Are your kids no longer looking enthusiastic during meal times? Surprise them with these IG trendy meal ideas and watch their eyes light up!

You know ah, I always thought the good old 3-Dishes-1-Soup meals is the ultimate taste of home, and how I show my family I love them. But I’ve also been asking myself: I’ve probably been making the same dishes… for the past 10+ years? Maybe that’s why my ah girl and ah boy are way too happy about eating out (?). That’s when I decided to start trying out some of these popular dishes in the kitchen—with a dash of love to win back the hearts (and stomachs) of my kids. (hehe) 

1. Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)

Thanks to Korean dramas and K-pop, Singapore is filled with Korean restaurants to satisfy our cravings—sometimes for the idols, but mostly the food lah. Budae Jjigae, or Korean Army Stew is basically Korea’s fusion version of our good old steamboat that’s packed with spam (luncheon meat), sausages, instant ramen noodles, baked beans, Kimchi and more in a soup stock. 

Yes, you read correctly—our kids are spending so much money on this hot pot that’s basically canned food that’s sitting in the store cupboard! (you stunned like vegetable yet?) 

Apart from being a one-pot meal (less washing up), it’s fast and incredibly simple. The hardest part? Probably opening the can of spam. Make this on a lazy weekend, turn on the latest K-drama on TV, and blast some BTS tunes—it’s just like the time many moons ago when we were in Seoul.  

2. Sichuan Mala Xiang Guo

Literally a hot mess in a bowl, Mala Xiang Guo is a hit among many, especially youngsters, who can’t get enough of that sadistic pleasure of setting their tongues on fire. 

But the thing is, it’s essentially a stir-fry–something you can probably do with your eyes closed after your considerable years in the kitchen. So save yourself the heart attack when you realise how expensive it is for a few measly pieces of meat and vegetables, and make it for your kids this weekend. All you need are the right seasonings and spices, your family’s favourite ingredients, and a big wok. Go easy on the spices if you don’t want to spend the next day regretting it, if you know what I mean. 

3. Poke Bowl

No, it has absolutely nothing to do with Pokémon and please don’t poke your bowl. Hailing from the sunny island paradise of Hawaii, Poké (pronounced ‘Poh-Kay’) is a perennial favourite among Singaporeans who can’t get enough of rojak one-bowl meals.Long story short, it’s basically raw fish and veggies on rice. 

The best part? You don’t even need to turn on the stove! All you have to do is pick up some good quality sashimi, marinate it and assemble the fish, rice and vegetables of your choice together in a bowl. How simple is that? 

So go on, tell your kids poke bowls are on the dinner menu, see their shocked expressions, and congratulate yourself for being such a cool mum.