Singaporeans eat out often, but many do not know what their meals give them nutritionally. A new survey by kiwifruit brand Zespri has found that most people think about whether a meal fills them up or whether they would order the item again, yet few can say what nutrients it actually provides.
From 7 September to 4 October, diners at Lau Pa Sat can test a free AI tool called the Meal Decoder. The tool identifies a hawker dish from a photograph and estimates its nutritional content. It also shows how adding a kiwifruit could change that meal’s nutritional profile.
The survey, commissioned by Zespri and conducted in August 2026, polled 800 Singapore residents aged 18 to 64. It found that more than 80% of respondents visit a hawker centre at least once a week. Nine in 10 said they think about whether a meal keeps them full, looks healthy, or contains things they should cut down on. Only about one in 10 said they feel clear on what nutrients their meals actually provide.
Despite this gap, 67% of respondents said they are confident they meet their daily nutritional needs. Vitamins and minerals were the hardest part of a meal to judge, according to 23% of those surveyed.
Cutting down, not adding up
The survey also found that Singaporeans link eating better mainly with cutting things out. Three in four respondents, or 75%, associate eating better with reducing sugar, salt or oil. Only 37% connect it with adding more vitamins and minerals.
Fruit came out as the food Singaporeans trust most for vitamins and minerals, chosen by 46% of respondents ahead of vegetables at 23% and supplements at 14%. Yet when asked what they would add first to make a meal more nutritious, only 14% picked fruit. Instead, 52% chose protein.
How the Meal Decoder works
The Meal Decoder was developed with food-recognition technology from Singapore Management University. It is designed to recognise Asian dishes commonly sold at Singapore hawker centres. A user takes or uploads a photo of their meal, and the tool identifies the dish before giving an estimated breakdown of its macronutrients and micronutrients.
The tool then shows how the meal’s nutritional profile would change if a kiwifruit were added. This lets diners see, in concrete terms, how a small addition can affect their overall nutrient intake.
After completing the Meal Decoder experience, users can redeem a complimentary two-piece pack of Zespri Kiwifruit at the Lau Pa Sat pop-up, while stocks last. Alternatively, they can opt for a $2 FairPrice voucher for Zespri Kiwifruit.
The Meal Decoder stays available at Lau Pa Sat throughout the four-week campaign, which runs until 4 October.
Additional activities at Lau Pa Sat
From 7 to 13 September, Zespri is also running a takeover of the atrium at Lau Pa Sat’s Street 8. Visitors during this period can join a public voting activity, try a spin-and-win game for Zespri merchandise and prizes, and learn more about the nutritional benefits of kiwifruit. Free samples of Zespri kiwifruit are available from 11.30am to 1.30pm on weekdays during this one-week takeover.
Lau Pa Sat
18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
Discover more from The Ordinary Patrons
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.