Thai-Chi Cuisine at Coca Restaurant | A Fusion of Thai Flavors and Chinese Comfort

If you’re a gastronomic adventurer like me and my husband, then chances are your taste buds are always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors.

Giving in to food cravings is something we truly enjoy whenever we get the chance. When it comes to peppers, spices, and bold ingredients, some prefer just a hint, others go all in, and then there are those who aren’t satisfied unless their taste buds are on fire.

Here in Asia, spices are practically part of our culinary identity, which is probably why many of us naturally gravitate toward richer, spicier dishes.

One particular restaurant that kept popping up with great reviews is a Thai-Chinese fusion spot located on the 5th floor of SM Aura Premier. Naturally, with all the buzz around its flavorful and spice-filled dishes, we had to check it out. And yes, I was more than happy to be part of the “investigation team” (okay, it was actually a blogger invite, haha).

Coca Restaurant offers the best of both worlds and is especially known for its “Suki” steamboat dining, a Thai-style hot pot where diners cook vegetables, meat, and noodles in a simmering, flavorful broth.

Upon entering, the elegant table setup, complete with flowing draperies for a touch of dramatic flair, immediately sets a sophisticated tone and helps elevate the overall dining experience.

They also have a recently-launched COCA Bar to bring you unique infusions and concoctions to enhance your Thai-Chinese cuisine experience.

If only this bar were closer to where we live, you would definitely find me here often with friends because of its relaxing ambiance. It’s the kind of place that instantly puts you at ease.

It’s also quite popular among locals as an after-work or late-night spot for drinks and meals. You’ll mostly see professionals from nearby offices or mall-goers winding down after a long day, making it a really pleasant and laid-back place to relax and hang out.

Yes, all ladies in stilettos get 50% off on selected drinks! Have fun on Wednesdays!

Of course, the moment we were all waiting for, the food.

This particular salad is a real treat for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors. The Spicy Roasted Duck Salad, made with cucumbers, fresh herbs, and tender roasted duck, offers a refreshing contrast of textures and tastes.

While the level of spice was a bit too intense for my personal preference, the overall experience was still satisfying and enjoyable.

This is their Chicken en Papillote, chicken pieces wrapped and cooked in a sealed pouch. It’s designed to lock in flavor and tenderness, creating a rich and aromatic dish with every bite.

It’s said to be part of Coca Restaurant’s long-standing culinary identity, carrying with it decades of their signature taste and tradition. A must-try exclusively at COCA Restaurant.

Another new discovery for me was the Seafood Durian Spring Roll.

And I can assure you of one thing, the durian flavor is not overpowering, which is great for those who aren’t fans of Davao’s most famous fruit. Instead, the taste leans slightly sweet, making it feel more like a dessert than a main course.

Definitely a must-try, I tell you!

In traditional Chinese cuisine, fish is often steamed and topped with scallions, cilantro, ginger, and soy sauce to enhance its natural flavor. However, the steamed fish served to us here was presented in a slightly different style, featuring a delicate white sauce, somewhat reminiscent of mayonnaise in texture, paired mainly with herbs.

This variation allowed the aromatics to gently infuse into the fish, bringing out its natural freshness while letting the subtle flavors shine through the flesh of the fish.