Cool Dad Hangouts: Hart Tan of Tomato Photo

Does the Dad in your life need some inspo on where to take the kids? We’ve talked to some of the coolest Dads in Singapore to get their tips on where to go and what to do with kiddos in tow!

As one of Singapore’s favourite family photographers (he’s got the major accolades to prove it), Hart Tan of Tomato Photo is already something of a celebrity amongst mamas, although we bet a lot of you have never actually seen what he looks like! Today we meet the man behind the lens, who’s also a father to 3 boys: Alexander (10), Oliver (8) and Mason (6). We caught up with Hart, a longtime resident of the East Coast, at Gardens by the Bay to hear about his favourite haunts, including playgrounds, date night restaurants, and top spots for family holidays!

What’s your favorite outdoor spot to hang out with your kids?
We live nearby to East Coast Park. We also love the Singapore Zoo, the Botanic Gardens, and Gardens by The Bay.

What’s your favorite restaurant to bring your kids to in Singapore?
Riders Cafe, Cafe Melba, Privé, and McDonalds @ Kallang.

Favorite playground in Singapore?
Marine Cove at East Coast Park.

Best spot for coffee when you’re on early-morning Dad duty?
I am at home a lot, so coffee is almost always at home, too.

What are the most Dad-friendly places for changing diapers?
Ah… it’s been a while. As I remember we simply changed it wherever we needed to, but if we are around Parkway Parade, we used the one in Isetan.

Any favorite bedtime book recommendations?
My kiddos are a bit older now, so they tend to read own their own, but when they were smaller, Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?, Stick Man, and pretty much anything else by Eric Carle.

Any favorite apps/games to play with your kids?
My boys are really into Asphalt 8 these days…

What’s your favorite activity to do with your kids when Mom’s not around?
Watch movies.

What are your favorite date night restaurants?
Bruno’s in Telok Kurau, and Picotin.

Do you have a favorite shop?
Nowadays, we are all online… Next for clothing, Lazada for almost anything, Amazon for things we can’t find on Lazada.

Where do you like to train/exercise?
Yoga Lab by East Coast Road, or cycling around the Marina Bay area.

What are your favorite holiday destinations with your kids?
Danang, Vietnam; Phuket, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, and Japan.

Many thanks to Hart and his boys for taking the time to chat with us, and to our own talented Samantha Ong for the wonderful snaps (please don’t steal her, Hart!).