Just a few years ago, there were only a handful of Mexican restaurants in Singapore. There are now over a dozen bona fide Mexican and Tex-Mex food joints to choose from, and we couldn’t be happier. We’ve rounded up some of the best to try, from good ol’ mainstays to a few newer kids on the block. Buen apetito!
Papi’s Tacos
This taqueria in the CBD’s got everything you’d ever want from an authentic Mexican restaurant – vibrant atmosphere, fun food and ice cold margaritas.
Start off by snacking on some chips, guacamole and pico de gallo (you can get all of them as part of the ‘Holy Trinity’, $11), and definitely don’t miss out on the esquites (grilled, off-the-cob street corn with smoked chipotle aioli and cheese).
For mains, Papi’s has heaps of options – from burritos and quesadillas to eight different types of tacos. Brand new to the taco selection is the beef brisket taco, which is a must-try for any meat-lover. Can’t decide on which to order? Get the Papi’s Platter ($55), which includes eight tacos, plus the Holy Trinity!
Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for, too. In addition to the already-popular vegan taco ($11 for two; $16 for three) made with veggies, Papi’s has launched the Impossible Taco – plant-based meat, guacamole, homemade tomato salsa, lettuce, coriander and guajillo hot sauce in a corn tortilla. There’s also a new ‘Cheat on Meat’ Burrito, made with Impossible plant-based meat, flour tortilla, guacamole, capsicum, onion and salsa verde.
Of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without some tequila! And, seeing as Papi’s Tacos was started by the guys behind world-famous bar Employees Only, you’re definitely in good hands on the cocktail front. Feeling brave? Try the habanero chilli margarita ($17) – yum!
Finally, don’t miss Papi’s awesome happy hour from 3 to 7pm daily. You can get $9 drinks including Singapore Lager Draught, frozen lime margaritas, house wine by the glass and house-pour spirits.
39 Seah Street
6258 0710 | papis-tacos.com
Hola Mexico
Located in the buzzing Cuppage Terrace strip at Orchard, this newish spot is all about fun, fresh food, with a menu of authentic dishes, including traditional hand-me-down recipes and others that are representative of all regions of Mexico.
Start with the Little Devils (piqueño Diablo; $16) – jalapeño chillies stuffed with cream cheese and beans, served with sour cream and tomato sauce. They’re spicy, so make sure you’ve got a margarita on hand to help cut through the spice! We’d suggest a classic lime margarita ($13) or the restaurant’s tamarind margarita ($14), which offers a saltier, spiced-up taste.
Also, don’t miss trying the Habanero buffalo wings ($16). They’re so good, you’ll want to lick the plate after you’ve licked your fingers clean! Choose your level of spice from one to ten, but don’t go too crazy. We can certainly handle a bit of heat, but level two was ideal for our group of diners with mixed tastes! (Even level two is on the spicy side!)
From burritos, tacos, enchiladas and prawns diablo (spicy prawns) to Veracruzano fish and achiote chicken, there are mains to suit any palate. We particularly love the fajitas! Choose from lamb ($27), prawns ($28), chicken ($24) or grilled veggies ($20). Served with guacamole, salsa and warm flour tortillas, you definitely can’t go wrong with this menu favourite.
And, if you’ve managed to save space for a sweet treat, order the Kahlua tiramisu ($12) for a killer finish to your meal.
Whether you dine indoors or al fresco, you’ll get to enjoy this Mexican restaurant’s vibrant and colourful setting. We suggest sitting outside by the bar, a lively spot that makes for great people watching!
21 Cuppage Road
6282 5520
Señor Taco
Señor Taco has everything from chicken enchiladas ($24) to burritos ($19) to ceviche ($21), but it’s their tacos are what they’re truly known. Some of the most popular picks include the Carnitas ($8) with pork belly, and the Al Pastor ($7), marinated pork or chicken with pineapple atop a corn tortilla. And, if you’re more into fish, there’s the Baja ($8), consisting of beer-battered fish, red and white cabbage, pico de gallo and a chipotle-mayo sauce.
With a casual dining area outside, Señor Taco is set up as much for diners as it is for those looking to enjoy a night out. In fact, there’s a “real” Latin band that performs, making it a great dancing spot for date night or with a group!
3A River Valley Road, #01-07
Lucha Loco
Known for its flavour-packed Mexican street food, this vibrant cocina always makes for a good (and delicious) time. Everything is yum hre, but some of the absolute must-tries here include elotes(grilled street corn smothered in cotija cheese and chipotle mayo; $7), ceviche with red snapper, mango, serrano chilli, mint and coconut (so good!) and Barbacoa tacos ($12; braised lamb, grilled tomato, mint and onion salsa).
15 Duxton Hill
El Mero Mero
El Mero Mero serves an extensive selection of fabulous flavours from all corners of Mexico – and with a modern twist. We particularly love the hamachi and coconut ceviche ($21), tortilla soup ($16), Kurobata Al Pastor taco ($13), char-grilled baby corn sampler with chilli mayo ($15) and tequila pecan pie ($14) – yum!
There’s also plenty of outdoor seating with great music, and an alfresco bar serving up a wide range of tequilas, mezcals, cocktails and Mexican beers.
30 Victoria Street, #01-20 Chijmes
Cha Cha Cha
Cha Cha Cha has been whipping up Mexican dishes in Holland Village (32 Lorong Mambong) for over 20 years, which makes this vibrant spot something of a dining veteran in Singapore. The key to their success is the fuss-free menu of Mexican classics – from rice and stew to tacos and burritos – and a festive, relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Popular dishes include sizzling fajitas, tacos and big burritos with refried beans and Mexican rice.
Cha Cha Cha also has a second outlet at Sixth Avenue!
Café Iguana
This Clarke Quay favourite has a menu packed with Tex-Mex treats like giant steak, chicken and fish burritos, tacos, chimichangas, fajitas and queso fundido, not to mention great margarita specials. Sit on the terrace for a riverside view of Clarke Quay.
30 Merchant Road, #01-03 Riverside Point
El Patio Mexican Restaurant and Wine Bar
This brightly coloured, indoor-outdoor Holland Village eatery and Mexican bar has been going since 1986, offering tasty menu items like jalapeño poppers, smoky ranchero wings, lamb, chicken, beef and shrimp burritos, quesadillas, tacos and fajitas, plus churros with chocolate ganache and vanilla ice cream.
34 Lorong Mambong
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