Looking for menu planning inspiration? In this article, we’ll look at an extensive list of Preschool/Kindergarten menu ideas for Tag-ulan (Rainy season).
Want help planning out your menus? We’ve created a Preschool/Kindergarten menu planner that you can use to store meal ideas, take notes and plan your term meals.
Contents
In the busy rooms of preschools, beyond the pastel-colored walls and amidst the laughter and playful chatters, there lies an aspect often overlooked, yet paramount to a child’s holistic development: meal planning. At this tender age, children are not just absorbing experiences, numbers and alphabets; they are forming habits, preferences, and relationships with food that will significantly impact their lifelong health and well-being. In these formative years, the significance of intentional, nutritious, and diverse meal planning cannot be overstated. By prioritizing this essential element, educators and caregivers are not merely feeding young bodies, but also nourishing young minds, fortifying their future and setting them on a path of wellness, discovery, and a positive relationship with food. Let’s look at some examples of healthy, cost-effective meals, using local seasonal ingredients, that you can put on the menu for children during Tag-ulan (Rainy season) in your Preschool/Kindergarten kitchen in the Philippines.
1. Sinigang na Baboy (Pork Sinigang): A traditional Filipino soup made with pork, tamarind, and various vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), radish, and eggplant. It is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for the rainy season.
2. Tinolang Manok (Chicken Tinola): A ginger-based chicken soup with green papaya, malunggay leaves (moringa), and chili leaves. This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, providing warmth and nourishment during the rainy days.
3. Ginisang Upo (Sauteed Bottle Gourd): A simple stir-fry dish made with bottle gourd, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. It is a light and refreshing vegetable dish that complements any main course.
4. Pinakbet (Mixed Vegetable Stew): A popular Filipino dish made with a variety of vegetables such as squash, okra, eggplant, and bitter melon, cooked in shrimp paste. It is a flavorful and nutritious option for kids, packed with vitamins and fiber.
5. Arroz Caldo (Chicken Rice Porridge): A Filipino-style rice porridge cooked with chicken, ginger, garlic, and topped with spring onions and fried garlic. It is a comforting and easily digestible meal, perfect for cold and rainy days.
6. Pancit Canton (Stir-Fried Noodles): A stir-fried noodle dish made with egg noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood. It is a filling and flavorful option that can be customized with various ingredients to suit children’s preferences.
7. Ginataang Mais (Sweet Corn in Coconut Milk): A dessert made with sweet corn kernels cooked in coconut milk and sugar. It is a warm and creamy treat that provides energy and satisfies children’s sweet cravings.
8. Bola-Bola Soup (Meatball Soup): A clear soup with meatballs made from ground pork or chicken, mixed with vegetables like carrots and cabbage. It is a kid-friendly dish that combines protein and vegetables in a delicious way.
9. Adobong Sitaw (Sauteed Yard Long Beans): A classic Filipino dish made with yard long beans, pork or chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. It is a savory and nutritious vegetable dish that can be served with rice.
10. Champorado (Chocolate Rice Porridge): A sweet rice porridge made with glutinous rice, cocoa powder, and sugar. It is a popular breakfast or snack option during the rainy season, providing warmth and a chocolatey treat for kids.
11. Ginisang Monggo (Sauteed Mung Beans): A hearty and nutritious dish made with mung beans, pork, or shrimp, sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. It is a great source of protein and fiber, perfect for a rainy day.
12. Sinampalukang Manok (Chicken in Tamarind Soup): A sour soup made with chicken, tamarind, and various vegetables like kangkong, okra, and string beans. It is a flavorful and vitamin-rich dish that helps boost the immune system.
13. Ensaladang Talong (Grilled Eggplant Salad): Grilled eggplants mixed with tomatoes, onions, and vinegar. It is a light and refreshing salad that can be served as a side dish or a healthy snack.
14. Nilagang Baka (Beef Nilaga): A comforting beef soup made with tender beef, potatoes, cabbage, and corn. It is a nutritious and filling meal that warms the body during the rainy season.
15. Ginisang Sayote (Sauteed Chayote): A simple stir-fry dish made with chayote, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. It is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in various ways, providing vitamins and minerals to children.
These meals incorporate commonly-used, seasonal local ingredients in the Philippines during the rainy season, ensuring that children receive a balanced and nourishing diet while enjoying the flavors of their country
Click the button above to get our planner that can be used to store menu ideas, take notes and plan your term meals.
| Location | Philippines |
|---|---|
| Diet | Regular |
