A Tasty Way to Stay Healthy: NHG Health and Tanoto Foundation’s New Cookbook
We’re thrilled to share wonderful news from Singapore’s health community! NHG Health, in partnership with Tanoto Foundation, has launched an inspiring cookbook titled I Can’t Believe It Tastes So Good. This collection features 100 wholesome recipes celebrating Singapore’s vibrant culinary diversity, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, Western, and other cuisines, in honor of SG60. These dishes are crafted to be both flavorful and nourishing, making them ideal for everyone, including those managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
The launch took place at the Health and Wellness Studio within NHG Sembawang Polyclinic, nestled in the vibrant Bukit Canberra community hub. A delightful cooking demonstration brought together residents and patients, where skilled dietitians and dedicated patient advocates shared valuable tips for healthier cooking and lifestyle habits. The event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, as well as Adviser to Sembawang GRC Grassroots Organisations (Sembawang Central). Joining him were Associate Professor Karen Ng, Chief of Primary Care, Population Health, and Chief Executive Officer of NHG Polyclinics; Ms. Belinda Tanoto, Member of the Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation; and Professor Benjamin Seet, Group Chairman Medical Board (Research) and Co-chair, Academic Partnership Office, NHG Health.
Mr. Ong Ye Kung shared heartfelt words at the launch: “Healthy eating is a powerful form of preventive care. When we come together to make better food choices, we not only enhance our well-being but also foster stronger community bonds and friendships.” His message beautifully captures the spirit of this initiative.
This meaningful project, supported by the NHG Health Fund and Tanoto Foundation under the NHG Health Diabetes Reversal Programme, is a true collaboration. Expert clinicians and dietitians from NHG Polyclinics, alongside talented nutritionists from Temasek Polytechnic, carefully curated recipes based on feedback from patients and community volunteers who tested them at home. The result is a collection of practical, easy-to-follow meals suitable for all occasions, with detailed nutritional information on calories, protein, fiber, and more to support diverse health needs.
Associate Professor Karen Ng eloquently stated, “This cookbook is more than a collection of recipes; it’s a bridge that connects families through the joy of cooking and creating cherished memories together.” Ms. Belinda Tanoto added, “Diabetes is a significant health challenge in Singapore. We’re delighted to partner with NHG Health to show that healthy meals can be simple, delicious, and accessible, encouraging small steps toward lasting wellness.”
The cookbook shines with its focus on fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices, ensuring meals are both nutritious and full of flavor. NHG Polyclinics’ compassionate family physicians, dietitians, and nurses will use it to guide patients in selecting recipes tailored to their health goals, such as high-protein, low-sodium dishes for older adults or low-calorie options for those managing weight. The recipes will also be featured in cooking workshops led by dedicated Patient Advisory Council members and volunteers at NHG’s Health Studios.
You can explore this wonderful resource online at for.sg/2025-healthy-cookbook and start preparing healthier, heartwarming meals with your loved ones. As Ms. Pauline Xie, Principal Dietitian and Assistant Director of Clinical Services at NHG Polyclinics, thoughtfully noted, “Many find it challenging to eat balanced meals due to uncertainty about ingredients or nutritional needs. This cookbook simplifies meal planning, even for those with dietary restrictions, inspiring more people to enjoy cooking and eating well.”
Name Glossary
| Associate Professor Karen Ng Chief, Primary Care, Population Health, NHG Health; Chief Executive Officer, NHG Polyclinics | 黄明燕副教授 总主任,基层医疗,国民保健, 国立健保集团; 行政总裁 国立健保集团综合诊疗所 |
| Belinda Tanoto Member of the Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation | 陈昱廷 董事会成员 陈江和基金会 |
| Professor Benjamin Seet Group Chairman Medical Board (Research), NHG Health | 薛寒友教授 集团医疗委员会主席(医学研究) 国立健保集团 |
| Ms Pauline Xie Principal Dietitian Assistant Director, Clinical Services NHG Polyclinics | 谢欣盈 首席营养师 副处长, 医疗事务处 国立健保集团综合诊疗所 |
| NHG Health Fund | 国立健保集团基金 |
| NHG Polyclinics | 国立健保集团综合诊疗所 Poliklinik Kumpulan Jagaan Kesihatan Nasional Nasional |
About NHG Health
NHG Health is a leading public healthcare provider in Singapore recognised for its quality clinical care and its commitment in enabling healthier lives through preventive health, innovative solutions and person-centred programmes tailored to every life stage. Our integrated health system, which spans primary care, hospitals and national specialty centres, includes Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Woodlands Health, Yishun Community Hospital, NHG Polyclinics, the Institute of Mental Health, National Skin Centre and the National Centre for Infectious Diseases.
Together with academic and industry partners, we advance medical education, research and healthcare innovation in Singapore, addressing areas that are critical to Singapore’s population needs. As the Regional Health Manager for Central and North Singapore, NHG Health partners general practices and health and social care agencies to ensure the physical, mental and social well-being of residents in the community.
Together, we are committed to building healthier and resilient communities and Adding Years of Healthy Life to the people we serve.
About NHG Polyclinics
NHG Polyclinics is the primary care arm of NHG Health, the regional health manager for the 1.5 million residents of Central and North Singapore.
NHG Polyclinics provides a comprehensive range of health services for the family, functioning as a one-stop health centre providing treatment for acute medical conditions, management of chronic diseases, women and children health services and dental care. The focus of NHG Polyclinics’ care is on health promotion and disease prevention, early and accurate diagnosis, disease management through physician led team-based care as well as enhancing the capability of Family Medicine through research and teaching.
Through the Family Medicine Academy and the NHG Family Medicine Residency Programme, NHG Polyclinics plays an integral role in the delivery of primary care training at medical undergraduate and post-graduate levels. The Primary Care Academy provides a one-stop primary care training centre for primary healthcare professionals and the community.
About Tanoto Foundation
At Tanoto Foundation, we unlock human potential, help communities thrive, and create lasting impact. Founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, we are an independent family foundation that believes in providing every person with the opportunity to realize his or her full potential. To do so, we catalyze systems change in education and healthcare. Our approach is impact-first, collaborative, and evidence-based. We invest for the long term and strive to develop leaders who can drive sustained, positive outcomes.
In Singapore, Tanoto Foundation’s work focuses on four key areas: medical research, early childhood education and development, leadership development, and community development with the aim of improving lives.
Since 2009, Tanoto Foundation has provided catalytic funding to advance scalable healthcare and medical research initiatives. By leveraging Singapore’s world-class medical research ecosystem and integrated academic healthcare landscape, we have supported pioneering projects that generate evidence, inform policy, and deliver real-world solutions for patients and families.
