The Legend of Coca

CRAFTED from the old kitchen and then brought to a 20-seat restaurant in Thailand in 1957, Coca Restaurant's legacy from the Phanphensophon family still flourishes today. Its presence in over 10 Asian countries proves its worth as one of Manila's most sought-after restaurants. The origin of the name, kekou, which means "appetising" in Mandarin, reflects the menu. Expect a blend of classic dishes that reveal the authenticity of Thai and Chinese cuisines, and then some delicious modernisations.

Mother Spice Food Corporation, the purveyor of international cuisines in Manila as attested by the lead of the fine dining Mango Tree in Bonifacio High Street Central and casual food chain Slappy Cakes in Eastwood and SM North The Block, has brought the legend of Coca in Manila through the doors of the SM Aura. Marketing Director Eric Teng and Coca Group of Restaurants Trevor McKenzie welcomed Philippine Tatler Dining in an intimate dinner together with select members of the press and other food enthusiasts. Guests had the privilege to be seated with the CEO and president of Coca, Pitaya Phanphensophon, the heir of the family tradition, who flew in from Thailand to teach the traditional cooking techniques to the staff and cook the dishes for the soft launch.

Tatler Dining recommends to start with the Mix Barbecue Platter for its four premium meats: crispy pork belly, soya chicken, Hong Kong style barbecue, and roast duck. Each portion is fresh and succulent, hardly needing any sauce. Another superb appetiser is Coca Chicken in a Paper Bag, a dish of natural chicken flavour with the aroma of pandan leaves in every bite.

Crispy pork belly, soya chicken, Hong Kong-style pork barbeque, roast duck

Durian Seafood Roll 

Among a long list of options, Coca's flagship dish is the suki-style hot pot with two soup varieties - tom yum and chicken salt. Its King Crab with squid, tiger prawn, pork sausage, and corn is distinguished by a strong Cantonese flavour while the Coca Portuguese Chicken Curry and Stif Fried Egg Noodles with Soy Sauce and Vegetables are highly recommended.

The signature Emperor's Platter with Khao Tom, which is also eaten in the traditional hot pot, features an assortment of meat, seafood, fresh vegetables, and glass noodles. The Khao Tom is a serving of rice cooked in suki borht with sesame oil, egg, spring onion, and fried garlic.

For enquiries and reservations, call +632.218.1110 or +63917.813.9760.

Coca Restaurant
Sky Park, 5th Floor, SM Aura Premier
Taguig City