No maid? No worries!
It’s embarrassing to admit, but we’ve become lazy when it comes to cooking. As each Sunday rolls around, we briefly think about hitting a quality butcher and grocer to find the makings of a roast dinner. And then it passes. If you, like us, opt for the path of least resistance look for a place to eat out at the end of the weekend, then this list will look after you, wherever you are on the island.
Central
EatPlayLove Café
Situated in Kampong Glam, EatPlayLove is aptly vintage, whimsical and full of nostalgia. The café sells old-school Singaporean toys and snacks, and serves a mix of Thai and Western cuisine at affordable prices. But the main draw for your littlies is the corner of the café dedicated to crafting – $5 gives each kid two hours of unlimited crafting.
EatPlayLove Café, #01-07 Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918, p. 6444 6400. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 12pm-10pm. Closed on Tue.
The Bank Bar + Bistro
Kid-friendly dining in the CBD becomes a reality here. Not only do kids have their own menu that doubles as a colouring sheet (crayons included), they eat free with every main order by an adult. The biggest hit with the tots is the kid’s playroom equipped with padded floors, a selection of toys, and a never-ending screen of cartoons.
The Bank Bar + Bistro, #01-01 One Shenton,1 Shenton Way, Singapore 068803, p. 6636 2188. Open Mon-Thu 11am-12am, Fri 11am-1am, Sat-Sun 9am-12am.
Crab in da Bag
Jones the Grocer
Situated in the happening enclave of Dempsey, this food emporium doubles up as a family-friendly dining spot serving Australian-inspired plates. You can drop by for a meal after spending the afternoon at the nearby indoor playground, Go-Go Bambini.
Jones the Grocer, #01-12 Block 9 Dempsey Road, Dempsey Hill, Singapore, 247697, p. 6476 1512. Open daily 9am-11pm.
Din Tai Fung
Having trouble getting your kids to eat them greens? No problem. Order a round or two of Din Tai Fung’s well-loved pork and vegetable dumplings for an easy (albeit sneaky) fix. The beef noodles is a hit, too. To top it all off, good news for car owners: there’s free valet parking.
Din Tai Fung, #B1-03 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859, p. 6836 8336. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm.
North
Grub
This café in the middle of Bishan Park boasts fabulous, yet kid-friendly grub – but do go early or expect a long wait (sorry, no reservations). That might not be a bad thing because the folks at Grub will buzz you on your cell phone when your table is ready. So in the meantime, take the little people around this tranquil park or spend some time at the playground nearby.
Grub, Bishan Park, 510 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569983, p. 64595743. Open Tue-Fri 5.30pm-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm.
Whampoa Food Street (Keng) Fish Head Steamboat
Not in the mood for anything Western? Try this local favourite in the heartlands of Balestier. You’ll find large families gathering at this casual restaurant for their piping hot speciality in addition to other classic dishes, like tofu served on a hotplate, and even chilli crab.
Whampoa Food Street (Keng) Fish Head Steamboat, 556 Balestier Road, Singapore 329872, p. 6356 7371. Open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm.
Grub
Uncle Leong Seafood
This famous seafood joint has three outlets in Singapore, but be sure to visit the Punggol restaurant for some bonus fun-filled activities. Arrive early and hit up the place next door to have a go at prawning (a.k.a. prawn-fishing) before feasting on more seafood dishes such as Uncle Leong’s famous Shimmering Sand Crab (comes with a rich, buttery concoction) and steamed fish with salted radish.
Uncle Leong Seafood, #01-03 Punggol East, 6 Tebing Lane, Singapore 828835, p. 6441 1848. Open daily 4:30pm-11:30pm.
South
Coastes
Located along Sentosa’s buzzing Siloso Beach, this laid-back beachfront gastrobar is perfect for lounging parents and sandcastle building little ones. You could spend the day here and tuck into burgers and pizza when the sun sets.
Coastes, 50 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 099000, p. 6274 9668. Open Mon-Thu 9am-11pm, Fri-Sat 9-1am, Sun 9am-11pm.
DB Bistro Moderne
You’ve probably overlooked this place as being child-friendly, but DB Bistro has highchairs available and even a special kids’ menu. For some pre-meal fun, drop by the popular ice rink in the same building to get in on some ice skating action with the whole family.
DB Bistro Moderne, #B1-48 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956, p. 6688 8525. Open Mon 12pm-10pm, Tue-Fri 12pm-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-10pm.
Burgers at DB Bistro Moderne
Vineyard @ HortPark
This alfresco dining spot is located within HortPark, a relatively underrated hidden gem in one of Singapore’s peaceful green spaces. There’s an indoor play area filled with toys and drawing materials to keep your little ones busy while waiting for food to arrive, but be sure to get outdoors and be in touch with nature as it’s really lovely here; you could bring everyone for a stroll in the park afterwards.
Vineyard @ HortPark, #02-02 Hort Park, 33 Hyderabad Road, Singapore 119578, p. 6479 7977. Open daily 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm.
Brussels Sprouts
At this outlet, there is a play area just for the little ones, and best of all, kids 10 years and below eat for free on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (12pm to 5pm). Pasta, fish sticks, meatball salad – let them take their pick!
Brussels Sprouts, #01-01 Quayside Isle, 31 Ocean Way, Singapore 098375, p. 6684 4344. Open Tue-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-11pm. Closed on Mon.
East
Cotton
Formerly known as 1-TwentySix, this massive fronting restaurant fronting the water has lots of room for the little ones to move around, including a play area. But if that’s not enough, it’s also located within East Coast Park so you could rev up for more outdoor fun (like cycling and kite flying in the area) just before dinnertime.
Cotton, #01-26 Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449874, p. 6348 2126. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am.
Crab in da Bag
Crab in da Bag operates on a simple concept that works marvellously. Toss shellfish, sides, and sauces into a transparent bag, shake and voila! Tasty shellfish that you can eat with your hands – yes, no cutlery needed! Great for your little (messy) eaters.
Crab in da Bag, #01-25 Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449874, p. 6440 0083. Open Tue-Thu 4pm-12am, Fri-Sun 12pm-12am.
Play area at Cotton
Zaffron Kitchen
Indian food typically doesn’t top our list when it comes to kid-friendly food, but Zaffron Kitchen features non-spicy and not-too-spicy alternatives for your little ones. They can also keep themselves busy with the wooden playhouse, a kids’ kitchen and an array of wooden toys in the dedicated kids’ corner while you linger over your meal.
Zaffron Kitchen, 135 East Coast Road, Singapore 428820, p. 6440 6786. Open Mon-Thu 11.30am-3pm, 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-11pm, Sun 11.30am-10.30pm.
West
Morganfield’s
Just next door to Rochester Park in glamorous Star Vista Mall is this finger-lickin’ steakhouse, with all the usual suspects on a kids’ menu that’s also an activity drawing sheet. Drop your fries on the floor why don’t you, there’s plenty more, and free kids’ meals at weekends if you’re under eight (or under 120cm – one for every adult’s main meal, max two free meals per table).
Morganfield’s, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #02-23 The Star Vista, Singapore 138617, p. 6694 3635. Open Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri & Sat 11am-12midnight.
Da Paolo Pizza Bar
This branch of the well known Italian chain has a lovely covered area right on the sidewalk so you can park the loud and shouty ones outside with no worries. Pizza or pasta is always popular, and with a great kids’ menu (including the never-ending pizza-designing contest) and a handy position next to the pet store you can promise good eaters a window-peek after dinner.
Da Paolo Pizza Bar, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-46, Singapore 278116, p. 6479 6059. Mon-Fri 12pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10:30pm.
Ribs at Morganfield’s
Crystal Jade Dining Place
Offering a mix of traditional and contemporary Asian dishes, this long-standing stalwart is a great place to pick if your little ones are just beginning to open up to various cuisine types. Peking duck is a fab choice for the whole family, but if you prefer to play it safe, there are items like diced beef with black pepper sauce and stir-fried ee mian noodles.
Crystal Jade Dining Place, #04-42 Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive, Singapore 608532, p. 6465 9822. Open daily 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-9:30pm.
Picotin Express
At this green venue, just $15 gets you a pizza, a drink of your choice, as well as dessert of either ice cream or chocolate mousse. Major plus: the whole fan can go alfresco to watch the golfers while enjoying the food. Also, there’s mini golf if you’re interested; a bucket of golf balls go for $10.
Picotin Express, Green Fairways Golf Course And Driving Range, 60 FairWays Drive, Singapore 286966, p. 6877 1191. Open Mon-Sun 7am-11pm.
Top image: Coastes