I enjoy spending time with my mum. We have endless things to talk about even though we meet almost everyday. However, I find myself taking leave from work to pamper myself for spa time, meet up with friends, go shopping and realized that I have never really dated my mum before. I wanted to bring my mum out to pamper her. So Mother’s Day was a good excuse to date her. My first thoughts were where to bring her to? I wanted to bring her to a nice place to eat and chat. It has to be a peaceful cafe with decent food. And then, Food for Thought came to my mind without much thought really. I first read about it on one of my favourite travel cum family blog – And Three to go. She came to Singapore and recommended this cafe in the serenity of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Funny that I know this cafe from a tourist. Well, actually there is much to learn from tourists as they tend to go to places where locals seldom go to. I wouldn’t say this cafe is not popular with locals. Instead it has been in Singapore Botanic Gardens since Dec 2012. It’s me, I have been living in the mountain holey for a long time.
Food for Thought is located at a basement carpark. If I never remember wrongly, it used to be a food court which never see much crowd or at least the times when I went were never crowded. To come to this place, we took a cab and we told the cab driver to go to Tanglin Gate entrance to the Singapore Botanic Gardens which is opposite the Gleneagles Hospital. You have to specify Tanglin Gate or near Orchard Road side of the gardens because Singapore Botanic Gardens is really BIG! You cannot take the mrt to this cafe as you will have to walk a long long way since the mrt is on the far end of the gardens. Otherwise it is fairly easy to go by cab or car.
We went on a Monday morning and it was already a third filled with morning joggers, expat mums with strollers and we even saw a bride and groom, probably taking a rest from their bridal shoot.
The cafe has a high ceiling due to being located in a basement carpark. We like the decorations and the relax ambience. The tables and chairs were of different heights and types catering for different diners’ preference. I would have chosen the high tables but my mum took the low one. Easier for her.
There is a small playground for young children to play just beside the cafe. The cafe has full glass walls so parents can see their children in full view.
My mum had a Basic breakfast which has scrambled eggs, bacon and a delicious thick toast. I ordered Two pancakes with dark chocolate and raspberries toppings (one of their bestsellers). The food are reasonably priced and is decent to our taste buds. But the pancakes were too sweet for my liking and too big portion for me to finish. Would be better to share among a family or with friends.
It seems that the owner for Food for Thought chose the cafe locations with much thoughts indeed. Just the thought of dining in the Botanic Gardens soothes your soul and naturally you feel at ease when you know you are being surrounded by nature. The other 2 branches are located in the National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Art Museum. These places give you an arty classy feel. I would most likely bring the kids to visit this cafe again during the June school holidays when Children’s Seasons comes around. Children’s Seasons is an annual line-up of children’s activities to let them appreciate the arts and museums. I would highly recommend to go if you have young kids below age of 12. Click here to find out more.
Food for Thought
Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 8am to 9pm
Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Tanglin Gate (Opp Gleneagles Hospital),
1 Cluny Road, Basement carpark S(259569)
Tel: 6471 7361
Website: http://www.foodforthought.com.sg/
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review, but I have got to recommend this place as my personal top cafe to bring mums and family to 🙂
FFT is my fav cafe. I love their spacious arrangement of tables and chairs which is very friendly for families with young kids. Their menu with local and western delights have something for everyone and kids will be delighted to choose from their kids menu. I personally like their pancakes with cream and berries.
It’s hard to find a cafe that has an outdoor playground so the parents could eat while still keeping watch on their kids. After a hearty meal, we could stroll the botanic garden. It is one of our weekend activities.
Thanks Joyce for sharing! I have not brought the kids there yet but certainly will bring them soon. The playground is indeed an attraction even though it’s kiddy. But you know you can stay there for at least half a day exploring the gardens after a good meal. Nature plus good food is perfect isn’t it? 🙂
We haven’t been to this cafe… Should be fun to go there for breakfast on the weekend, followed by going for a walk in the gardens….
You should go there with the kids! Then head on to Jacob Ballads Gardens 🙂
We love FFT too. But avoid weekends. Its jam pack with families and long wait is expected.
That’s a good tip! Should try to go early in the morning to beat the crowd 😉
Oh, I’m meeting your mum! Hi Christy’s mum! Happy mother’s day!
They’ve definitely got the best locations at Food For Thought – though I think this is our favourite branch. You certainly could build up a great appetite coming from the MRT, especially with kids (better start out at breakfast 😉 ) but it’s got quite a nice little playground once you’re there. Good choice for mum on mother’s day!
It definitely did used to be a food court – I remember too.
I am sure my mum will be pleased to meet you 🙂
Yes, I love their locations, really thoughtful I think. The walk from the mrt to this cafe is extremely far, but you are right, it will build up a big appetite and the food would taste even better.
So, you know it was a foodcourt! You must have stayed in Singapore for quite many years 🙂
This is our second time in Singapore. We were surprised to discover the food court was gone when we came back. Well – not that surprised, I guess. Things tend to change pretty fast in Singapore.
Date with Mum, what a great idea! We used to do that but since the kids came I think it’s been all of us or “Mum gives me hubby time”…
I haven’t really dated my mum except for some short impromtu shopping trips. I really enjoy the date. Will be dating her more often 🙂
Mums are always the best aren’t they? They help us in all ways when we need them. Very soon, it will be our turn to free our kids me-time.
Thanks for the shout out! I loved this cafe! I am glad that you did too!
No problem! Thanks for your suggestion!
Looks like you had a great date with your mom. And those big slices of toast, down here, we call that Texas toast (because everything is bigger in Texas) 🙂