At Papilio, we believe children thrive when they are nourished with fresh, wholesome food made with care. Every meal is prepared onsite by our qualified Centre Cooks using seasonal Australian produce, ensuring children enjoy food that is both delicious and nutritionally balanced.
From a baby’s first tastes to confident preschoolers serving themselves at the table, mealtimes at Papilio are calm, joyful moments that support learning, independence, and connection.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about our menus, mealtime philosophy, and recipes you can recreate at home.
Our menus change with the seasons so children enjoy fresh, tasty ingredients and the best nutrition every day. Each day includes:
You’ll see plenty of colourful veggies, fresh fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, plant-based options, dairy and alternatives, healthy fats, and of course, lots of water!
This summer, we’ve refreshed our menu in collaboration with The Biting Truth, Accredited Practising Dietitians and leaders in early childhood nutrition. With over 10 years of experience working with early learning services, they know how to create meals that are nutritious, practical for cooks, and loved by kids.
What’s new?
Every week is designed to help children explore new tastes, build food confidence and develop healthy habits for life.
We’re delighted to introduce our Seasonal Family Cookbook, a beautiful collection of family-friendly recipes inspired by the wholesome meals served in our Papilio kitchens every day.
Developed in partnership with FeedAustralia, this cookbook reflects our commitment to fresh produce, thoughtful nutrition, and the joy of cooking together.
Inside, you’ll find child-approved snacks, simple weekday meals, and easy dishes little helpers can be part of, just like at Papilio. Each recipe uses fresh, seasonal ingredients selected from the menus created by our Centre Cooks.
We hope this collection brings a little of our kitchen warmth into your home.
Mealtimes are an important part of our daily rhythm - calm, unhurried, and designed to help children develop a positive relationship with food.
Our educators support children to:
Educators sit with children, modelling curiosity, confidence, and respect around meals. We work closely with families to accommodate allergies, dietary requirements, and cultural food preferences, ensuring every child feels safe and supported.
We know nutrition can feel overwhelming at times. These resources offer practical guidance to support healthy eating at home:
Looking for fresh ideas for weekday dinners, lunchboxes, or cooking together on weekends?
Explore our growing collection of quick, nutritious recipes designed for busy families.
