Lunch at Park Side Botanic Gardens: Tropical Cafe in the Park

Park Side Botanic Gardens is a new restaurant at the scenic park which was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. It is apparently the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The new cafe by the PS Cafe group provides dining in the tropical splendour of SBG that is also conveniently located near the Nassim Gate car park.

Tropical Cafe at the Botanic Gardens

Dining at Park Side Botanic Gardens is quite an experience. The tall palm trees that surround it and the lush vegetation give it a tropical resort feel. This cafe took over the space that was previously run by Privé Botanic Gardens and before that Casa Verde.

The details may differ but the layout of the new Park Side Botanic Gardens is similar to its predecessors. It is first and foremost a tropical cafe with 80% of the tables outside. Sheltered but exposed to the heat and humidity of the Singapore weather. Ordinarily we would always prefer to be seated at the precious few tables with a/c indoors.

But I think in this instance the best of this cafe is enjoyed in its natural setting – outside, where the breeze and rustling of the palm leaves are part of the experience.

Park Side Botanic Gardens Menu

Here are pictures of some pages from the Park Side SBG menu. The dishes featured are mostly the usual cafe dishes such as pasta and burgers but sometimes with a localised touch – such as kaya, bacon and eggs and bak chor udon.

Menu of Park Side Cafe in Botanic Gardens

Our simple lunch at Singapore Botanic Gardens

For our lunch at the Gardens we tried two safe dishes – lasagna and grilled salmon.

The beef lasagna ($28++) was enjoyable. The classic Italian dish contained the usual minced meat and pasta and was enhanced with ricotta, gremolata, mozzarella, parmesan cheese. If only the portion was larger, it would be perfect.

Our other dish was salmon & garden “tabbouleh” ($28++). According to a quick internet search, tabbouleh is a fresh, vibrant Middle Eastern salad originating from the Levant region. The grilled salmon was nicely done with a crisp layer of skin. But the highlight was the tabbouleh. The mint leaves was the ingredient that stood out. Fresh minty and other flavours provided contrast and balance to the oily salmon.

How to Get to Park Side Botanic Gardens

If arriving by car – enter Singapore Botanic Gardens via Nassim Gate. There are covered and open carparks at the Nassim Gate Carpark . From the carpark, walk to Visitor Centre. The restaurant is opposite the Centre.

If arriving by MRT – alight at Botanic Gardens MRT Station (Circle Line / Downtown Line). Use Exit A (Bukit Timah Road / Botanic Gardens). From Bukit Timah Gate, follow the signs to Nassim Gate / Visitor Centre. It is a 15 minute walk through the Gardens.