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What to Order for a Healthy Meal at a Coffeeshop

A low-angle, close-up shot focusing on a woman's finger pointing to a choice on a restaurant menu
(Source: Envato)

Coffeeshops, or kopitiams, are a staple of everyday life in Singapore. Open round the clock, Fu Kang Coffee Shop offers a convenient variety of local favourites under one roof.


But with so many flavourful, indulgent options, eating healthy can feel like a challenge. The good news? With just a few mindful choices, you can enjoy a balanced meal without giving up the comfort and convenience of your go-to coffeeshop.


This guide walks you through what to order for a balanced meal at a coffeeshop, with suggestions split by meal times (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) across our two locations.


Visit Fu Kang Coffee Shop at Bukit Merah Central and Bedok Singapore for your go-to healthy coffee shop food!



What Counts as a Healthy Meal?

In Singapore, healthy coffee shop food means choosing something hearty, something fresh, and just enough to keep you going. Here’s what you should include to keep a balanced meal:


  1. Start with protein

Protein helps you stay full and supports your body throughout the day. If it’s fried, try a smaller portion or pair it with more vegetables.


  1. Add vegetables

Vegetables bring in fibre, help with digestion, and add variety to the plate. If you’re ordering mixed rice, include at least one or two vegetable items to balance the meal. Even soup-based dishes often come with hidden greens.


  1. Watch your carbs

Carbs are important for energy, but portion size matters. You don’t need to skip rice, but ask for less if it looks too much. Brown rice or bee hoon is better if offered.


  1. Pay attention to cooking styles

Choose clear soups over thick or creamy ones. Ask for sauces on the side, especially those that are sweet or oily. 


Deep-fried items and dishes with heavy gravies can be enjoyed occasionally, but aren’t the best everyday choice. If you’re not sure how something’s cooked, just ask.


  1. Choose your drinks carefully

Coffeeshop drinks often come with hidden sugar. To stay on track, pick drinks like kopi o kosong, teh o kosong, unsweetened soy milk, or plain barley water. 


Lime juice or calamansi juice can be refreshing too, just remember to ask for no sugar or syrup. If all else fails, plain water is always a solid option.


  1. Control your portions

A balanced meal doesn’t need to be big. One protein, one to two vegetables, and a small portion of rice is usually enough. It’s easy to over-order at a coffeeshop, especially when everything’s affordable and fast.



An overhead view of a large spread of various Asian dishes
(Source: Envato)

Healthy Meal Ideas to Order at Fu Kang Coffeeshop

Here are healthy options you can order across both locations to give you a good mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs without overloading your plate.



  1. Breakfast Picks

Lighter, non-greasy meals to start your day right.


  • 1 Veg + 1 Meat + Rice 

    • Stir-fried greens, tofu, or cabbage

    • Lean meat like steamed or roasted chicken

    • White rice or porridge, small portion


  • Yong Tau Foo Soup + Mee Sua/Kway Teow/Bee Hoon – Choose clear soup base, avoid fried items.

  • Chee Cheong Fun (1 pcs) – Great as a light add-on.


  • Tomato and Egg Noodles or Tomato and Egg with Rice – Simple, protein-rich, and light.

  • Stir-fried Lotus Root Slices – Fibre-filled, refreshing side.

  • Avoid: Mala hotpot, fried meats, and anything swimming in oil first thing in the morning.


  1. Lunch Picks

A full plate to fuel your afternoon. Look for fibre, protein, and colour.


  • Yong Tau Foo Soup with Rice – Build a bowl with tofu, mushrooms, veg, seaweed, and lean proteins.

  • Opt for clear soup, skip laksa or tom yum if watching sodium.


  • 2 Veg 1 Meat or 1 Fish + Veg + Rice 

    • Stir-fried or steamed veggies

    • Tofu, steamed fish, grilled chicken

    • Ask for less rice if portions are big


  • Salmon + Teriyaki Chicken Rice Set

  • Saba Fish + Chicken Set

  • Bibimbap with Chicken/Beef – Has veggies and rice mixed in; request light sauce.

  • Unagi Rice – Higher in calories but still nutritious in moderation.

  • Avoid: Omelette rice with fried toppings, curry fried meats, kimchi fried rice.


  • Mapo Tofu with Rice – Plant protein and comforting, though a little spicy.

  • Stir-Fried Miscellaneous Mushrooms – Great as a side.

  • Stir-Fried Tomato and Eggs / Hand Torn Cabbage – Mild, healthy choices.


  1. Dinner Picks

Keep it light, warming, and easy to digest in the evening.


  • Steamed Chicken Rice – Skinless, with extra cucumber

  • Shredded Chicken Kway Teow Soup – Soft, clean, and soothing

  • Pair with Oyster Sauce Veg or Dumpling Soup


  • Chicken Soup (Small) – Light, high in collagen

  • Add vegetables or rice for balance


  • Teo Chew Steamed Fish / Thai Lemon Steamed Fish – Light and flavourful

  • Seafood Tanghoon Salad – Fresh, chewy, and lower-carb

  • Hot Plate Tofu – Great plant-based option

  • Thai Basil Chicken with Rice – Ask for less oil, pair with steamed veg if available

  • Avoid: Deep-fried prawns/sotong, curry fish head, omelettes at night if watching cholesterol.



A plate of Chinese wonton noodles with barbecued pork and dumplings
(Source: Envato)


  1. Breakfast Picks

Choose lighter meals to ease into the day; low-oil, warm, and gentle on

the stomach.


  • Idly Set – Steamed, fermented rice cakes, low fat, easily digestible.

  • Pongal – Soft rice and lentils, warm and nourishing (request less ghee if used),

  • Rava Kichadi – Semolina-based dish with veg, lighter than fried options.

  • Medhu Vadai – Okay occasionally; deep-fried, but high in protein — best in moderation.


  • Jiucai Hezi – Pan-fried chive pockets; has greens, go easy on quantity.

  • Mantou (steamed preferred) – Plain buns, low oil, pair with tea or eggs (if possible).

  • Skip: Youtiao (deep-fried), Kou Shui Ji & Fuqi Feipian (heavily spiced and oily).


  1. Lunch Picks

Midday meals should fill you up without putting you in a food coma.

Look for balance: protein + fibre + carbs.


  • Chapathi Set – Whole wheat flatbread with dhal/veg; less oil than Poori.

  • South Indian Meal – Often includes rice, veg, dhal, sambar — good balance (skip heavy gravies).


  • 1 Veg 1 Meat or  2 Veg 1 Meat

    • Steamed or stir-fried greens

    • Steamed egg, tofu, or non-fried chicken/pork

    • Avoid curry gravies, luncheon meat, fried items


  • Salmon + Teriyaki Chicken Rice Set – Grilled proteins, good omega-3s from salmon

  • Saba Fish + Teriyaki Chicken Set – Saba is oily fish; rich in healthy fats

  • Teppanyaki Beef Set – Choose if it's grilled, not drenched in sauce

  • Unagi Rice – Slightly sweet sauce, but unagi is nutritious — pair with side veg if any

  • Tip: Request less sauce and skip the curry rice options with fried meats.


  1. Dinner Picks

Lighter or cleaner options for better sleep and digestion such as soupy,

grilled, or steamed where possible.


  • Roasted/Steam Chicken Rice – Ask for less rice, no skin, and more cucumber

  • Char Siew Rice – Occasionally okay; watch the sugar in char siew glaze

  • Trio Roast Rice – Best if shared; too heavy for dinner on your own


  • Fish Head Steamboat – Great for sharing; soup-based, rich in collagen

  • Broccoli with Scallops – Order with rice, very nutrient-dense

  • Avoid: Yam ring, curry fish head, cereal prawn — heavy on oil/sugar.



Conclusion

Healthy coffee shop food comes from choosing what supports your body and keeps you feeling steady throughout the day. With a little awareness, eating well becomes part of your routine, one meal at a time. And if you're looking for variety without overthinking your order, your next balanced meal might already be waiting at our coffeeshop — fresh, simple, and satisfying.


Visit Fu Kang Coffee Shop at Bukit Merah Central and Bedok Singapore for your go-to healthy coffee shop food!


 
 
 

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