Best Local Singaporean Family-Friendly Restaurants

Sample unique interpretations of local classics when you dine at this laid back restaurant within the refined confines of Raffles Hotel. The dining room at Ujong is decked out with dark wood furnishings and bright, pastel tiles with floral motifs, resembling the home of a Peranakan matriarch. Their tender Beef Rendang (beef curry) and flavorful Nasi Lemak (rice in coconut milk) are must-tries.

Ujong, 328 North Bridge Road, Raffles Hotel Arcade, Singapore 188719, +65 6635 6502, Facebook Page

Dining at Straits Kitchen sure beats jostling with heaving crowds at food courts! Divided into sections showcasing dishes from Singapore's three major ethnic groups, this contemporary buffet restaurant is a definite show-stopper with its highly entertaining open theater kitchens. Its vast dining area is relaxed and inviting, and there's loads of kid-friendly choices including Satay, Chicken Rice, and Banana Fritters.

Straits Kitchen@The Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211, +65 6738 1234, www.singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com

Chin Mee Chin Confectionary is a Katong institution and a must-do on anyone's bucket list. One of the last of its kind, this old world coffee shop housed in a pre-war shophouse, still makes and serves its delectable version of the traditional Singaporean breakfast of Kaya (coconut custard) toast. If that doesn't tickle your tastebuds, try their Custard Puffs and Fairy Cakes. Get there early to avoid the crowds. Closed on Mondays.

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, 204E East Coast Road, SIngapore 428903, Website

Go on a culinary journey across Asia at 1 Market, a restaurant owned by Malaysia's top celebrity chef, Chef Wan. Indulge in a cacophony of warm, exotic, and spicy flavors. Or if you prefer, go for the less fiery choices inspired by his trips to Japan. Have fun creating your own Rojak (peanut salad) and fresh Spring Rolls. Kids will love to indulge in sweet treats from Asia and Europe, such as waffles, for dessert.

1 Market by Chef Wan, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, #04-45-49, Singapore 238239, +65 6341 9159, Facebook Page

The grand old dame of local eateries finally reopened last June, sporting a revitalized interior. Formerly known as Telok Ayer Market, Lau Pa Sat, which translates to "old market", serves up hawker staples such as Ban Mian (handmade noodles), Char Kuay Teow (fried noodles) and Hainanese Chicken Rice. To beat the heat, dine under the stars at the roadside Satay stalls in the evening.

Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582, www.laupasat.biz

Tucked deep in the whimsical Gardens by the Bay, this open hawker centre is a great pitstop to fill hungry tummies after all the thrills and spills at the adjacent Children's Garden. Though Satay is this eatery's main highlight, there are numerous other local treats to sample too. Try some Poh Piah (fresh spring rolls) or Barbecued Chicken Wings and Stingray. Yum!

Satay by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953, Website. For the Little Steps' outing to Children's Garden, click here!

Though technically Old Town White Coffee is a restaurant chain from Malaysia, it serves similar local delicacies to those found in Singapore. Dine in air-conditioned comfort on Nasi Lemak - and its usual accompaniments - Beef Rendang (beef curry) and Chicken Curry. It also serves the breakfast trinity of Kopi (coffee), Kaya Toast and soft-boiled eggs, as well as noodle and claypot dishes.

Old Town White Coffee, 10 outlets across Singapore, www.oldtown.com.my

Tuck into modern interpretations of classic local dishes at this latest addition to the plush and elegant Fullerton Bay Hotel. Boasting breathtaking views of the waterfront, The Clifford Pier is best suited to families with older kids. Make sure you order their signature Soup Kambing (mutton soup), RIckshaw Noodles and succulent Suckling Pig.

The Clifford Pier, Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326, +65 6 333 8388, www.fullertonbayhotel.com

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