Coco vegetarian Peranakan cuisine is a small cosy peranakan restaurant offering affordable Nyonya style vegetarian cuisine in the convenience of a downtown mall in Marina Square Mall. Let’s have the joint a dinner dine-in today.
On cultures, the Peranakan are known for their rich cross-culture foods. They are often popularised as a fusion and melting pot of multiple cultures all in one. Also, the interior of the restaurant walls reflects this sentiment too with walls decked with some classic murals of streets wallpapers.
The Peranakan restaurant is tucked on the upper 2nd floor of within Marina square mall. Notably, the restaurant opened on Aug 2019, just before the pandemic lockdown measures struck. Also, the restaurant staff are very friendly, and your dishes are promptly served upon ordering. Let’s tuck in.
What’s on the menu
Furthermore, what sets this veggie restaurant apart from other typical vegetarian establishments are their specialisation in Peranakan Nonya cuisine offerings. Examples includes Pongteh vegetarian chicken, rendang turmeric rice, Nyona curry veggie chicken ($15.90), and Bak Kut Teh. Also, Coco vegetarian prides themselves of not using egg, garlic, or onion in their dishes.
Having said that, their menu offerings revolve about vegetarian of local favourites. Recommended dishes includes Singapore Laksa, Nyona Yong tau foo and a rather cool blue Nasi lemak ($12.90). Moreover, Coco vegetarian a-la-carte selections are best paired with rice as a hearty Asian-style meal itself. Also, a good way to enjoy dining here at Coco is the order the variety of dishes to share as a group. It is tad like a sampler of each Nonya dish.
Local favourites
A recommendation be their Singapore Laska ($12.90). It is a nice “replica” to the Singaporean staple we come to love. Also, their laska gravy is tad on the thicker and chunky side which could be a hit or miss with patrons. Still, you can taste traces of which adds texture into the rather rich and creamy sauce. This is without overwhelming the flavour of the accompanying noodles and condiments such as mock tau pok and beancurd.
Moreover, another enjoyable dish is their Nonya Yong Tau Foo, served bubbling in a claypot bowl. Also, it is one of their lighter offerings and best paired with a bowl of rice. Additionally, their Satay bee hoon ($12.90) is one of the more authentic offerings which tastes like the real thing. The noodles a fried well with accompanying mock “squid” toppings which has a texture more like chicken, despite being largely off soya products.
Furthermore, other interesting dishes be the Nasi lemak ($12.90), served with blue-coloured steamed butterfly pea flower coconut rice. The butterfly pea flower rice is interesting touch also known in it’s Malay name Nasi Kerabu. The Otah has a nice burnt Otah flavor without feeling oily.
Affordable Great tasty, in moderation
Additionally, do expect to pay a premium for Peranakan foods. However, the offerings here at Coco are surprisingly affordable ,with great quality without breaking the bank. The dishes are also prepared well with good presentation. Also, prices are affordable too at under the $13 range for a dish. It is tad a more down to earth and a more reasonably-priced and affordable version of the offerings at competing restaurants like Violet Oon for instance.
Moreover, the dishes here are tasty-rich, probably tad too rich to my liking for frequent consumption. Also, I would beg to differ if you leave the restaurant full with the impression of a healthy meal just because it is vegetarian. Having said that, Coco vegetarian dishes are flavourful, but I would find it hard pressed to see myself dining here often. A once in a while Nonya meal be good, but still it could be out of personal preferences for eating healthier.
Wrapping up, do note that the store does closes early at 830pm, with last evening orders by 8pm. This is considerably much earlier than most stores here in Marina Square which typically opens till 930pm and some even up to 10pm like Astons salad and steak here.
All in all, Coco Peranakan vegetarian restaurant is a great place if you desire to have a taste as close to authentic Singaporean food staples, but vegetarian. I found Coco offerings are well prepared and of good quality. One of the more affordable offerings for vegetarian Nonya cuisines in Singapore without breaking the bank. Just not something I would eat everyday.
Verdict:
Must Go! | Actually pretty Good | Worth Trying | Shortlist Optionally | Should Avoid
Makan Place Locality Map
Coco Peranakan vegetarian restaurant
Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd, #03- 130A,
Singapore 039594
Opening Hours: 11am–3pm, 5–9pm
Closed on Tuesdays.
