To order children’s meals when out

[Babymaybe1]

sometimes when I go out I order of the children’s menu when the food is the same as the adults. I find the portion size for adults food can be way to big for me. I’m a normal size 12 and eat reasonably healthy. It’s not something I do everywhere as some
places can be stingy on portions or don’t allow it. Before now I’ve asked for smaller portions of say a pasta and Been happy to pay the same just hate wasting food. If it’s like pizza I know I can easily take the leftovers home and my partner will eat them. Also the calories can be huge in a meal.

Eat what you like. I often order two / three starters instead of a main meal because I'm fussy and often prefer that to the main options.

Lots of the pubs around here do 'senior portions' which are basically half sized but I think that is more to keep custom flowing during the weekdays.

I wouldn't say YABU. I'm the same as you in items of portion size but personally don't usually want what's on the kids menu (usually bangers and mash, chicken nuggets, fish fingers). However if that's what you like or have found somewhere with a more exciting kids menu then go for it

Don’t suppose any else cares (except maybe the business). Eat what you like.

A lot of the restaurants and eateries near me will accommodate smaller portions on request but they'll charge you the full price.

Id be a little embarrassed to order kids food and would assume anyone I saw doing it was doing it to save money. If you really find an adult portion too much for you and you struggle with the thought of food being wasted I’d ask for a smaller portion. But you do you really only the business will care.

If the dining establishment allows it then you do you. Personally I couldn't eat a whole children's meal <tinkly laugh>

I don’t see why anyone would care it you want to eat chicken nuggets, chips and beans.

YANBU I am in my 20s and never eat an adult meal. I will either buy a kids meal (if allowed) or buy a Starter with a side of chips. Being honest, I have food issues (NON-Psychological), and can't eat huge amounts anyway, plus it often works out a lot cheaper.

I've often ordered from the kids menu or just had a starter as a main. Portions are generally massive now and I can't eat that much anymore.

My 92 year old MIL does and no one bats an eyelid. I know some places don’t like it though, as it is seen as not wanting to pay full price.

Brewers Fayre used to do a menu for small appetites which was great. If I went to GBK I always used to order the 6oz burger but was refused alcohol even though I had ID as they “weren’t allowed to serve alcohol with a child meal” 🙄.

The only thing I can see wrong is where a restaurant might be offering a child's meal at a reduced or cost rate because its for a child. Same with senior meals. You aren't paying for the amount of food on your plate as such, but rather the service and preparation, which they would be heavily discounting for children and seniors.

Order what you want if they’ll let you. Children’s meals in the UK are overwhelmingly bland and beige so not usually appealing to adults.

Many restaurants will have children’s meals as loss leaders, or only sold at cost on the assumption that they will only be served with a full paying adult’s meal and as such won’t serve them to adults because it’s not financially viable.

Lol. Indeed.

cue 100 “we share a starter between a family of 5 include 2 sporty teens” posts though

But they'll charge you the full price, irrespective. Jamie Oliver's "15" charged £8 just for beans on toast.

Often order a couple of starters for my dh. Since his hernia repair a usual adult meal is too much food for him. Most places don't care and are quite happy to serve us, although we often eat tapas/meze type meals. He has a physically active job so is burning calories, and it's difficult to ensure he eats a balanced diet.

I'm genuinely interested why you wanted to make a post about this?
What is there to discuss?

Do what you like. No one cares. Really they don't.

This just speaks of attention seeking and underlying issues.

Is this you OP?

I've bought the Lighter Bite options which are smaller sized a few times.

Lots of places won’t let you order children portions if you’re an adult-not sure why, is it a Vat thing? Have two starters instead!

When we get a meal from our local chip shop I tend to get a children’s southern fried chicken and chips and an adult’s southern fried chicken portion which is more than enough for us and the shop are very happy for us to order this.

I wouldn't give s shit if ordered from the kids menu. But just ask for a smaller portion

If the restaurant allow it, order what you like

It seems to be more acceptable nowadays to take food home, so you could order an adult meal and take some home

I often do this because I don’t eat huge portions, but recently was served my lunch on a giant plastic frog plate and nearly died of embarrassment!!!! It’s put me off a bit…

So what if you were?

Why is it embarrassing to try and save money?