The holiday rush has begun at Araneta City, and for many families, it’s also the season to slow down, share meals, and make room for small celebrations. At Gateway Mall 2, World Kitchens is emerging as one of the season’s liveliest dining spots, thanks in part to a growing menu designed specifically for children.
World Kitchens occupies a sprawling space on the mall’s fourth level, where 15 show kitchens bustle with activity. While the destination is known for its global comfort dishes, the newly curated kiddie menus highlight a more thoughtful approach to family dining: plates crafted to excite young eaters while reflecting the culinary identity of each kitchen.
At HK Ma’s Bistro, the offerings lean into hearty comfort. The Kids Chicken Set Meal pairs fried master stock chicken with steamed jasmine rice, golden potatoes, a pork dumpling, and a light broth. The Kids Fish Set Meal offers a crispy fillet with skinny fries and fresh orange slices – served on playful car-shaped plates that have quickly become a hit among children.
The Japanese station, Unagi Yukimitsu, presents a bento-style selection of karaage, a creamy croquette, egg, and watermelon slices, giving kids a gentle introduction to Japanese flavors. Prana takes a different route with its Pappad Crusted Crispy Chicken, a mild and fragrant dish that eases young diners into South Asian flavors. For those loyal to the classics, Chef Jessie keeps it simple with a kiddie burger and golden fries.
Parents visiting the holiday-lit mall say the appeal goes beyond the food. With its open layout, warm lighting, and the spectacle of chefs cooking behind glass, World Kitchens creates a lively setting where children can explore, try new dishes, and enjoy a sense of inclusion at the table.
The concept is the brainchild of Singapore F&B veteran Andrew Tan Hock Lai, who envisioned a dining hall where international cuisines are showcased side by side.
With its mix of global chefs, full-table service, and AI-assisted ordering system, World Kitchens blends old-world hospitality with modern dining technology – offering accessible prices without stripping away the sense of occasion.
As the Christmas countdown continues, the restaurant is positioning itself as a family-friendly stopover for mall-goers seeking both variety and comfort. And for the youngest diners, the season’s flavors are now served with an extra touch of fun.
