Wild Coco and Laksa Labo in Hamilton Road

Many “atas” (higher-end) restaurants in Singapore now serve elevated versions of nasi lemak and other street food at premium “atas” prices. However, Wild Coco maintains a balance between a restaurant setting and reasonable pricing. It provides a comfortable, air-conditioned environment for diners, with prices for laksa starting at $10.90 while the most basic nasi lemak is priced at $7.90.

Local Heritage Dishes at Hamilton Road

Wild Coco in Hamilton Road is located in a block of conserved shophouses designed in the Art Deco style by Chung Hong Woot, a pioneer Singaporean architect and structural engineer. The building is part of the Jalan Besar Conservation Area, which is recognized for its unique mix of Art Deco and “Modern Shophouse” architecture.

Started as a stall in a McNair Road coffeeshop space, Wild Coco is known for its neatly plated, Malaysian-style nasi lemak made with fresh coconut milk and no MSG. Laksa Labo was originally a separate stall in the same McNair Road space, also operated by the owner of Wild Coco (8days has an interesting story about Rich, Creamy Laksa Cooked By 73-Year-Old Hawker In Hipster Kopitiam). At Hamilton Road, Wild Coco serves both its signature nasi lemak and the laksa from Laksa Labo.

The restaurant occupies a ground-floor unit. The decor merges a tropical theme with nostalgic kopi tiam touches. There are antique typewriters and vintage radios on display and the floor tiles evoke a sense of old Singapore.

The seating arrangement is versatile. It features a mix of communal wooden tables and smaller two-seaters. Consequently, the space feels spacious enough for large groups yet remains suitable for couples and solo diners. There is also limited outdoor seating for those who prefer the bustle of the street.

The Menu of Wild Coco

The menu focuses on a few signature categories rather than an overwhelming list of options. It highlights local street food reimagined with a slight premium touch. There is a list of nasi lemak and a selection of laksa. Sides, one dish meals, and desserts are also available.

Below are pictures of the menu of Wild Coco at Hamilton Road.

Lunch at Wild Coco Hamilton

We had lunch at Wild Coco recently. The staff welcomed us and provided a physical menu. We placed our orders by scanning a QR code. Both food and drinks were served directly to the table and, generally, the waiting time was very short.

Ayam Berempah Leg Nasi Lemak at Wild Coco

The Ayam Berempah Leg Nasi Lemak ($17.90) is one of the signature items. The coconut rice was fragrant fluffy. There was no greasiness. The chicken leg was deep-fried to a dark golden brown. Despite the crispy exterior, the meat inside was succulent. A generous amount of crispy dried anchovies and peanuts were served with the nasi lemak. The sambal leaned toward a sweeter profile. It was a very enjoy version of nasi lemak.

Another signature item we tried was the Lasak Labo Eggy Laksa ($10.90). It apparently was based on a recipe from the 1960s. The deep orange coconut mil based broth was rich and thick. The “eggy” portion referred to a sunny side up egg placed atop the thick bee hoon. Slices of fish cake and fried beancurd puffs (tau pok) were the other ingredients in the bowl. The thick rice vermicelli retained a firm bite. The dish was flavourful and satisfying.

To conclude the meal, we had the Sago Coco ($6.90) which offered a refreshing contrast to the mains. The chilled dessert featured small tapioca pearls in cold coconut milk, topped with nata de coco and crisp coconut shavings. The sweetness was restrained, and there was a pleasant mix of textures. Overall, it was an enjoyable dessert that did not feel too heavy.

The traditional Kopi ($2.50) and Teh C ($2.70) were of the standard that one would expect from popular chains such as Ya Kun and Fun Toast.

Heritage Dishes in Comfortable Setting

Service at Wild Coco is friendly and efficient. The space is plesant and comfortable. For those driving, street parking is available directly outside the premises, and a public car park is nearby. Commuters can also reach the location easily, as several MRT stations are within walking distance.

Wild Coco is an unpretentious establishment with a versatile all-day menu. It serves as a reminder that heritage dishes do not always require a hawker centre setting to remain authentic. Instead, patrons can enjoy these traditional flavours in a comfortable, contemporary space without paying a very high “atas” price.