Wild Coco, once a humble Nasi Lemak eatery tucked away at McNair Road, has blossomed into a charming 60-seater restaurant at 14 Hamilton Road.
Yup, situated in the pulsating heart of the hip Jalan Besar area.
Upon entry, one is instantly embraced by the cosy tropical aesthetics of the interior.
There are rattan chairs, nest-like lamps hanging above, and a striking wall art of coconut trees, which sets the tone for an relaxing Nasi Lemak meal.
The Nasi Lemak, a notable signature of Wild Coco, is presented “Malaysian-style”.
The rice is cooked with fresh coconut milk during its cooking process, which provides a fluffy base that supports the other components.
The fresh chicken, a sunny-side-up egg, crispy ikan bilis, crunchy peanuts, a dollop of spicy-sweet sambal, and slices of Japanese cucumber complete the plate.
Their celebrated Ayam Berempah Leg ($15.90), brings to the table a hearty meal.
You get well-marinated, beautifully fried golden-brown chicken leg, complete with sour-sweet flavour mix of ginger and lemongrass when you bite into the crust.
It is interesting to note that this dish has witnessed a steady climb in its price, a leap from its previous tags of $9.80 and subsequently $11.80.
But understandable after the move.
A new introduction to the menu, the Ayam Masak Merah Nasi Lemak ($17.90) marries the richness of tomatoes with a subtle undercurrent of spice and sweet, enveloping the chicken in a vibrant red sauce.
The chicken was indeed tender, succumbing effortlessly to the fork.
The sauce boasted a robust tomato profile, though I wished there was more kick in terms of spiciness.
The owner revealed that they mellowed down on the spiciness after customer feedback, so perhaps their goal now is to strike a better balance.
I also thought that the rice could embrace a tad more of that tantalising coconut fragrance.
The true highlight to me was the Awfully Otah ($14.90) – a thick slab of house-made mackerel otah which was juicy and tasty.
Also order the Laksa Labo’s Classic Laksa ($8.90).
It comes served with a peeled tiger prawn, fish cake, tau pok, and yup without cockles. Those fond of the hum will definitely miss its presence, but the star is the broth.
This version has a heavier emphasis on coconut milk, probably because of the influence from the nasi lemak-toting owner.
It gave the broth a richer, creamier, and smoother taste, although it toned down the sharp edge from the spice paste.
The upgraded Wild Coco offers a dining scene that gracefully marries simple comfort with flavours, all enveloped in an environment that feels like a tropical home. I think I will be back again.
Wild Coco
14 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209184
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm (Mon, Wed – Fri), Closed Tues
Other Related Entries
The Coconut Club (Beach Road)
Changi Nasi Lemak (Thomson)
HUSK Nasi Lemak (Bugis Cube)
Wild Coco (McNair Rd)
Dickson Nasi Lemak (Joo Chiat)
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