Tiny Bites: SML, Causeway Bay. Democratic eating for the whole family

With a tagline that boasts ‘a fresh taste of democracy to the dining table’, SML is the perfect eating spot for the discerning tot. The clue is right there in the name – SML stands for ‘small, medium and large’, meaning that this dining concept lets you choose the right portion size just for you.

Not unlike the fairytale Goldilocks and the Three Bears; small is perfect for children, medium just right for adults, and large is great to share. There’s no kids’ menu at SML, but as the selection is very extensive, the food relatively simple, and the concept ideal for small tummies, you’re bound to find something suitable for junior to chow down on.

Depending on your appetite and taste buds, you can well and truly explore the menu, sampling lots of small dishes; alternatively if you know exactly what you want, dig in to a large plate and go for it!

Check out the ‘Bits & Bobs’ section, which includes heavenly meatballs with spicy tomato sauce, nifty nachos with jalapeños, Monterey Jack cheddar and sour cream… or head to the ‘Pasta & Rice’ section which has all sorts of easy choices for the kids.

My two-year-old devoured the baked macaroni with cauliflower and mozzarella cheese, while her buddy, a vegetarian, enjoyed the pasta al dente with tomato sauce that the SML chefs gladly tailor-made just for him.

There’s a ‘Raw & Green’ section with plenty of healthy, fresh choices and a scrumptious ‘Land’ section, which had me licking my lips over a small portion of crispy pork belly with red cabbage and apple coleslaw. Divine, and just the right size to be scrummy rather than overwhelming. For those craving something a little more filling, the British burger looked finger-licking good!

Thumbs Up: What really had the kids spellbound (in other words, quiet!) at the table was, of course, dessert. The ice cream menu is melt-in-your-mouth delicious! From vanilla with warm toffee sauce, to coconut with coconut crumble, via chocolate with white and dark chocolate shavings – there’s a flavour to suit the pickiest of customers. Delivered in a crunchy cone, sitting beautifully in a stand with a bowl of tasty topping right next to it, the kids were in heaven (and secretly, so were the adults!)

SML has a large, open bistro feel to it, which makes it a casual affair that’s great with the kids. (No stressing when they create a mini tornado in all that open space!) There’s also a lovely outdoor area for the cooler months, and a central bar for mama!

Thumbs Down: There’s nothing to entertain your little one when they get bored of sitting at the table, so if you want a bit of peace before the ice cream comes, I’d recommend bringing toys or colouring-in books to keep the troops happy.

There’s also no children’s cutlery or plastic bowls on offer… definitely something to keep in mind if your tot is at the stage where breakable crockery and lethal utensils will make dining a trial rather than a treat!

Highchairs: No highchairs, but plenty of booster seats, which did the trick for our older gang.

Stroller access: Yes – take the lift all the way up to the 11th floor in Times Square.

How much: Reasonably priced, with dishes ranging from $20-$70 for a small portion, $30 to $130 for a medium, and $50 to $225 for large. And this is a place I can guarantee you won’t be left feeling hungry, regardless of budget!

At SML they say happiness comes in three sizes… so go forth my friends, and satisfy your appetite, whatever the size!

SML
Address: 11/F, Times Square, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2577 3444
Email: [email protected] Website: www.smlrestaurants.com