Cool Dad Hangouts: Foodie Dad Nehal Patel of Foodsterr

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!

Lots of dads fancy themselves foodies, but imagine how cool it would be to have a Dad who worked with the tastiest ingredients around? As CEO of Foodsterr, an online grocery store for healthy eating, Nehal Patel sources the best quality ingredients (including nuts, grains and all manner of superfoods) and brings them to Singapore at a great price. We are totally addicted!

Nehal is also the doting father (check out the totally adorable photos below for evidence) of 8-year-old Rhea. We caught up with the father-daughter pair near Robertson Quay to get their picks for the best spots to eat and play in Singapore! And if you want to get more Foodsterr into your life, mama, you can also find it at RedMart, Amazon, HonestBee, Jones the Grocer, The Providore… basically anywhere that has delicious food in the Little Red Dot! 

Tell us something quirky about yourself?
In high school and college, I used to be a DJ. I used to have a slot at my college radio station and have also done events in high school.

What’s your favorite outdoor spot to hang out with your kids?
We use the canal by the river very often to go for a walk, bike or scooter ride. It’s a really nice place to get some fresh air right outside our place.

What’s your favorite restaurant to bring your kids to in Singapore?
Blu Kouzina in Dempsey – my daughter loves their roast chicken and the tzatziki dip. I am big fan of everything on the menu, especially their appetizers. They have a very strong focus on using the best ingredients and it really comes across in the dishes.

Do you do any cooking in the house? If so what do you make?
Yes, the majority of our meals are home cooked. I admit, I don’t cook as much as I like but I do grill when I can. Recently, I have started to make fresh granola from Foodsterr ingredients. I cannot go back to a packaged product anymore!

What part of Singapore do you live in? What do you like about it?
We live in River Valley. We love the proximity to all the areas we visit – Robertson Quay, Tiong Bahru, Dempsey and Orchard. There are so many selections – whether it’s restaurants, shopping, parks, bike paths, in a small area makes the location really appealing.

What are the most Dad-friendly places for changing diapers?
Haven’t used this in a while but when I did, ION was the best.

Favorite playground in Singapore?
The water play area at Gardens by the Bay trumps all. It’s a great place for kids to run around to beat the heat and then have a bite at Satay by the Bay.

Best spot for coffee when you’re on early-morning Dad duty?
I trust only Nespresso with my coffee making. I own two machines – one at home and one at work. I am on the path to get another one to travel with.

Any favorite bedtime book recommendations?
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls – these stories of how women all over the world and throughout history have overcome stereotypes, fears or pressures is our favourite bedtime reading.

Any favorite apps/games to play with your kids?
It’s a bit old school but it’s board games like Monopoly or Pictionary that gets us going. We are a competitive lot.

What’s your favorite activity to do with your kids when Mom’s not around?
Water parks are the places we go to when Mom is not around – Pasir Ris Waterpark and Adventure Cove top the list!

What are your favorite date night restaurants?
It’s become more of a date night bar when it happen,s but Manhattan at the Regent is one of our favourites. The ambiance, drinks and food are top notch.

Do you have a favorite shop?
Pylones in Wheelock Place. Great French design oriented store that carries everything from funky scissors to quirky butter knives.

Where do you like to train/exercise?
I use the pool in my condo and like to use the bike path on the river for cycling, running or walking. I also enjoy tennis with my friends.

What are your favorite holiday destinations with your kids?
Krabi in Thailand. The beaches are great and it’s a short hop away. We all love Thai food so it’s a natural destination for us.

Thanks so much to Nehal and Rhea for sharing their time with us on a beautiful afternoon! And thanks to the oh-so talented Irina Nilsson Photography for the lovely photos!