At Papilio, we believe mealtimes are as important as story time, play time, and every other part of your child’s day. That’s why each season, our chefs work with Feed Australia, a leading menu planning platform, to design menus that are not only nutritionally balanced but also thoughtfully created to inspire children’s taste buds.
This Spring, our centres are serving fresh, wholesome favourites like pesto chicken lasagne, beef bulgogi rice bowls, and creamy salmon linguini - all designed to support children’s development while encouraging a love of good food.
Why Nutrition Matters in the Early Years
The first five years of life are a window of extraordinary growth. Nutritious meals during this time provide:
- Sustained energy for learning and exploration
- Vitamins and minerals for strong bones, muscles, and immunity
- Proteins and healthy fats for brain development and focus
- Positive eating habits that set the stage for lifelong health
At Papilio, we see nutrition not just as food on a plate but as an essential part of your child’s early education.
Spring Menu Highlights
Pesto Chicken Lasagne
Layered with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and basil pesto, this dish combines comfort with nourishment. Children enjoy familiar flavours while benefiting from protein and fibre.
Beef Bulgogi Rice Bowls
Gentle Korean-inspired flavours introduce children to cultural diversity. Balanced with grains, vegetables, and fruit, it’s a wholesome lunch that keeps children energised.
Creamy Salmon Linguini
Rich in omega-3s, salmon is essential for brain development. Paired with creamy pasta and fresh fruit, it’s both nutritious and delicious.
Coconut Mango Bread & Banana Chia Bread
Our seasonal breads provide natural sweetness, fibre, and energy, perfect for busy little learners.
Veggie-Packed Pasta Bake
A Papilio favourite, full of colourful vegetables in a child-friendly format, encouraging children to try new flavours in a safe, familiar way.
Mealtimes as Part of the Learning Journey
Mealtimes at Papilio are calm, nurturing, and filled with opportunities to learn. When children sit together, they:
- Develop independence by serving themselves and trying new foods
- Build confidence as they explore new textures and flavours
- Strengthen language and social skills, as conversations flow naturally around the table
Our educators dine with the children, role-modelling healthy habits and supporting positive attitudes toward food. These moments form part of our holistic Lifelong Learning Curriculum, which nurtures growth in every area of development.
Setting the Benchmark in Childcare Dining
Papilio is proud to offer families a high-quality dining experience that reflects the premium care we provide. Our menus are:
- Seasonally updated and nationally reviewed for consistency and freshness
- Planned with Feed Australia to align with the Australian Dietary Guidelines
- Inclusive and diverse, reflecting the flavours of modern Australian families
- Prepared fresh each day, with care taken to cater for allergies and individual needs
Every meal is created with your child’s wellbeing in mind, as part of our broader commitment to safety and quality.
Bringing Healthy Habits Home
We know families love being part of their child’s learning journey. Here are a few ways you can continue Papilio’s healthy food culture at home:
- Make fruit part of everyday snacks, just as children enjoy at Papilio
- Share meals together whenever possible, to build social bonds and create calm, happy routines
- Try something new each week - a herb, spice, or vegetable - to encourage curiosity and adventurous eating
Take the Menu Home
Want to enjoy Papilio-inspired meals in your own kitchen? We’ve created resources to share with families:
- Download the Spring Menu to see what’s being served this season.
- Get our FREE Winter Cookbook with family-friendly recipes from last season’s menu.
- Find your nearest Papilio centre and see how our approach to nutrition and education comes together.
Final Word
Healthy meals are more than nourishment, they’re an experience of care, connection, and learning. At Papilio, our Spring Menu reflects our belief that every detail of your child’s day should be designed to give them the very best start in life.