Colico., Toa Payoh: “An approving stamp of entry to the coconut shake club”

The coconut shake craze has not seemed to cease, despite our second—or third? I can’t keep count anymore—round of dining restrictions, and secretly, that makes me happy. I don’t fawn over newness and brands, but somehow the coconut shake madness is an infectious trend that I, along with countless others, can’t seem to shake off. But that’s why hearing that Colico. just opened a few bus stops away from our Toa Payoh office was music to my ears—a tune I was happy to play on repeat.

It took some searching and keeping our eyes peeled before we found the stall hidden away a few rows from the entrance. I suppose I felt slightly elated about its hidden location so that I wouldn’t have to contend with too-long queues at the peak of lunchtime takeaways.

What I tried

I had to restrain myself from ordering half the menu—because I’m just greedy like that—so I went with three distinct choices, based on what I felt would draw most people’s attention. And also, because I had to down all the drinks myself, so I didn’t want to get too crazy.

The first was the standard Original Coconut Shake (S$3.90) which only comes in a 500ml serving, but is sufficient enough to quench this parched body. I opted not to add any toppings since it was my first try, but I decided if I really liked it, I would certainly return and go ham on extra top-ups (which range from S$0.50 to S$0.70 per topping).

It’s an opaque white beverage, with little visibility of chunky coconut bits until you take your first sip. Be sure to shake well before consumption so you’re not sadly left with all the good stuff abandoned at the bottom of an empty cup once you’re done. It was sweet—but not saccharine—and it’s a drink that’ll serve well as both an accompaniment to your meal or as a mid-day pick-me-up. The drink certainly didn’t lay heavy on my palate so you won’t be desperately seeking water to relieve you of its cloying honeyed notes.

Remember when matcha madness was around? It’s now that friend who’s mostly quiet and shy, but still trying to always get invited to the cool kids’ table in fear of being left out. Personally, I still devote a good amount of energy to matcha because she’s a reliable friend, but in this case—the Coconut Matcha Iced (S$4.90)—I didn’t want her to stick around for very long.

As much as I really wanted Colico.’s combination to surprise and win me over, there’s a bitterness in matcha that doesn’t quite gel with coconut water. Perhaps I’m too much of a purist to accept any other marriage but matcha and soy milk, but after a few sips of this, I had to raise my white flag.

To complete this trifecta of coconut shake taste test, I had to go for the Coconut Lotus Shake (S$4) because we all know who the hip new girl in town is (it’s Lotus Biscoff, BTW). Again, I’d implore you to give this a good shake before drinking and also, don’t set this drink aside for too long, if not you’re in for a cold, sweet drink with lumpy cookie bits.

The biscoff crumbs lent a nutty taste to the coconut drink, which was very much welcomed and embraced. At parts, it reminded me so much of peanut butter—minus the inconvenient sticking to the roof of your mouth. Watch out, this girl knows what she’s talking about.

Final thoughts

After trying the “fancier” flavours, I’d like to return to try the simpler options such as Coconut Sugarcane Juice and Coconut Chrysanthemum Shake, coupled with a fun Lychee Popball. If they can manage their icon, the Original Coconut Shake, I’m confident their other straightforward concoctions would fare well. As for my inclination to give Colico. an approving stamp of entry to the coconut shake club, it’s a definite yes.

Now, go forth and boldly brave through the muggy heat of Lorong 8 Toa Payoh Hawker Centre and claim your coconut shake before the herd hears of this slightly hidden gem soon enough.

Expected damage: S$3.50 – S$6 per pax

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