Singapore, Reviews

Review: The Coconut Club New Bahru (River Valley)

Nestled in the trendy enclave of New Bahru, in the transformed halls of the former Nan Chiau High School (Just off Mohamed Sultan), The Coconut Club New Bahru restaurant offers 69 seats and a charming vintage-modern decor. It effortlessly blends itself among indie fashion boutiques and cool cafes, building on the unique vibe of New Bahru while offering a refined take on Malayan cuisine.

The Coconut Club is known for serving some of the most expensive Nasi Lemak in Singapore. At $18, It is roughly twice the price of a comparable nasi lemak ayam berempah at a hawker centre. However, it’s good to know though, that besides covering rent and service, some of it is going into premium ingredients like aged Thai jasmine rice for its soft yet firm texture, high-quality ikan bilis (dried anchovies) for a richer taste, and cold-pressed-on-site coconuts for freshness.

The Coconut Club Nasi Lemak

The Coconut Club Nasi Lemak

Honestly, $18 doesn’t sound that bad, considering it’s a restaurant. I mean, your artisanal coffee or bread costs three to four times as much at a chi-chi place.

Nasi Lemak (The Rice)

The Coconut Club - Nasi Lemak Rice

The Coconut Club – Nasi Lemak Rice

Plus, The Coconut Club’s rice is actually good. It was fragrant, a little salty, coconut-y, and fluffy. It didn’t feel heavy or greasy and wasn’t clumpy. It was moreish, especially when paired with the spicy sambal and savoury berempah or ikan bilis. Can’t be beat. I would order an extra bowl.

Quail Goreng Berempah ($18)

The Coconut Club - Quail Goreng Berempah

The Coconut Club – Quail Goreng Berempah

The Quail Goreng Berempah features deep-fried quail that’s been marinated in a spicy rempah blend. The quail meat is distinct from chicken; it’s smaller, with a richer flavour and a slightly firmer, more delicate texture. But because of the bones, I found it crunchier and chewier with overall less meat compared to chicken. Might be worth trying.

Signature Ayam Goreng Berempah ($18)

The Coconut Club - Signature Ayam Goreng Berempah

The Coconut Club – Signature Ayam Goreng Berempah

The Signature Nasi Lemak Ayam Berempah comes with a large deep-fried chicken thigh topped with rempah crispies. While the chicken was well cooked and tender, the rempah spice blend and the accompanying crispies are what I feel, the secret to everything. It’s not only the flavour of the rempah, which is great, but also the crunchy texture of the crispy bits that just makes every bite more enjoyable. Try your luck and request for more crispy bits when making your order.

Homemade Otah ($6)

The Coconut Club – Homemade Otah

Their Otah, a charcoal-grilled fish cake featuring barramundi chunks, herbs, and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, made a great side dish. If you haven’t tried otah before, get this. It adds a different flavour and texture profile to your meal.

Kueh Pie Ti ($16)

The Coconut Club – Kueh Pie Ti

The Kueh Pie Ti, or Flaky tart shells filled with a savoury combination of jicama, cabbage, dried cuttlefish, shrimp, and baby lobster were nice. The shell was perfectly crispy, and the filling, generously packed with shrimp, squid, and baby lobster—full of flavour. The garlic chili sauce added a very nice kick.

The Coconut Club Menu

The Coconut Club River Valley Menu
Coconut Club Menu Desserts

The Coconut Club menu has got some interesting options like Wagyu Beef Roti John ($21), Singaporean Seafood Laksa ($26), Sayur Lodeh Longtong ($18), and Soto Ayam ($18). These dishes seem worth exploring, and I’ve heard good things about their Bakwan Jagung ($12) and Chicken Satay ($18). I might just come back to give them a try.

This menu is accurate at time of posting. Visit https://www.thecoconutclub.sg/menu for up to date information.

In conclusion

I feel The Coconut Club River Valley is a nice pick for anyone looking to try modern and tasty takes on Malayan classics. Don’t come here just for a plate of nasi lemak. Get sides and desserts as well so you leave feeling “complete”. Just keep in mind, the prices are a bit higher than your usual nasi lemak stalls. Expect to spend $20-$30 per pax. The unique vibe of New Bahru also adds to the experience.

I recommend getting Nasi Lemak Ayam Berempah, Beef Rendang, Coconut Shake, Goreng Pisang, and Chendol.


The Coconut Club River Valley (New Bahru)

46 Kim Yam Road #01-14 New Bahru (Big Block) Singapore 239351

How to get into The Coconut Club

WhatsApp us: (65) 9030 0634 | Reservations: https://www.thecoconutclub.sg/reservations

The Coconut Club Operating Hours

Mon, Tue, Thur
Lunch | 11:00—3:30pm, last seating 2:15pm
Dinner | 5:30—10.30pm, last seating 9:15pm

Wed
Lunch | 11:00—3:30pm, last seating 2:15pm

Fri–Sun
Lunch | 11:00—10:30pm, last seating 9:15pm

Things to Note
Reservations – 90 minutes for Lunch and Dinner – min. spend of 30++/guest

How to get to The Coconut Club

Nearest MRT: Fort Canning DT20 (15min walk)
Nearest Parking: Parking is available at New Bahru.


Listed in Best Nasi Lemak in Singapore

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5 thoughts on “Review: The Coconut Club New Bahru (River Valley)”

  1. Had this coconut club river valley. prefer adam road or crave. not as refined but with $18 you can pack the plate with so many ingredients you’ll definitely be satisfied lol. – Coconut Club Review

  2. One of my favorite spots in Singapore, and I’ve already been twice! The food is simple yet superb. It’s always packed, but the lively atmosphere makes it all the better. I love the communal tables—feels like I’m at a big family dinner. This isn’t your usual Nasi Lemak stall; it’s a bit fancy, Yes, it’s pricier $21 for Nasi Lemak with fried chicken but worth it. The rice is great. The chicken is marinate to perfection and bursting with flavour. Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah, this is the place. Très bon!

  3. Come to the coconut club for the full restaurant experience instead of spending $5-6-7 and sweating it out in hawker centres. Prefer their OG location tho! – Coconut Club Review

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