Where to Find Light Dinner in Singapore?
Eating Light in SG: The Ultimate Guide to Top Restaurant with Healthy and Light Dinner Food in Singapore
Finding a healthy, light dinner in Singapore doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor. While the city is famous for its rich and delicious hawker fare, a growing number of restaurants are catering to health-conscious foodies. Looking for a refreshing salad bowl, or a nourishing noodle soup? This guide will help you navigate Singapore's wholesome dining scene to find satisfying meals that won't weigh you down. Get ready to explore a world of light and delicious options, proving that healthy eating can be a truly enjoyable experience.
How to Eat Out Healthy in Singapore
Eating healthy in Singapore is easier than you might think, even with the city's abundance of delicious hawker food and restaurant options. The key is to make smart choices and be mindful of what you're ordering.
Be Mindful of Cooking Methods: Opt for dishes that are grilled, steamed, baked, or pan-seared instead of deep-fried or battered. For local favorites, choose steamed chicken rice over roasted, and ask for less oil.
Embrace the "Siew Dai" Culture: Singaporeans are well-versed in ordering drinks with less sugar ("siew dai") or no sugar ("kosong"). Apply this to your meals as well. Ask for sauces and dressings on the side, or request less salt, oil, and sugar in your dishes.
Fill Up on Fibre: Prioritize vegetables and whole grains. Look for dishes with a high vegetable content, such as sliced fish soup with extra greens or yong tau foo with a clear broth and lots of vegetables. Choose brown rice or wholemeal bread over white alternatives.
The Quarter-Quarter-Half Plate: A great rule of thumb is the "My Healthy Plate" concept promoted by Singapore's Health Promotion Board. Aim for a plate that is half-filled with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with whole grains, and a quarter with lean protein.
Check for Healthier Choice Logos: Many restaurants and hawker stalls in Singapore participate in the Healthier Dining Programme. Look for the Healthier Choice Symbol or dishes tagged as being lower in calories or prepared with healthier ingredients.
What Is A Light Dinner Called?
While "light dinner" is the most common and widely understood term, you might also hear a few other words, depending on regional and social context:
Supper: In some cultures, "supper" refers to a light evening meal, often a snack eaten later in the evening or a simpler meal that replaces the main dinner.
Light Meal: This is a general term that can be used for any small or simple meal, regardless of the time of day.
In casual conversation, phrases like "a bite to eat" or "something light" are also frequently used to describe a less substantial meal.
What Does A Light Dinner Mean?
A light dinner is a meal that is less substantial in terms of quantity, calories, and richness. It's often defined by the following characteristics:
Lower in Calories and Fat: A light dinner typically avoids heavy, greasy, or rich healthy foods like deep-fried dishes, creamy pasta, or fatty cuts of red meat.
Easy to Digest: The foods in a light dinner are generally easier for your body to process, which is beneficial since your metabolism slows down in the evening. This can lead to better digestion and more restful sleep.
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: A light dinner is often built around lean proteins (like fish, chicken breast, or tofu), vegetables, and sometimes a small portion of whole grains or starchy vegetables.
Smaller Portion Size: The portion is usually smaller than the main meal of the day (which, for many, is lunch). The old saying "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper" perfectly captures this concept.
Where to Find Light Dinner Food in Singapore?
What should I eat for a light dinner? Go to Tanglin Cookhouse
While Singapore is a culinary paradise known for its rich flavors, the quest for a healthy, light dinner is a growing trend. This guide is for the health-conscious foodie, offering practical tips for making smart choices and spotlighting a restaurant that perfects the art of light, flavorful dining. We’ll take you on a journey to Tanglin Cookhouse, a British-Singaporean fusion eatery that proves a wholesome dinner can be just as exciting as a culinary feast.
Why Tanglin Cookhouse is a Great Choice for a Light Dinner
Tanglin Cookhouse understands the need for lighter fare, providing a selection of dishes that are nutrient-rich without being heavy. Their menu focuses on fresh ingredients, lean proteins, and balanced flavors, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and guilt-free dining experience.
Recommended Light Dinner Options:
Soups & Salads: Fresh and Flavorful Starters
Field Mushroom Soup ($11): This soup is a light and nourishing choice, with earthy mushrooms and a touch of truffle oil. Served with a French baguette, it’s a perfect starter that feels both comforting and light.
White Rojak Quinoa Salad ($20): A must-try! This salad is a brilliant fusion of local flavors and healthy ingredients. The quinoa base is high in protein and fiber, while the tropical fruits, winged bean, and ginger flower vinaigrette provide a refreshing, zesty taste. The use of cashews adds healthy fats, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Caesar Salad with Grilled Masala Chicken ($24): A classic with a local twist. The Grilled Masala Chicken is a lean protein source, seasoned with spices instead of heavy sauces. The salad itself is a mix of fresh greens and vegetables, making it a balanced and filling choice.
Salmon Nicoise Salad ($26): This salad is packed with high-quality protein from the salmon, which is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. The combination of fresh vegetables and a light citrus vinaigrette makes it a refreshing and complete light meal comfort food.
Main Courses: Wholesome and Balanced Meals
Grilled Locally Farmed Barramundi in Banana Leaf ($32): This dish is a fantastic light option. The fish is grilled, a healthy cooking method, and the banana leaf imparts a subtle, aromatic flavor. It is served with a light and nutritious Winged Bean & Ikan Bilis Quinoa Salad, offering a balanced mix of lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains.
Primavera Vegetable Aglio Olio ($24): This pasta dish is kept light by focusing on fresh spring vegetables, garlic confit, and olive oil, avoiding heavy cream or cheese sauces. It’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying pasta meal without the guilt.
Brunch Menu (Not Available for Late Dinner)
Fruits & Granola Acai Bowl ($13): This bowl includes homemade granola, seasonal fruits, honey, sea salt, and almond butter. It's a sweet and refreshing option for a morning or midday meal.
Vegan Big Brekkie ($27): A hearty plant-based breakfast featuring tofu scramble, grilled Beyond sausage, eggplant “bacon,” locally farmed mushrooms, roasted cherry tomatoes, potato hash brown, baked beans, toasted sourdough, and smashed avocado.
Beyond the Plate: The Tanglin Cookhouse Experience
More than just a meal, dining at Tanglin Cookhouse is an experience. The restaurant's lush British colonial-style interior and elegant yet relaxed atmosphere make it a truly unique setting. If you’re looking for a quiet date night, a relaxed catch-up with friends, or a beautiful backdrop for a family meal, the charming ambiance and attentive staff make every visit memorable.
Plan Your Visit: Location & Accessibility
Tanglin Cookhouse has two convenient locations, making it accessible from various parts of the city.
Tanglin Mall
Address: 163 Tanglin Road #01-106, Singapore 247933
Getting There: The Tanglin Mall outlet is a short walk from the new Orchard Boulevard MRT station, or a reasonable walk from Orchard MRT station.
Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ)
Address: 2 Tanjong Katong Road, #01-07 PLQ 3, Singapore 437161
Getting There: The PLQ outlet is directly integrated with the Paya Lebar MRT Interchange, making it incredibly easy to access via the East-West and Circle lines.
Contact & Reservations: To ensure you get a table, especially during peak hours, it's a good idea to call ahead. You can reach the outlets at their respective phone numbers: Tanglin Mall: 3125 8834; Paya Lebar Quarter: 3125 8835.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the price points at Tanglin Cookhouse? A light dinner at Tanglin Cookhouse generally ranges from $15 for soups and salads to around $32 for main courses. Prices are subject to GST and service charge.
Is Tanglin Cookhouse suitable for a date night? Yes, with its elegant colonial-style dining area, relaxed ambiance and casual setting. Tanglin Cookhouse is a great choice for a relaxed and sophisticated date night.
Tanglin Cookhouse: The Top Choice for Your Light with Healthy Dinner Option in Singapore
For those seeking healthier options without compromising on flavor aside from usual yoghurt, gluten-free miso vermicelli, Tanglin Cookhouse stands out as the best destination for light dinner food. Our menu of British with local food Singaporean option offers nutritious, low-calorie, and delicious dishes. From salads with fresh local ingredients to meticulously prepared delicacies that feel like a treat, you'll find plenty of healthiest options. These aren't just great-tasting healthy meals; many are also designed to be help stay well under 500 calories. It makes a guilt-free and satisfying dinner just minutes to prepare away.
Tanglin Mall 163 Tanglin Road #01-106 Singapore 247933 Tel : 3125 8834
Paya Lebar Quarter 3 (PLQ) 2 Tanjong Katong Road, #01-07 PLQ 3 Singapore 437161 Tel: 3125 8835