Tex-Mex and Mexican spots to try!

Just a few years ago, there were only a handful of Mexican restaurants in Singapore to get your taco, burrito or margarita fix. Now there’s a good stable of both bona fide Mexican restaurants and Tex-Mex food joints to choose from, and we couldn’t be happier. We’ve rounded up some of the best for you to try. Buen apetito!

Kebabs Faktory

As you can tell by the name, this hip joint does a fab kebab, but did you know that it also has a spot on the menu for flavour-packed Mexican food? For a quick and easy meal, you’ll love their stuffed-to-the-brim burritos filled with black beans, tomatoes, guacamole, rice, onions and topped with their signature Faktory hot sauce and harissa mayo. You get to pick from an array of protein choices to suit your dietary needs and desires – from lamb to chicken (or chicken tikka, if you prefer) and Impossible; or go for the best of both worlds with the mixed meat option. You also get to choose your burrito style – roll or bowl.

There’s a focus on quality ingredients here, with everything prepared freshly in-store each day. What’s more, Kebabs Faktory is takeaway-friendly and the service is quick, so you’ll be in and out in no time. Watching your calories? You can also build your own Faktory salad bowl with a myriad of toppings including guacamole, salsa and more.

5 locations island-wide | kebabsfaktory.com

Guzman y Gomez

Originally from Sydney, Guzman y Gomez made its way to Singapore in 2013. Since launching its first Mexican restaurant in Asia Square, the team has expanded to 13 outlets, including Orchard Gateway and The Star Vista. The latest and largest outlet at Serene Centre offers a more extensive selection of alcohol, including draft beer.

The menu at this Mexican restaurant is simple and straightforward. For a quick and easy meal, go for the burrito, tacos or nachos, or upscale things with an enchilada, which consists of your favourite burrito topped with salsa, sour cream, guacamole and melted jack cheese – yum! Once you’ve chosen your style of main, take your pick from seven delicious fillings, including grilled chicken, grilled steak, slow-roasted pork, pan-seared barramundi and sautéed vegetables with guacamole.

Still hungry? Finish things off with a serving of the oh-so-popular churros with dulce de leche. Fried-to-order and then rolled in cinnamon sugar, these make the perfect treat to end a meal!

13 locations island-wide gyg.com.sg

Platypus Cantina

This hip Mexican restaurant offers pocket-friendly dishes in a vibrant East Coast space. On top of staples like soft tacos, “overloaded” burritos and quesadillas, you’ll also find a wide selection of pastas, burgers, salads and grilled meats on the menu.

If you’re dining in a group, the tortilla sharing platters are great fun. The 12 Naked Tacos, for example, will feed two to four people, and includes 12 tacos with four signature fillings (fish, carne asada, pork carnitas, pollo asado) and a generous serving of fresh guacamole. On the menu, you’ll also discover hard-to-find dishes like Mexican black bean soup along with Tex-Mex options such as Baja habanero and honey hot wings.

If all that spice is working up a thirst, wash your meal down with a margarita; alternatively, easy-drinking Cantina cocktails like red and white sangria will complement the hearty Mexican fare.

171 East Coast Road
6344 0166 | eat@platypuscantina.net
platypuscantina.com

Papi’s Tacos

This taqueria in Tanjong Pagar and 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 have plenty of options for Mexican food as well. 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.

Papi’s Tacos – Seah Street
39 Seah Street
6258 0710 | papis-tacos.com

Papi’s Tacos – Tanjong Pagar
33 Tanjong Pagar Road
9107 8857 | papis-tacos.com

Hola Mexico

Located in the buzzing Cuppage Terrace strip at Orchard, this newish spot is all about fun, fresh Mexican 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

We hope you found this feature on Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants interesting; click here if you’d like to read more food reviews.