On Valentine’s Day, before heading out to SM Mall of Asia for our family’s celebration, we visited SM Jazz Mall to check out an investment. At lunch hour, we browsed through the menus of restaurants on the ground floor and loved what we found at COCA CafΓ©.
COCA CafΓ© in SM Jazz Mall (across Beauty and Butter) has more than just a few signature dishes that make it worthwhile, offering a great variety of Thai-Chinese food. It’s one of those places where I can just close my eyes, blindly point to an item on the menu, and feel comfortable to eat whatever will end up on the table. We have tried dining at COCA Restaurant in SM Aura, Taguig last year and we liked everything that was served. How would COCA CafΓ©’s food compare?
Review of COCA CafΓ© Thai-Chinese Food (SM Jazz Mall, Makati City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
COCA CafΓ© looked cozy and inviting, with natural sunlight beaming from one side of the room. This cafΓ© showcases a style that oozes sophistication, elegance, and crisp straight lines that adds character and unique personality to the minimal space.Β Lots of the open walking areas in between tables bring in a sense of uncluttered ambiance and airiness, which is for me, a visual treat. The designs and furniture are perfect for an intimate date or business meeting.
Service: β β β β β
Customer service was really fast and smooth. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable on the menu. I was quite surprised that our orders were conveniently served in less than 10 minutes during a busy lunch, so we enjoyed a quick cook and good food in a time-sensitive and team-oriented environment.
Food: β β β ββ
Appearing as a riot of colors, the Crispy Noodles with Seafood (PhP 250) came with a generous serving of seafood and just the right level of crispiness to the noodles without being too oily. This must be a classic savory Chinese comfort food that’s rich, robust, and flavorsome.
The Grilled Tuna Belly with Rice (PhP 250) was just average at best. For the most part, it tasted like smoke on the outside. Maybe it was grilled too much that the charring added more to the non-enjoyment of the entree. Since we thought the tuna belly was overcooked, it was also dry and we could not taste any juiciness inside.
The Sweet and Sour Fish with Rice (PhP 200) was fairly good, although it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. The tender and lightly fried pieces of fish did neither tasted but nor overly sweet. This dish would be more appetizing if they could increase the sourness.
Price for Value: β β β ββ
There were hits and misses but we had a good time after all. I loved the clean dining area most. The service team deserves an award for being nice accommodating. Budget did not waiver, however, for the quality of food we had this time, price for value could be better.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I personally like their ambiance. By looking at your photos, it’s not the usual cafe I usually go but while getting older I appreciate this kind of cafes too. Food photos looks delicious too! π
Ambiance is low-key and overall welcoming. You can have a good meal here with your friends, especially if you love Thai and Chinese food. π
As usual you’re the first to show me again a cool new Thai-Chinese restaurant several steps from the office. I’ll try this soon. Also, do let me know when you are nearby since I still have your tumbler from the last event or better yet, schedule a meet up.
Ahh haha yeah it has been a while! I always have something up during the weekends so I still cannot find the right timing to meet with you. But as soon as my sched becomes available, I will surely let you know. π
Looking forward to it Roch. Let’s catch up soon.
Yup, food event naman sana haha.
Hmmm After reading this, I think I prefer COCA in sm aura. The ambiance is better. hmmm as for the food, maybe there are still in the stage of having a feel for the cooking. Anyway, the question is.. ANONG INVESTMENT YAN!? wohooooooooooo! π See you soon dear
I also like COCA Restaurant a lot more times better. The environment at the other branch is more inviting and sophisticated. π Regarding the investment, hahaha I will tell you tomorrow when we meet!
I love Thai Food! This looks like a great place to eat for lunch and very affordable too! Thanks so much for sharing. Your pictures make me want to take a bite!
I’ve read in one feature article that the managing group of COCA will be expanding the restaurant/cafe to more locations to cater to more customers. If you’re near SM Jazz, consider to give COCA Cafe a try. π
Looks and sounds like a great restaurant and it sure is cute. We don’t have any really good restaurants at our malls, except one. That food is really making me hungry, lol. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! If you like the taste of Asian food, check this place out. π Staffs are friendly and helpful with the choice of meal.
Looks like a great place to dine! I love the overall look of the place, how it’s simple with splashes of color. To me, that says they focus more on their food than a flashy atmosphere. The food looks yummy too!
This place serves decent food and the portions are enough for sharing. It’s pretty much a good find for Thai-Chinese cuisine.
I like fusion restaurants like this. The foods look delicious! I can’t wait to try their Pad Thai. I’ve been craving for that stuff for a long time now. Ill definitely check this out!
Oh yeah the pad thai must be a house specialty. Let me know if it’s good! For some reason, I’m not sure why I didn’t pick that for my order. Haha. It’s probably because I craved for grilled tuna belly that day. π
I miss eating crispy noodles! I have never seen any here in my area. Wish I could visit Pinas soon. Your photos makes me hungry!
Crispy noodles is a dish that my mom can’t make at home, so having this in COCA Cafe with its irresistible sauce made us want to frolic through meadows and spill tears of joy (quite imaginatively). π
The food looks amazing Thai food is one of Johnβs favorite to eat!!! I love finding new food places when we travel. These looks like a great restaurant to relax and enjoy the company you are with.
Yeah, you can have a quiet date with John here! You can ask the servers for recommendations or options to escape your usual preferences. π
I love the name of the Cafe. P200 is quite expensive for a meal. I haven’t visited SM Jazz Mall though.
I think PhP 200 is quite fair if the quality of ingredients and the taste of food are great.
That’s a shame that the cafe’s food does not compare to the restaurant’s! It’d be nice if they can make sure that their cafe’s taste level to be on par with the restaurant’s ^^. My husband loves crispy noodles, i’m sure he’d salivate if he sees that picture of your crispy noodles!
My mom loves every kind of noodles so she was quick to decide to order this one. Fortunately, it tasted freshly cried and just a little on the watery side. π Oh for sure your husband will like it!
This looks like it would be a great place to go for a meal. I just love the layout and how clean it is inside. The foods looks like it tastes delicious too. Great review.
Thanks, Victoria! π Try it out next time and see if their food deserve a standing ovation. COCA Cafe also has an extensive list of drinks for you to feel more refreshed this summer.
I’m not sure what type of seafood is in the Crispy Noodles with Seafood, but if it contains the kind of items that I eat β then I would want to try that. It’s too bad that most of the dishes did not live up to their appearance because the food looks good. At least you didn’t have to wait long for itβ¦maybe they rushed the process of cooking?
I’m not sure about that. Regardless, I still think that COCA Cafe is worth a try. The prices here are good, the service is quick, and the ambiance is clean and casual.
I love Chinese food. I better head there soon.
Thanks for the thorough review.
You’re welcome, Lux! I recommend this spot if you are in a mood for Thai and it is worth the travel to get here.
What common with Thai and Chinese foods? Noodles, aren’t they? I am very curious on how these foods taste. I am interested to know the difference between Thai and Chinese.
I think there’s more. Maybe rice toppings also count. π
I wanna eat there. Those Crispy noodles looked very tempting. This post made me hungry. I made the mistake of opening this at 11 am and now I am looking for pancit. π
Wahaha certainly that’s the best time to go on and read food reviews with mouthwatering food photos. π
You know what, come to think of it, I haven’t tried doing that to blindly pick any item on the menu. I’d love to try that here at Coca, and take your word for it.
Haha sure, you have to do it next time to level up the spirit of foodie adventure time! π
Oh my gosh, this food looks amazing! I love how small the cafe is…..and the sleek decor! That sweet and sour fish seriously looks delicious!
The vibe truly was very welcoming. Treat yourself some Thai-Chinese food next time! π
I like the fact the dinning area is nice and clean and simple, that’s what I like to see when I’m eating out. This food looks good, nothing really screams at me though. Sweet and sour fish, is that any good? I’ve only had chicken instead, it sounds interesting.
Yes, sweet and sour fish is actually one of our favorites. That’s why my sister immediately chose to order it as soon as she saw it’s available on the menu. Haha. π
My brother in law goes to the Philippines sometimes. I will have to see what he thinks of COCA Cafe! I haven’t had any Thai dishes, but these Thai-Chinese entrees look pretty appetizing to m!!! I’ve never heard of tuna belly! Sorry that it wasn’t the best!!!
Yeah, I have tried other better versions. This one just tastes mostly of smoke. You can try other dishes here and see if they’re any good to your palate. π
Love the cozy ambiance! Looking at those yummy photos even though it is a bit pricey, I bet it is worth a try.
With that said, it’s best to come in with a friend or two, so you can share dishes and make the most out of your visit by choosing to order and taste more dishes in one seating. π
Grilled Tuna Belly for 250 pesos is, I think, a worthy one. Worthy as the price of raw tuna in wet market is a little expensive.
By the way, I’m near SM Jazz, I’ve never notice this Coca restaurant, perhaps this is on the other side of the building. Well, I’ll just check it out when i go onto jogging.
Thanks!
It’s just located opposite Beauty and Butter that’s beside Watsons (ground floor of SM Jazz). There should be no problem finding COCA. If all else fails, you can ask the guard for directions. π
Look at all that yummy food. The sweet & sour fish looks amazing. What a great place to eat.
The sweet and sour fish was ying yang of flavors. It was sweet and a bit salty salty, sour, and savory. Try it!
Looks like a very nice, clean and modern place to eat. I however do not like fish but am sure that I could find something else on the menu that I would love.
Yup, there are plenty of selections on the menu. They also have special meals that run on promotion so make sure to ask for the list when you visit. π
Always great to go to a place with good customer service. The food looks great in the pictures.
Sure. COCA Cafe presents simple dishes with simple and few ingredients yet vary drastically between restaurants. You should try their food at least once. π
Nice review again. Thai-Chinese food that’s a thing for me. I like the place ambiance and the foods price seems reasonable enough.
Thanks, Papa Leng. Bring your family here. π
I love how you clearly broke down the different aspects of the restaurant. Most people only care about the food, but the service and ambiance can ruin a dining experience as much as a bad meal.
Yeah, that’s the standard format I usually go with for food reviews. Thanks for reading, Cassie. π
This food looks yummy! I am really interested and I would love to visit this place!
You can enjoy one of the best Thai-Chinese meals of your life here, Kiwi. π
This makes me want to come back to Asia again. The food, presentation and the wonderful climate. Thank you for the inspiration.
You’re welcome! There’s nothing fancy about the decor or food, but the place is clean and for service, you’ll raise two thumbs up for sure. π
Ohhh that Thai food looks so good! I absolutely love Thai food! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome. π I hope I could share more info, but you just have to go experience this place on your own. It’s good Asian food!
I love that they get 5 stars in service. I wish I was closer
Service was on point. Hope they maintain that even if there’s a lot more customers.
Restaurants like these with lots of atmosphere are great. I love where there’s personality!
It’s not the best place if you’re in a hurry, but if you’ve got the time it’s worth a stop.
Everything looks really good, the crispy noodles & seafood is something I’d probably like. I like the set up at the bar.
Try this place when you’re in the area. π
As always, you make the foods looks more than awesome. Love how you captured the deliciousness out of it. And oh, I haven’t heard about this food establishment until today. Thanks!
Food is fair. The neighborhood is decent. It deserves a visit! π
This place looks incredible. You know it’s a good place when you trust it enough to blindly choose something on the menu. The food looks appetizing and the place itself is very inviting. Your photos definitely make it look like a place that I would want to visit!
This can be your place to go when you’re craving for Thai-Chinese food. π
This looks like such a relaxing place to have a meal! The food looks amazing and fresh.
This is a good option for family-style dining. They accommodate pronto so that’s something to smile about. π
Looks like a nice restaurant! Food looks good!
You should try dining here at least once. π
I love the ambiance—place is totally cool, but prices were way too inflated. By looking at the quantity of the food they serve, so little.
I think each dish is good for one person only and portion is not intended to be shared especially when you’re hungry.
I like simple dining. This place looks like a relaxing atmosphere. Loved all your photos.
COCA Cafe is where you can read a book all day and not get interrupted or bothered by the noise outside. π
This is where I should go when I crave for Crispy Noodles!
Yup! I thought that their Crispy Noodles can rival with that of North Park. π
Besides their ambience, I think their menu is really dishes are really creative and one of a kind. I need to try this one. Thanks for sharing Rochkirstin!
You’re welcome. π
I would love to try that. I will recommend it to my friends, and as I’ve saw there is a bar in it?
Yeah the front portion is a bar, but we did not try any drinks. Maybe next time we will. π
I love Thai food. Probably some of my favorite cuisine! But a good Thai restaurant can be hard to find – there are always hits and misses!
This place serves good Thai-Chinese food, but not enough variety. I would say it’s slightly overpriced for the ambiance and food quality.
i love that Crispy Noodles with Seafood. I just wonder , what kind of seafood they put in it?
Shrimps and squids mostly π
Thai food is delicious and one of my favorites. I am loving your pictures and that Seafood plate looks yummy!
Thanks, Alyssa! All those we had were seafood. Hope you can also check them out soon. π
These look good. I would love to visit here and have some of this good food. Thanks for the review.
You’re welcome! Try ordering fishes that don’t sound or look too familiar on the menu and see if you like them. π It’s nice to test out new things!