Singapore’s got a wealth of cuisines and delicacies from around the world, and it’s safe to say Mexican restaurants are among the majority here. From classic and traditional eateries to modern and fusion interpretations. There’s something for everyone.
Since travel is on hold for now, we rounded up 10 of our favourite Mexican restaurants in Singapore. That way you can take a trip around Mexico either through their menu but or their vibrant decor. From menus that serve up classics like chips and salsa to delights like an octopus salad with cactus fig, here are some haunts that you should check out.
If you’re looking to take a trip around the iconic regions of Mexico, Super Loco Robertson Quay‘s cosy cocina y bar needs to be on the top of your list. Their limited October menu pays homage to the diverse regional influences. Starting with a childhood staple, the Tamales ($14) with tender pork carnitas and serrano peppers is the Chef’s favourite. The El Pulpo ($29) is a beautifully charred octopus that was sous vide to keep it soft, and topped with cactus fig, and a dehydrated frijoles soil made from beans. We loved the flavours of this, and were pleasantly surprised by the crunch of the seeds in the cactus fig! The Taco de Concinero ($15) is a surf and turf take with fire-grilled lobster and tender Iberican pork collar, and our favourite part was the touch of crunchy chicharron.
Though the whole menu is available for $65 per person, if there was any dish that you should try we’d say it should be the Empanadas de Calabaza ($13). Seemingly unassuming and understated, the cinnamon-spiced pumpkin pairs beautifully with the habanero and piloncillo syrup and we wanted to bottle it up to go.
They’ve also created regionally-inspired craft cocktails that complement their menu, and our favourite was the Pandan Colada ($18). Using Arquitecto Tequila, their in-house tequila made with a family-run distillery in rural Mexico, we love the subtle and sweet flavours of pandan agave, lime, pineapple, and coconut cream.
P.S. Their dessert offering of Arroz Con Leche was made in collaboration with Tom’s Palette. This tropical interpretation of the traditional Mexican rice pudding dessert was a refreshing and sweet way to end the meal, and we especially loved the crunchy contrast of toasted rice.
Super Loco Robertson Quay is located at 60 Robertson Quay, #01-13 The Quayside, Singapore 238252, tel: 6235 8900
A neighbourhood taqueria with no frills, Papi’s Tacos serves tacos all day from their open kitchen. With a daily happy hour deal from 3-7pm, you can get drinks like Frozen Lime Margarita, House Wine By Glass, Housepour Spirits, and Singapore Lager Draught for $9++. But of course, it wouldn’t be a visit if you didn’t try their tacos. We recommend their Tacos De Pescado ($13), it’s a grilled fish taco with smoked chipotle aioli and fresh cabbage. Or, go for their Tacos De Chorizo ($15) for a combination of grilled Chorizo, homemade chipotle salsa, red onion, coriander, and guacamole.
Papi’s Tacos is located at 39 Seah St, #01-01, Singapore 188395, tel: 6258 0701
This Korean-Mexican fusion eatery is the closest we can get to LA’s famed Kogi BBQ Taco Truck. Founded by Korean Americans, get a mix of Mexican familiars with Korean flavours. Try their Kimchi Carnitas Fries ($19) with braised pork carnitas and kimchi topped with cilantro lime crema, melted cheese and their signature hot sauce. The Galbi Short Rib Tacos ($16) are another must for those of you who love the traditional marinated beef short rib with a twist. This one comes with ssamjang aioli and Asian slaw over corn tortillas.
Vatos Urban Tacos is located at 36 Beach Rd, #01-03 South Beach Quarter, Singapore 189766, tel: 6385 6010
Located in the heart of Dempsey Hill, La Salsa Kitchen & Bar serves up Latin and Tex-Mex cuisine with cocktails that pair beautifully with their counterparts. Their Paella Valenciana ($28) is as authentic as it gets, as they use the best quality seafood and Spanish chorizo sausages. But the eye-catching whimsical and colourful decor is enough to pull you in for a visit for a momentary vacation.
La Salsa is located at 11 Dempsey Rd, #01-17, Singapore 249673, tel: 6475 6976
Situated by the Singapore river, Café Iguana uses fresh ingredients in their food and drinks to keep it all as authentic as possible. Try their Chimichangas, a deep-fried flour tortilla wrap that’s filled with vegetables, onions, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole with your choice of protein (or veg). Plus, Mexican rice served on the side. There’s no doubt this will be a filling dish to add to your selections. We recommend the Prawns Chimichangas ($27) for a twist on the usual.
Café Iguana is located at 30 Merchant Road #01-03 Riverside Point, 058282, tel: 6236 1275
A casual and vibrant Mexican cocnia and garden bar, we love visiting Lucha Loco whenever we get a chance. If you’re dining out, we recommend taking a seat outdoors for the full experience.
For the month of October, they’ll be serving up a special menu with showstoppers like Watermelon and Heirloom Tomato Salad ($13), Seafood Ceviche ($16), Pescado al Pastor Taco ($10) with buttery sautéed barramundi and grilled pineapple, and even a Mole Blanco Chile Relleno ($22). For lovers of Mexican cuisine, you’ll know this dish is rare to come by in Singapore. Lucha Loco’s take is a stuffed poblano pepper with roasted corn, shredded chicken, and a creamy mole blanco sauce. You can also choose to get their entire menu available for a bundle price of $54.
Lucha Loco is located at 15 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089598, tel: 6226 3938
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If you’re looking for dinner with a view, try Señor Taco (CHIJMES) to surround yourself by trees with a beautiful view of a church. You might already recognise the restaurant for its other outlets, namely one at Clarke Quay, but the colourful dining area at CHIJMES is an easy draw for us. Alongside tacos, chips and salsa, and other common orders, we recommend Chicharron En Salsa Verde ($28.90) which is a confit pork chicharrones served with corn tortillas in a spicy green tomatillo sauce
P.S. Venture to La Mexicana nearby to stock up on Mexican groceries if you want to recreate your own Mexican dining experience at home.
Señor Taco (CHIJMES) is located at 30, 01-19 Victoria St, 187996, tel: 8289 7860
For after-work drinks and dinner plans, drop by Piedra Negra in the heart of Haji Lane. This cocktail-friendly Mexican eatery is a must if you’re looking to snack on chips and guacamole with cocktails all night. The Traditional Ceviche ($12.90) is another one to add to your order for a refreshing pairing.
Piedra Negra is located at 241 Beach Road Singapore 189753, tel: 6291 1297
Singapore’s oldest Mexican restaurants, Cha Cha Cha serves up fuss-free Mexican food for those who are looking for a more casual night out in Holland Village. Go for their Beef Nachos ($15) served with melted cheese, jalapeños and Pico De Gallo, and definitely add on the guacamole and sour cream ($3) for the full experience. Their Chimichangas and Enchiladas are other selections that are worth the order if you want something no-frills.
Cha Cha Cha Mexican Restaurant is located at 32 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277690, tel: 6462 1650
A taco is never a bad idea and one of our favourites to go to is Muchachos. With classics like Elotes ($6), California Burrito ($13.50) and Carnitas Tacos ($4.8) it’s hard not to order everything off the menu. They even have Mexican drinks like Jarritos ($4.5) and Mexicoke ($4.5) which is their local take on soft drinks, and we recommend pairing them with your order. And of course, sweet stuff like the Tres Leches Cake ($6) is another indulgent classic worth trying.
Muchachos is located at 182 Cecil St, #01-01 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547, tel: 6513 0215
