[Melbourne] Coconut House 馬來大排擋

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Coconut House 馬來大排擋

Add: 449 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9329 6401
Hours: 11am~9:30pm
Price: 10~15 AUD/person
Visited on: 2012-04

My first meal in Melbourne, curiously, was Malaysian food. A local friend asked whether I’d like to try Coconut House (馬來大排擋), apparently the best Malaysian/Singaporean restaurant in Melbourne, and I thought…why not?

As it was still early for dinner, we were seated right away, though I heard this popular restaurant is usually very packed during prime hours. What we had: Traditional Curry Laksa (8.60AUD), Hainanese Chicken Rice (7.60AUD), and Hot Teh Tarik (milk tea, 2.90AUD). I quite liked the laksa, a fiery coconut-based curry soup laden with bean curd puffs, fish sticks, eggplant, bean sprouts, seafood, vermicelli, and a thick egg noodle. This bowl is super rich and intense, so I recommend sharing this among two people and order something else on the side.

For something lighter, the Hainanese chicken rice is not a bad choice. The chicken was very tender though a bit lacking in flavor on its own (much better when accompanied by chilli sauce and pounded ginger). The rice wasn’t flavorful as expected, but overall this was an ok dish.

Tag on a cup of hot teh tarik (Malaysian milk tea), and there you have a simple but satisfying meal. I wouldn’t call Coconut House a destination, but it’s a great option for those craving a bit of Southeast Asian comfort.