Coco Veggie Nyonya

Coco Veggie Nyonya is a vegetarian restaurant on level 3 of Marina Square that serves Peranakan, or Nyonya, food without meat. It opened in August 2019. The kitchen takes dishes that are usually made with chicken, pork or seafood and cooks them with mock meat, mushrooms and tofu instead.

It is a useful address if you want to try Peranakan flavours but do not eat meat. It also works well for groups where only some people are vegetarian.

What to order

The menu covers rice sets, noodles, fried rice, tofu and vegetable dishes. Peranakan classics sit next to local hawker-style plates. Dishes on its current menu include:

• Special Nyonya Pongteh Vegetarian Chicken, a meat-free version of the dish usually braised with fermented soybean paste
• Vegetarian Rendang Monkey Head Mushrooms with turmeric rice
• Nyonya Kapitan Curry Veggie Chicken and Nyonya Lemongrass Veggie Chicken
• Superior Singapore Laksa and Vegetarian Satay Bee Hoon for a one-bowl meal
• Nyonya Yong Tau Fu and Baked Nyonya Veggie Fish

Monkey head mushroom is a firm, meaty mushroom often used in Chinese vegetarian cooking. It turns up in several dishes here. For vegetable sides, look at the five-flavour brinjal, the sambal okra and the spinach with ginger sauce.

Dietary notes

Vegetarian guides note that the kitchen does not use egg, garlic or onion. The food is not fully vegan, though. A few dishes use butter, such as the fried monkey head mushroom with butter, and the menu does not mark which items are vegan.

If you eat vegan, ask the staff before you order. Vegan guides suggest the satay bee hoon and the superior ramen. Recipes can change, so it is still worth checking on the day.

The setting

The dining room is simple rather than grand, with photos of the dishes framed on the walls. Diners describe it as roomy and good for families. Being inside a mall, it is an easy stop during a day of shopping or sightseeing around Marina Bay. You can also order online for pickup or delivery.

Good to know before you go

• Marina Square mall is due to close on 31 March 2027 for a major redevelopment. If you plan to visit after that date, check the restaurant's Instagram for news of a new address.
• Ask about spice levels if you are sensitive to chilli, as several dishes use sambal or curry.

Nearby

For more Nyonya cooking, with and without meat, see our guide to Peranakan restaurants in Singapore. Marina Square is a short walk from the Singapore Flyer and the Helix Bridge. If you are planning a longer day out, read our guide to things to do in Marina Bay, or browse more restaurants in Marina Bay and the CBD.