An oldie that has been given a new lease of life, families can enjoy hawker fare at the Botanic Gardens in cool comfort

Renamed the Taman Serasi Food Garden, the 11,500 sq ft, 350-seat food court hardly resembles the hawker strip of old. 

Now with both al fresco dining and air-conditioned seating on two airy levels, the centre serves up local food ranging from nasi padang and roti prata to kaya toast. 

Of course, our question is: Just how family-friendly is it?  Check out our ratings. 

AMBIENCE  ***½
Dine in or out, surrounded by stone sculptures and greenery 

This is the Botanic Gardens! So there is plenty of green space for energetic tykes and pet dogs to dash around. Al fresco dining is pleasant under the huge umbrellas…there are fans to keep the breeze going. 

If you'd rather sit in the air-conditioned area, pets and bicycles can be parked outside within view. 

What's great - The space and choice of outdoor/indoor dining.

What's not so great - There is no play area (read: distraction) here for the kids. We give the thumbs up to the little wading pools and water fountains in Sentosa's Palawan beach food court and Impiah Point. 

FOOD  **
Fresh fruit floats a hit with parents and kids alike

Don't expect to find the usual hawker fare here. The eight stalls do offer some familiar fare such as sliced fish soup, bak chor mee, mixed rice and nasi padang, but the popular dishes here seem to be fish head curry, seafood murtabak and sambal chilli crab! 

The most family-friendly fare is from – surprise – the drinks stall, which serves a selection of fresh fruit juices, smoothies, milk shakes and even fresh fruit floats. Unusual options include avocado smoothie, blueberry milk shake and mango float. (Disappointingly, though, some fruit on the menu was not available when we were there.) 

Prices are slightly steeper than heartland food courts. 

What's great - The fresh fruit juices. A steal at $2 a pop.

What's not so great - The old roti john and soursop drink stalls are not among the eight stalls! There is a Jalan Kayu prata stall here that also serves roti john, though. 

FACILITIES  ****
Stroller-friendly, with child-height hand-washing sinks 

Yes, there are highchairs! The bathrooms are clean and include a child-height sink. 

The al fresco area has huge umbrellas for shade and multiple standing fans for a balmy breeze – perfect for early morning and evening park visitors. 

If you're driving, you can park in the underground car park, with the food court just steps away. There is ample parking space, with 234 car park lots. 

Whether you're entering from the car park or the street level, there are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly ramps to the food court. 

What's great - The convenient sink (with soap) in the eating area. Perfect for park goers who just came in from romping in the gardens.
What's not so great - There are no diaper changing facilities in the bathrooms. 

ACCESSIBILITY
BY BUS  *** 
Take bus nos. 7, 75, 77, 105 , 123 or 174 and alight at the stop outside Gleneagles Hospital. From there it's a three-minute walk to the new main gates and entranceway. The food court is located at the main entrance – take the stairs or ramp down one level. 

BY MRT  **
None nearby. Nearest station is the Orchard Station. From there, you could take a taxi to the Botanic Gardens. Or you can take bus nos. 7, 105, 123, 174, 174M (5-minute ride) or SMRT Bus 106 (15-minute ride) to Napier Road, opposite Botanics. 

BY CAR ****
Take Cluny Road, and head towards the main gates. Park underground. There are also a few taxi stands around the park. 

- Mother & Baby
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