First Impressions: No Queue, No Fuss
Walking into The Coconut Club at 97 Frankel Avenue felt like stepping into a cozy, modern canteen with a nod to tradition—think green ketupat-inspired decor and a laid-back vibe. It was a weekday around noon, and I was pleasantly surprised: no snaking queue! Maybe I’d cracked the code to avoiding the crowds that swarm their Beach Road flagship. The staff were friendly, the place was buzzing just enough to feel alive, but not so packed I had to elbow my way to a seat. So far, so good.
The Order: Signature Ayam Goreng Berempah and Beef Rendang
I went straight for the classics: the Signature Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah ($21) and the Beef Rendang ($24) as an add-on. The nasi lemak comes with all the staples—coconut rice, fried egg, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and their house sambal—plus a hefty spiced fried chicken leg. The beef rendang? A rich, slow-cooked side I couldn’t resist pairing with that fragrant rice.
Here’s the kicker: the food arrived looking gorgeous—big, generous portions that could easily feed a small army (or one very hungry me). But—and this is a big but—it wasn’t hot. Lukewarm at best. For a dish that’s all about comfort and bold flavors, I was bummed it didn’t hit the table piping hot. Did it ruin the meal? Nah, but it definitely dulled the magic a bit.
The ayam goreng berempah was a standout, though. That crispy, spiced coating had a satisfying crunch, and the chicken was juicy with hints of lemongrass and turmeric. The coconut rice? Fluffy and subtly sweet, cooked with their fancy cold-pressed coconut milk (sourced from family plantations, no less). It’s not as greasy as some hawker versions, which I appreciated, but it still had that signature lemak charm. The sambal was sweet and aromatic, though I’d have loved a fiercer kick of spice—my Malaysian taste buds were ready for a punch!
The beef rendang was tender and packed with flavor—coconutty, earthy, and just a little sticky in that perfect rendang way. At $24, it’s a splurge, but the portion was hefty enough to justify it… almost. Honestly, the price tag on both dishes left me feeling like I’d paid for the Michelin prestige as much as the food itself. For comparison, a killer nasi lemak at a hawker stall might set you back $5-$7. Here, you’re dropping $45 total for two dishes. Worth it? Depends on your wallet and vibe.
The Coconut Coffee: A Surprise Star
To wash it all down, I grabbed their coconut coffee—and oh boy, this was the sleeper hit of the meal! It came with this intoxicating coconut aroma that hit me before I even took a sip. Imagine freshly grated coconut mingling with robust coffee—it’s like a tropical wake-up call in a cup. Not too sweet, nicely balanced, and honestly, I’d come back just for this. If you’re a caffeine fiend with a soft spot for coconut, don’t skip it.
The Verdict: Big Portions, Big Price, Bigger Expectations
So, how do I sum up The Coconut Club Siglap? It’s a polished take on nasi lemak that’s heavy on quality ingredients and portion size, but it didn’t fully wow me. The lukewarm food was a letdown, and the price felt steep for what landed on my plate—$21 for the chicken nasi lemak and $24 for the rendang is restaurant territory, not hawker fare. That said, the flavors were solid, the coconut coffee was a delight, and the vibe was chill yet upscale. It’s not halal-certified (no pork or lard, though), so keep that in mind if it’s a dealbreaker.
🌟 Practical Tips for Visiting The Coconut Club Siglap
- Time It Right: Hit the Siglap branch on a weekday中午 (lunchtime) to dodge the queues. Weekends get busier, especially with that brunch menu drawing crowds.
- Bring a Friend: Portions are massive—split a nasi lemak set and a side to keep costs and fullness in check.
- Ask for Hot Food: If temperature matters to you (it does to me!), politely ask the staff to ensure your dish comes out fresh and hot.
- Explore Delivery: Can’t make it in person? Order via Foodpanda, Deliveroo, or GrabFood—just check branch availability first.
📌 Branch Addresses & Social Links
- Beach Road (Flagship): 269 Beach Road, Singapore 199546
- Siglap: 97 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458222
- New Bahru: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-14, Singapore 239351
📣 Social Links & Delivery
- Official Facebook: facebook.com/TheCoconutClubSG
- Instagram: instagram.com/thecoconutclubsg
- Delivery Links:
🎯 Final Thoughts: What’s Your Take?
The Coconut Club Siglap is a vibe—fancy enough for a treat, chill enough for a casual lunch. It’s not perfect (hello, lukewarm plates!), but it’s got charm, big bites, and that Michelin glow. If you’re a nasi lemak purist or a traveler chasing Singapore’s food scene, it’s worth a stop. So, tell me—what’s your go-to nasi lemak spot, and how does it stack up to this? Drop your thoughts below—I’m all ears!
Review Details
RATING | PERNILAIAN | 评分 | CUISINES | MAKANAN | 餐 |
🧡 3/5 | Local |
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PRICE | HARGA | 价格范围 | MEALS | MAKAN PADA | |
$20-30 |
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Prices and availability may vary. Please check with the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
