Kindgerechten

Kindgerechten is a term used in the hospitality sector, primarily in Dutch-speaking regions, to describe dishes that are suitable for children. These meals are designed to accommodate the tastes, appetites, and safety needs of young diners. The plural form kindgerechten and the singular kindgerecht are common on restaurant menus and catering materials.

Typical characteristics include smaller portions, milder flavors, and softer textures to be easier to chew and swallow. Dishes avoid bones, hard textures, and small choking hazards; presentations are often simpler and more colorful to appeal to children. Ingredients are usually familiar to children, and meals may incorporate fruit, yogurt, or vegetables as age-appropriate sides.

Safety and nutrition considerations are central. Kitchens consider allergens, cross-contamination, and age-appropriate salt and sugar levels, in line with local guidelines. Some menus offer a choice of a drink and fruit alongside the main item, aiming for balanced meals within daily nutrition recommendations.

In practice, kindgerechten appear in family-friendly restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services in the Netherlands and Belgium, and the concept is widely understood in Dutch-speaking hospitality. The term is not legally standardized, and offerings vary by establishment and region. Similar concepts exist in other countries under the label kid-friendly or children's menu.

Etymology: kind means child and gerecht means dish or course in Dutch; the term is closely related to the German Kindergericht and to the general notion of meals prepared for children.