OHbaby! Forums : Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 22 May 2026 12:53:23 +0000 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:24:57 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 11.10 360 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=42898 <![CDATA[OHbaby! Forums]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : I went to an old school toddler...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5825614&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5825614 Author: Hibiscus
Subject: 42898
Posted: 01 February 2013 at 6:24pm

I went to an old school toddler birthday party and was utterly appauled by the food that was on offer: chips, iced biscuits, lollies, sausage rolls, heavily iced cupcakes with lots of lollies stuck to it. The drink was fizzy drink and for a game they had pass the parcel with hard (the choking kind) lollies in each layer. I have to correct myself: I was't so much appauled by what was on offer but more by what was lacking of: water to drink, fresh cut up fruit and vege, crackers, perhaps pretzels or so. so simple.]]> Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:24:57 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5825614&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5825614 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : I bought mince on toast for my...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5825612&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5825612 Author: Hibiscus
Subject: 42898
Posted: 01 February 2013 at 6:17pm

I bought mince on toast for my kids in a cafe the other day (from the adults menue as there was none for kids) and while it could have been fab it was way too salty for children. I agree with anything mini for a low price as there is always the risk a child won't touch it, and it enables the parents to just go and get another option.]]> Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:17:42 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5825612&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5825612 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : An option that excludes icing,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5825611&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5825611 Author: Hibiscus
Subject: 42898
Posted: 01 February 2013 at 6:11pm

An option that excludes icing, sprinkles, honey, jam and any other sweets. For us a meal excludes all of those things. I will let my children have such things as a treat, but they need and want to fill up on proper food for their main meal. However if the sweeties come on the same plate as the healthy options, all is lost. I rather order my children a dessert course once they have finished their lunch. Sometimes we only go to a cafe for a treat not for eating and then sweets are fine, but more often we actually go to a cafe out of the necessecity to eat and than it has to be real food.]]> Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:11:59 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5825611&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5825611 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : I&#039;m always surprised by the...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5824820&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5824820 Author: PipDais
Subject: 42898
Posted: 24 January 2013 at 10:58am

I'm always surprised by the amount of salt added to food for children so I wouldn't add salt to child menus including chips. Let parents decide if their kids can eat salt.

My daughter (22 months) loves fish pie, cottage pie and pasta. She also enjoys little sandwiches (no salad) with cheese, tuna mayo, soft cheese etc). Savoury muffins are always a winner (courgette goes down well). Mini fish and chips with baked beans? Scrambled egg or beans on toast? Boiled eggs and soldiers?

Child food should be child priced - completely agree with that - especially when a lot ends up on the floor. A lot of 'child friendly' cafes in Wellington don't have enough high chairs so get lots of them - it REALLY annoys me when there is one high chair! ]]> Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:58:09 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5824820&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5824820 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : I think mostly healthy with a...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5824153&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5824153 Author: Kristina103761
Subject: 42898
Posted: 17 January 2013 at 10:52pm

I think mostly healthy with a little bit of a treat is always good and I like the idea of a tasting plate and making food look fun and special as someone else suggested. Shaped cut sandwiches or "face" sandwiches using things like cheese, ham, tomatoes to decorate it... cottage cheese, cream cheese etc etc.

I don't mind little "kids packs" so long as they are affordable. Some fruit, sandwich, yoghurt, cookie/cake and a little drink or a fluffy for $5 or $6 would still give you a profit?

Biscuits/cakes made into animals or butterflies etc etc.

If you are going to do nuggets and chips etc. - it'd be nice if they were made with real ingredients and healthy as possible :)]]> Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:52:25 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5824153&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5824153 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : Had a much higher than usual number...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5823723&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5823723 Author: nate
Subject: 42898
Posted: 14 January 2013 at 2:23pm

Had a much higher than usual number of families with young children through on the weekend.

Had a good chat with a mum about options that she thought were good - ended up settling on honey sandwiches for her two youngest ones (nutella was the original choice) and ham n cheese sandwhiches (toasted) for her two older ones.  All had fluffies to drink.

I did bribe her tribe with free chocolate fish each, after asking the parents of course!
]]> Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:23:52 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5823723&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5823723 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : we recently went to a cafe...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5823599&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5823599 Author: Mum2ET
Subject: 42898
Posted: 12 January 2013 at 7:41pm

we recently went to a cafe that offered a kids platter which seemed to change every week or so. The platter contained 2 x ham sandwiches (cut into dinosaur shape), cheese sticks with a dip, slices of oranges and apples, 2 x vege kebarb with cucumeber and cherry tomatoes and a mini cupcake. Kids loved it and the platter was big enough for both of mine to share.
An earlier week the platter had 2 x dinosaur ham sandwiches, fruit kebarbs, cheese sticks & dip, small scoop of ice cream and 2 x mini chocolate brownies.
 
]]> Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:41:29 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5823599&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5823599 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : Great that you&#039;re doing a...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822982&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822982 Author: pencils
Subject: 42898
Posted: 06 January 2013 at 7:13pm

Great that you're doing a child-friendly menu. Box of books and toys is a good idea. Also, if you can do a change table in your toilets (one of those pull down plastic things is fine) it will make life easier for your mum customers. Plus, if there is room for mums to easily push their buggies to the tables and counter that's helpful too.

My two year old loves to eat things like
- savoury mini-muffins
- meatballs
- toasted sandwiches cut into quarters or cute animal shapes
- fruit salad

Hope this helps. Best of luck with your cafe.
]]> Sun, 06 Jan 2013 19:13:55 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822982&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822982 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : My girl loves a platter with...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822970&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822970 Author: dino1
Subject: 42898
Posted: 06 January 2013 at 3:01pm

My girl loves a platter with carrot, dip, crackers, fruit slices etc and a little treat. Also child size and child price.]]> Sun, 06 Jan 2013 15:01:23 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822970&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822970 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : Thanks everyone for your suggestions,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822939&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822939 Author: nate
Subject: 42898
Posted: 05 January 2013 at 11:06pm

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, gives me plenty of material to work with.]]> Sat, 05 Jan 2013 23:06:23 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822939&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822939 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : Yea, salad doesn&#039;t go down...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822671&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822671 Author: Hopes
Subject: 42898
Posted: 01 January 2013 at 8:19pm

Yea, salad doesn't go down well here either. Interestingly, cucumbers and carrots cut into 'flowers' are a special treat. Kids.]]> Tue, 01 Jan 2013 20:19:00 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822671&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822671 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : the two wee kiddys that i&#039;m...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822659&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822659 Author: Tissy
Subject: 42898
Posted: 01 January 2013 at 1:40pm

the two wee kiddys that i'm nannying absolutely will by no means eat salad.
if they get food that comes on a plate with salad on it they then kick up a stink about the salad on the plate and wont eat anything else off the plate.
so my suggestion would be no salad, or if there is salad make it its own option, not as a side to a plate/meal

I also agree with no drinks, if any drinks is to be offered I think (JMO) that it should only be water for the kiddy's as juice and fizzy just isnt healthy for them

]]> Tue, 01 Jan 2013 13:40:30 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822659&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822659 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : If you had some sort of &#039;fun&#039;...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822591&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822591 Author: Keleho
Subject: 42898
Posted: 30 December 2012 at 9:03pm

If you had some sort of 'fun' serving plate, that would also go down well with my DD (2.5y) ]]> Sun, 30 Dec 2012 21:03:50 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822591&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822591 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : I also think that vegetarian/vegan...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822580&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822580 Author: TeacherLady
Subject: 42898
Posted: 30 December 2012 at 4:50pm

I also think that vegetarian/vegan options are becoming more of a must. I definitely look for that in a cafe.

Aside from the food- make sure it's a funky and child friendly environment! ]]> Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:50:57 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822580&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822580 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : Pasta! Almost all kids like it,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822564&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822564 Author: Mjc121
Subject: 42898
Posted: 30 December 2012 at 2:00pm

Pasta! Almost all kids like it, and I agree no drinks. Toasties and cheese oils are also a hit! Cheese rolls are a bit of a southland thing - can of reduced cream, packet of onion soup, heap of grated cheese spread over bread rolled up freezes well, almost all southland chafes sell them!]]> Sun, 30 Dec 2012 14:00:26 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822564&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822564 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : I find the size of the meal quite...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822561&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822561 Author: Stoked
Subject: 42898
Posted: 30 December 2012 at 12:14pm

I find the size of the meal quite important. Most kid meals are rather large for a toddler and I begrudge spending $10 when I know my toddler will only eat half of it.

Thank you for providing a kid-friendly cafe, we still enjoy eating out and it is so much nicer when our children can enjoy it too .]]> Sun, 30 Dec 2012 12:14:34 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822561&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822561 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : I personally prefer healthy-ish...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822498&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822498 Author: pumpkino
Subject: 42898
Posted: 29 December 2012 at 12:08pm

I personally prefer healthy-ish stuff - a few chips are OK but on the side of something better like a toasted sandwich rather than chicken nuggets or pizza. Pasta is great - NOT spaghetti (please!) but stuff like penne, spirals or ravioli. With a tomato-based sauce and a few vegetables - perfect. Milkshakes are a hit with mine, also breads and dips/spreads.

Most of the stuff you serve adults should be fine for kids, especially anything that can be eaten with hands without too much mess (for toddlers who haven't mastered cutlery yet). Just smaller portions. My 2 year old always wants whatever I have, so a mini version would be perfect!

But most importantly, as AandCsMum says, child priced!!

Also it's great to have highchairs available at a cafe and a box of books and toys. ]]> Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:08:18 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822498&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822498 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : Stuff that is gluten free ......]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822447&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822447 Author: 5Kiddies
Subject: 42898
Posted: 28 December 2012 at 10:21pm

Stuff that is gluten free ... hard to find that in a cafe, esp for a littlie
]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 22:21:37 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822447&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822447 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : Anything mini - mini meatballs,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822430&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822430 Author: Keleho
Subject: 42898
Posted: 28 December 2012 at 5:02pm

Anything mini - mini meatballs, mini sausages, mini burgers, mini muffins. Fruit and vege sticks with some sort of dipping sauce/hummus etc. Homemade baked beans or spaghetti goes down well here but could be messy in a cafe setting. Mini toasted sammies. Hot chips ALWAYS go down well although not the healthiest thing. Dont forget sauce!]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:02:47 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822430&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822430 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : A tasting plate is a great idea....]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822429&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822429 Author: Pepi-bebe
Subject: 42898
Posted: 28 December 2012 at 4:59pm

A tasting plate is a great idea. Plus have a look on Pinterest for ideas to make the food look awesome eg sandwiches cut into circles with a cookie cutter then use raisins on top for a face and other fruit or vegies to make hair etc. this link shows you some ideas, some good ones when you scroll down. If you search on 'kids lunch ideas' or similar on Pinterest you'll find hundreds of ideas. I think most parents would be happy with the healthy options and kids would be enthralled. You could prep parts then just put it together quite quickly when ordered I assume.
http://m.pinterest.com/pinkngreenmama/cute-lunch-ideas/]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:59:40 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822429&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822429 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : Food that&#039;s &#039;special&#039;...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822423&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822423 Author: Hopes
Subject: 42898
Posted: 28 December 2012 at 3:56pm

Food that's 'special' enough to ensure the kids eat it (no fun paying for things they don't eat) but healthy enough to feel they've had a good meal (I figure if I'm going to pay someone else to make food for them, it should be healthy, I do junk very well (and slightly too much) myself).

Popcorn chicken, ham sandwiches and mini muffins go down well here. Something else that I imagine would be a hit would be a 'tasting plate', with tiny portions of a couple of different things (my son loves stuff like that). ]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:56:16 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822423&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822423 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : Gingerbread men....my kids love...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822422&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822422 Author: AandCsmum
Subject: 42898
Posted: 28 December 2012 at 3:55pm

Gingerbread men....my kids love them. But don't do those really big ones, the kids never really eat them but love the novelty.]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:55:47 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822422&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822422 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : Child priced & child sized For...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822421&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822421 Author: AandCsmum
Subject: 42898
Posted: 28 December 2012 at 3:54pm

Child priced & child sized

For me I don't want a drink with a "meal deal" I'd go to macdonalds for that.

Mini savoury or sweet muffins. Kids always love nuggets & chips. ]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:54:45 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822421&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822421 <![CDATA[Kid friendly menu for a cafe - suggestions? : I run a cafe in Mt Eden, which...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822415&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822415 Author: Nathan102371
Subject: 42898
Posted: 28 December 2012 at 3:11pm

I run a cafe in Mt Eden, which is actually listed on the child friendly directory here :)

We are getting a fair few mums in, so we're looking at developing a menu for the littlies.

I have no kids, so am completely hopeless in this area.

As experts in this field, what do you look for in a good kids menu, at a cafe?]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:11:04 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42898&PID=5822415&title=kid-friendly-menu-for-a-cafe-suggestions#5822415