Cool Dad Hangouts: Musician and Churro King Syarif Sleeq

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

There are cool dads, and then there are really cool dads: as a former member of Malay hip-hop duo SleeQ, a trendsetter on the Singapore food scene (check out his family’s churro shop next time you’re in the East!), and one half of a super popular family blog, Syarif Sleeq sets the cool bar pretty darn high for other papas in Singapore. So you can imagine our delight when we discovered that he is actually incredibly hands-on with his kiddos, 3-year-old Selma Malika and 1-year-old Umar Nael. We recently caught up with The Syarifs at Punggol to get the lowdown on all their fave family hotspots in Singapore. Scroll on for LOTS of cuteness, mama!

Tell us something quirky about yourself:
Hmmmm I create random, weird lyrics that describe my kids’ behaviour at that point of time.

You wear a lot of hats – singer, business owner, father. How do you juggle it all?
I try, I really try my best to juggle. Haha. I’ve been juggling a lot of things since my school days so I’ve learnt a lot through my years of juggling music, family, and studies. Its all about managing time and priorities.

Do you share your love for music with your children?
Yes of course, I introduced them to tunes and melodies at a young age.

What’s your favourite outdoor spot to hang out with your kids?
The waterfront at Kallang Wave Mall.

What’s your favourite restaurant to bring your kids to in Singapore?
Kucina Italian restaurant over at OneKM mall.

Do you do any cooking in the house? If so, what do you make?
NO! Haha. 

What part of Singapore do you live in? What do you like about it?
Punggol. It’s very family friendly, lots of activities for kids. The whole estate is well planned and built.

What are the most Dad-friendly places for changing diapers?
The Great World City diaper change room.

Favorite playground in Singapore?
East Coast Park. If you’re talking about indoor playgrounds, it has to be Buds by Shangri La.

Best spot for coffee when you’re on early-morning Dad duty?
Dutch Colony at Frankel Avenue in Siglap.

Any favourite bedtime book recommendations?
The Peter and Jane books.

Any favourite apps/games to play with your kids?
YouTube Kids. It’s filtered and it’s safe.

What’s your favourite activity to do with your kids when Mom’s not around?
Take them out to the mall and people watch.

What are your favourite date night restaurants?
Dim Sum Place on North Bridge.

Do you have a favourite shop?
TOTT (Tools of the Trade).

Where do you like to train/exercise?
My mother-in-law’s condo gym.

What are your favourite holiday destinations with your kids?
Australia!

Thanks so much Syarif, Selma and Umar for sharing your time with us! And a huge thank you to superstar photographer Irina Nilsson for the gorgeous-as-ever snaps!