Bowls with a Mission: smol Brings Healthy, Halal Eats to PLQ Parkside
Craving a fresh grain bowl that actually loves you back? smol café & salad bar serves up wholesome, halal-certified bowls and salads at PLQ Parkside, all while running as a social enterprise with a genuine mission behind every meal.
From a 100sqft Kitchen to PLQ Parkside
smol started in 2017 with, in its own words, “a humble pair of hands and a tiny 100sqft kitchen,” driven by the motto Happier and Healthier People. That small beginning has since grown into a proper brick-and-mortar presence at Paya Lebar Quarter, now located at PLQ Parkside rather than inside the main mall block.
smol describes its menu as an homage to the transformation of food within Singapore’s multicultural melting pot, serving up modern-day classics and unique renditions of comfort food. It is one of the few genuinely social enterprise-run cafes in the area, and its PLQ Parkside spot doubles as a great vantage point for people-watching over a hearty, nutrient-packed bowl. The relocation to PLQ Parkside also means the outlet now sits within Park Place Residences, giving it a slightly quieter, more residential feel compared to being tucked inside the main mall.
Healthy, Halal-Certified Grain Bowls and Salads
The menu centres on build-your-own and signature grain bowls, salads, and protein bowls, designed for shoppers who want a filling, nutrient-dense meal without sacrificing flavour. smol is also Singapore’s only halal-certified cafe and salad bar of its kind, making it an accessible pick for a wider range of diners at PLQ. Build-your-own options let diners pick a base, protein, and toppings to suit their own dietary preferences, while the signature bowls are a quicker option for those who would rather let the kitchen do the deciding.
Beyond the food, smol operates with a strong social mission: over 70% of its team comes from marginalised communities, and the brand has been recognised as a Leading Social Enterprise by raiSE and as a Champion of Good, reflecting its commitment to inclusion, diversity, and environmental sustainability alongside its day-to-day café operations.
Pro Tip: Ask staff in-store to scan you onto smol’s new e-loyalty card — it now takes just one stamp per bowl (instead of the old $10-per-stamp system) and 10 stamps unlock a free bowl, with no expiry on stamps collected.
Loyalty Rewards and Seasonal Specials
smol has moved from physical loyalty cards to a QR code-based e-loyalty card stored right in your Apple Wallet or Google Pay, with no app download required. The simplified system awards one stamp per bowl purchased, and ten stamps can be redeemed for a free bowl, making it one of the more straightforward café loyalty schemes in the area.
smol also runs seasonal and limited-time items tied to its ongoing #SMOLPRIDE campaign, a recent example being the Pink & Proud Picnic Basket. Since these specials rotate, it is worth checking smol’s Instagram or website for whatever limited item is currently available before you order.
Delivery, Catering, and Ordering Ahead
For those who would rather eat in or order at PLQ Parkside directly, smol is also available for delivery through GrabFood, FoodPanda, and SmartBite. Businesses and larger groups can arrange corporate catering through CaterSpot, while direct enquiries and orders can be made by contacting smol via WhatsApp.
Getting to smol at PLQ Parkside
smol is located at PLQ Parkside, within Park Place Residences and a short walk from the main PLQ Mall block and the dual-line Paya Lebar MRT Interchange (EW8/CC9). If you are getting food delivered, head to the PLQ Mall carpark and follow directions through to PLQ Parkside. Drivers can also park at PLQ1/2, with carpark entrances along Paya Lebar Link via Eunos Road 5, while nearby bus stops along Sims Avenue, Paya Lebar Road, and Tanjong Katong Road are served by more than a dozen bus services. For exact directions, use Google Maps.
Outlet Details
| Mall | PLQ Parkside, Paya Lebar Quarter |
|---|---|
| Unit | #01-05, Level 1 |
| Address | 2 Paya Lebar Road, #01-05, PLQ Parkside, Park Place Residences, Singapore 409053 |
| Contact | WhatsApp only: +65 9730 0472 |
| Google Maps | View on Google Maps |
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 10:00am – 8:30pm |
| Sunday & Public Holidays | Closed |
Follow & Order From smol
smol shares menu updates, loyalty news, and its #SMOLPRIDE campaigns through its official Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages. For delivery or takeaway, order through GrabFood, FoodPanda, or SmartBite, or reach the team directly via WhatsApp.
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | smol.sg |
| instagram.com/hungryforsmol | |
| facebook.com/hungryforsmol | |
| linkedin.com/company/hungryforsmol | |
| Online Ordering | GrabFood, FoodPanda, and SmartBite (search “smol”); catering via CaterSpot |
Get Your Bowl of Goodness Today
Whether you are after a quick, healthy lunch or building your own salad masterpiece, smol at PLQ Parkside makes eating well feel effortless, all while supporting a genuine social mission. Message the team on WhatsApp to order ahead, or drop by PLQ Parkside to dine in.
