Introducing 'Shiok & Healthy'!

'Shiok & Healthy' is a community-driven initiative by HealthXchange that celebrates the joy of eating well outside.

In partnership with dietitians from SingHealth and members of HealthXchange community,  Shiok & Healthy shines a spotlight on eateries and food stalls that offer healthier yet flavourful options.

Selected stores and dishes will be highlighted based on a set of judging criteria guided by nutrition expertise and community feedback. By working together, we hope to build a trusted list of go-to places where healthier choices are accessible, affordable, and truly satisfying.

Together, let’s build a trusted, community-powered guide to shiok and healthy food in Singapore!

What made you decide to become a dietitian?

Dietetics is actually my second career, after spending 4 years working in Food Biotechnology research. I made the switch as I wanted to work with people, and to improve their health through making dietary changes.

How do you discern if a dish is healthy or not at first glance?

If you need to wipe your mouth after a bite, it is more likely to be unhealthy than healthy!

What do you hope the Shiok & Healthy Programme will achieve?

Encourage eateries to offer healthier food options, and also showcase the wide range of healthier dishes that are available in Singapore!

What’s your favourite healthy food and why?

My current favourite is natural unsweetened Greek style yoghurt. I love it because it is a versatile food which I can make into a 2-ingredient dessert which is ready in ½ a day (i.e. the viral cheesecake!) or a no-bake dessert like tofu yoghurt mousse or fruity yoghurt jelly.

I can also have it as a high protein no-cooking required 1-dish meal with canned tuna, chopped cucumber and tomato. My all-time favourites are mixed nuts and boiled chickpeas which I can have whenever I feel peckish.

What’s your favourite 'indulgence' food and how do you eat it without feeling guilty?

My favourite indulgence food is and has always been dark chocolate (70% cocoa) with nuts or dried fruit. I believe in eating all foods in moderation, so I don’t feel guilty when I have it!

What made you decide to become a dietitian? 

Since my grandparents have diet-related diseases, I’ve always wanted to help them but didn’t know how or where to start. Later, during my time in NS, I began exercising regularly and realized how much the food we eat affects our performance. That experience naturally sparked my interest in diet and nutrition, and that’s why I’m here! 

How do you discern if a dish is healthy or not at first glance?

What immediately catches my attention in a dish are its vibrant colors and the way it’s plated and presented. 

What do you hope the 'Shiok & Healthy' programme will achieve?

I want this campaign to give people peace of mind, knowing that the dishes they choose in restaurants are healthy and dietitian-approved! 

What's your favourite healthy food and why?

I love beans! They’re like a superfood! They’re a great source of carbs, packed with protein and fiber, totally vegan-friendly, and offer tons of health benefits.

What's your favorite 'indulgence' food and how do you eat it without feeling guilty?

I love having Korean instant ramen every now and then! To make it less guilty, I tone it down with just a third of the seasoning and spice it up with soft tofu, kimchi, and a slice of low-fat cheese. My guilt-free cozy-day treat.

What other foods do you enjoy?

I’m a total sweet tooth, so I can’t wait to try healthier drinks that are just as delicious! 

What made you decide to become a dietitian?

As a teenager who frequently observed family members going on diets again and again, I believed there was more to weight loss than just eating less and moving more. That sparked my interest in nutrition and it was only later on during university that I realised being a dietitian is a career I want to pursue.

How do you discern if a dish is healthy or not at first glance?

Must have good CPF (carbohydrates, protein, fibre)!

What do you hope the 'Shiok & Healthy' programme will achieve?

To showcase more hidden gems with healthier options that are easily available to public and encourage more F&B operators to offer healthier spins on their dishes.

What’s your favourite healthy food and why?

I love shabshuka as it’s a balanced meal with lotsa tomatoes for fibre, minced beef and baked egg for protein and scooping it up with pieces of freshly toasted bread makes for a very comforting meal. I love it so much I can eat it for days.

What's your favorite 'indulgence' food and how do you eat it without feeling guilty?

I love my desserts, especially warm brownies and ice cream due to the difference in texture and temperature coming together beautifully when you take a bite. As I don’t eat them very often, I allow myself to fully indulge in it when I do, which means no sharing!

What would you like others to know about dietitians?

We, dietitians, love food as much as the average Singaporean (or maybe more!) and love it when our patients share good places to check out too 😊

What made you decide to become a dietitian?

I was inspired by my brother's friend who was pursuing an undergraduate degree in dietetics. I found the nutrition knowledge she shared intriguing. As I've been quite active since young, I thought that combining nutrition and sports knowledge could open many opportunities and allow me to help people in a more holistic way.

How do you discern if a dish is healthy or not at first glance?

I can tell at a glance which dishes will sustain energy through the day versus causing energy crashes - timing and macronutrient balance are everything

What do you hope the 'Shiok & Healthy' programme will achieve?

I hope people will become more empowered to make better food choices that support their health and lifestyle goals.

What’s your favourite healthy food and why?

Baked miso salmon with mashed potato and chargrilled vegetables. It's a complete and balanced meal that's both hearty and full of flavour. Salmon provides healthy fats which are good for heart health, whilst chargrilled vegetables provide fibre and important micronutrients. Mashed potato offers a good source of carbohydrates that completes the meal.

What's your favorite 'indulgence' food and how do you eat it without feeling guilty?

Brownies with ice cream. I share it with someone to share the calories!

What activities do you enjoy doing?

Sports-related activities! Gym, running, badminton, basketball - you name it, I'm game for it!

What made you decide to become a dietitian?

I decided to become a dietitian because I’ve always enjoyed food and wanted to understand how it can be used as medicine. I believe nutrition is the bridge between what we eat and how our bodies heal, grow, and thrive. With the right amount of nutrients, food can support recovery, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life. 

How do you discern if a dish is healthy or not at first glance?

Over time, I’ve learned to see more than just food on a plate – I see the balance, the nutrients, and nourishment. 

What do you hope the 'Shiok & Healthy' programme will achieve?

I hope this programme will help consumers easily identify foods that are both tasty and healthy, while contributing to a healthier community in Singapore. 

What’s your favourite healthy food and why?

Thunder tea rice, because it’s packed with fresh vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based protein – a perfect balance of flavour and nutrition. 

What's your favorite 'indulgence' food and how do you eat it without feeling guilty?

Cheesecake - it’s rich, creamy, and satisfying. I believe there’s no need to feel guilty about enjoying it. It's all about balance: savour a small portion, eat mindfully, and enjoy it as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. 

What healthy activity do you enjoy?

I love going for walks with my friends! 

What made you decide to become a dietitian?

The love for food – exploring the science behind food while helping others to build a healthy relationship with it.

How do you discern if a dish is healthy or not at first glance?

I would ask myself with one look does it contain a good portion of greens? 

What do you hope the 'Shiok & Healthy' programme will achieve?

To enable the public to dine out and pick healthy choices confidently in their favourite restaurants/eateries.

What’s your favourite healthy food and why?

Japanese food like sushi! Pair fresh salmon with avocado and it makes a perfect sushi combination which is rich in heart healthy omega 3 and monounsaturated fats.

What’s your favourite 'indulgence' food and how do you eat it without feeling guilty?

Hotpot! There is nothing like a warm tomato soup broth. Drink the soup in moderation and don’t forget to opt for more mushroom and vegetable dishes along with the meal.

What made you decide to become a dietitian?

I chose to become a dietitian because I’ve always been passionate about food and nutrition. I wanted to use that passion to support others—helping them make informed choices and empowering them to improve their health.

How do you distinguish 'good' char kway teow from so-so's at a glance?

A true char kway teow reveals itself instantly: the glisten of dark sauce, the dance of cockles, and that unmistakable whisper of wok hei.

What do you hope the 'Shiok & Healthy' programme will achieve?

To spread awareness that healthy eating is definitely possible when eating out, and helping the public to spot some healthier dishes!

What’s your favourite healthy food and why?

I love having overnight oats, easy to prepare, yummy, and highly customisable - and can add my favourite fruits.

What’s your favourite 'indulgence' food and how do you eat it without feeling guilty?

My favourite indulgence is nuts! Even though they’re higher in calories, I enjoy them without guilt by portioning them mindfully and choosing baked, unsalted varieties so I can savour them in moderation

What made you decide to become a dietitian?

My love for both science and food naturally led me to dietetics! What truly captivated me was witnessing first-hand how food can transform people's lives - like watching my elderly relatives regain their vitality through better eating habits. Realizing I could be part of that positive change for others made this career path feel like my true calling.

How do you discern if a dish is healthy or not at first glance?

Having the “macro-vision” to categorise each dish by the macro-nutrients to ensure a balanced meal! It's like playing nutritional tetris to create the perfect balanced plate!

What do you hope the 'Shiok & Healthy' programme will achieve?

My hope is that we'll shift the narrative from "healthy food is boring" to "healthy food can be absolutely shiok!" I hope that the public can discover that nutritious eating doesn't mean sacrificing the flavours we love about local cuisine. Instead, it's about making smarter choices and clever modifications that honour our food culture whilst supporting our health goals.

What’s your favourite healthy food and why?

Yong tau foo! It's like a nutritional treasure hunt in a bowl – you can get plant protein from tofu/tow kwa, plenty of fibre from a variety of vegetables, and it's naturally portion-controlled. The clear soup base keeps me hydrated, and I love that I can customise it myself!

What’s your favourite 'indulgence' food and how do you eat it without feeling guilty?

Bubble tea! My guilt-free approach is all about balance and smart swaps! Having it as my special Friday night treat after a week of balanced eating or even sharing it with my friends and family! 

Simply making smart swaps such as choosing lower sugar/stevia options available, or switching up to a black tea with konjac jelly can also help to satisfy my cravings without any guilt!

Apart from food, what other things do you fancy?

Digital art and design.

Ref: F26