Small but nice place. It was surprisimg to see that not only could you fimd good food here, but they also sold jewelry. Gave me quite a chuckle.
Generous portions. Try the roti canai and grilled pork. They were both delicious. The noodles were ok, but it could use more umami flavor.
My first NYC food review in what feels like four hundred eons! Today I went to Elmhurst, seeking something spicy and filling. I originally planned on going to local-favorite Vietnamese joint, Thai Son. But some hi-jinx led me to Elmhurst Avenue, where Coco, another place on my list, was mere meters away.I was the first customer of the day, having arrived right at opening time. The hole-in-the-wall had top forty radio blaring, with the quick banter of two young waitresses providing a rare escape from middling autotune. I ordered a red curry with chicken, because despite the restaurant’s proclamation of being both Thai and Malaysian, one of my friends had recommended the Thai section of the menu. Besides, who doesn’t love a nice, spicy red curry on a crisp spring day? Well, many people, surely, but I am not many people. After a week in California, I had missed spicy food. Finally, something with real warming flavors.I heard steaming and sizzling from the kitchen. An ever comforting smell. I sat at my dark-oak table, my hands pressed slightly on the thin layer of glass, listening carefully to the sound of searing meat. I sipped on my water, eating the ice-cubes as they came, a strange taste underlay the water, but I couldn’t place it. In retrospect, perhaps it was a faint infusion of rice. I’ve had rice water before, not for many years, but I have a vague recollection of it tasting similar to Coco’s water.Most of the interim time was consumed looking out the window. I looked past the posters obscuring the bottom half of Coco’s four front window, and cautiously observed the heads of passing people, constraining my curiosity as to avoid notice. Another man came in soon after me, I watched him watch the waiter who was watching him enter. Then, my curry arrived.I noticed four things in the curry: first, the warm but not overwhelming temperature, second the light but appreciated spice, apparent, but not overwhelming the chicken. I would’ve liked a little more punch spice-wise, but there was no scarcity of heat. Third, I noticed a wonderful injection of coconut, and a beautiful mix of juicy, warm, spicy chicken, and acidic, quick, abrasive pineapple. Like fantasy bridging the strange and the familiar, Coco bridged classic comfort food of old America with the refreshing, warm pallet typical of Thai cuisine. The fourth thing was salt.Salt. Oh the salt. Coco was too salty. Noticeably salty. I need two more glasses of water salty. Alright, not that bad, but still. The salt was a little too prevalent. Reduce the salt, and Coco’s red curry would’ve been in contention for best dish of my life. It was still excellent, just not top-tier.Compared to other Thai joints in Elmhurst and neighboring Jackson Heights, Coco had more coconut nodes, as the name implies. I appreciated the increased fruitiness and acidity. The curry was also wonderfully wet. Neither the fruit or the liquid were overdone. Balance. The curry was almost perfectly balanced, a little less salt and it would’ve been otherworldly.Still, Coco has wonderful food, fair prices, and easily warrants a second visit. Add in solid, quick service, and Coco becomes an enticing prospect for all enjoyers of Thai food. Will definitely check out something Malaysian next time.Rating: 8.5/10.
We were craving Curry Laksa and it brought us here. Very delicious indeed! We ordered other dishes too like the Chicken Satay, Shrimp roll and Oyster pancake. I had the coconut shake too. Everything came out good and definitely coming back!
Used to go there a lot but this was my first time ever since the pandemic. The food was quite authentic with great portion, service was okay. Would be back if I am in that area and craving for southeast Asian Cuisine.
I would have given Coco 1 star but I want to give this place a shot again just to be fair. However, it would take a lot of convincing to bring me back to this place. Been to Coco couple of times for their lunch special since it opened which was 10-15 years ago, maybe? I know they have changed the management or ownership couple of times.And the quality of food is just going downhill. Was in there couple of weeks ago. Ordered a bowl of curry, okra with chicken and two bowl of Hainan chicken rice. Place was empty. So we were seated right away and food came out in decent amount of time.First of all, bowl of curry was luke warm. I don’t think it’s that hard to heat up a bowl of curry.Secondly, our okra with chicken had 3 pieces of chicken. LOL Ok. I said to myself. Not the end of the world.Thirdly, the Hainan chicken rice was half cooked! How can one open a restaurant and not make sure the rice is not properly cooked? That was just beyond my mind. Nonetheless, not trying to be expert in rice cooking or something. I survived through that experience, but dear Coco management, kindly take note please.
A phenomenally delicious dinner! I only wish we could try everything here. Service was great too! Family run restaurant with authentic pan Asian dishes including excellent Malaysian cuisine.
Decent Malaysian-Chinese (peranakan) restaurant. The most interesting dish we had was the stir fried silver noodles, this is a very time coming process to make those noodles by hand and the results are delicious.
Was craving some authentic Shrimp Curry Laksa from an authentic Malaysian restaurant and this spot did not disappoint! On a cold, wintery day, the staff was so welcoming, and the food came out fairly quickly. The noodles and broth seriously hit the spot for me, the flavors were bursting in my mouth, and overall, I couldn't stop smiling while eating. It was very fairly priced as well for what you got ($14). I left the establishment full. My friend ordered the Dry Curry Beef, and that was also very delicious. Also, the bathroom is absolutely beautiful. It was spacious and clean. Very pleased with my experience.
Friendly and clean. The fish head soup is unique. The pawn noodles are good. Satay is good.