetti & Meatballs, and the Margherita Pizza.
A hidden gem located within Botanic Gardens, this charming little eatery rings true to its name with all the little treats it has on offer. Tuck into delicious healthy family-friendly meals made with the freshest ingredients from local sources, from all-day brunch items to the usual favourites, pizzas, sandwiches, pasta and salads. If you’re feeling ‘picnicky’, order one of their Buzz-kits which is packed with all the right picnic goodies — all you have to do is gather your young ones and bring a good mood!
This Swiss themed marketplace restaurant is perfect for children to interact and be a part of their meal-making process. Apart from its addictive rosti and fantastic selection of foods in a warm Swiss Alpine village setting, these food court-style Western restaurants also have kid-friendly amenities that make them ideal for families. A special ‘picky kids’ menu is also available for those moments when children choose to be extra cranky with their food.
Another charming place located in Botanic Gardens, the kid-friendly café aims to instil an appreciation towards the environment and sustainable living. Think upcycled colander light installation, recycling bins and a potted herb wall. The kids menu is the star of the show with pizza, meatballs and fish and chips, however, it also has a more sophisticated list of items for little gourmands. Think a deconstructed DIY burger, yoghurt bowls with fresh berries and banana slices with a drizzle of honey for a healthy energy boost.
