¡Hola! In case you can’t tell, my love for Mexican food runs deep and it’s no surprise I crave it even in Singapore. I might go as far as saying it’s my favourite cuisine. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a warm basket of tacos, gooey enchiladas, or snacking on a pile of salty tortilla chips and homemade guacamole with a massive margarita? I know it sure makes me happy. I don’t just enjoy Mexican food, I crave it, all varieties of it… aggressively.
I think I have about tasted them all, a couple of times, so I present to you my top 12 locations. So next time you feel like indulging in some meaty, cheesy, tortilla-y goodness you’ll know where to go— heck, you’ll probably end up seeing me there.
1. Lucha Loco
Lucha Loco is consistently hailed as one of the most favoured restaurants in the local community for its food and drink offerings, as well as its overall ambience. It is also no surprise that this place ranks first in the listicle
Its corner location and outdoor tables at the top of Duxton Hill are always buzzing, making this a go-to place for a lively night out.
Their gourmet Crab Toastadas (S$18) while looking simple and plain, pack a generous serving of lump crab meat. The mayo envelopes the crab meat and brings out the natural sweetness paired with the crispy tortilla chip. This was the highlight of the day because of how simple yet perfect it was.
Another crowd favourite is their Baja Fish Taco (S$11) with their crispy fried barramundi with a mango salsa and slaw. As you will see later, many Mexican restaurants will say that their fish taco is their signature but what sets Lucha Loco apart is the depth of flavour of their Fish Taco.
No stone was left unturned, not even their extremely tender and juicy Chicken Chipotle Mole (S$35). My only gripe about Lucha Loco is their price point being a tad bit steep but I can see the quality of ingredients justifying this.
15 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089598
+65 6226 3938
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 12am
Closed on Sunday
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2. Chimichanga
Debuting in 2016 in Little India, Chimichanga has grown to 6 outlets islandwide with different outlets having different specialties. The Vivo outlet which was the one I went to has a coastal twist.
These coastal twists had surprising mind-blowing outcomes with their Pescado Espado & Aguacate Ceviche (S$24.90) or swordfish and avocado ceviche. While looking very unassuming, these little nuggets of ceviche paired with crispy chips give you a taste of the ocean with every bite.
Their popular Borracho Fish Taco (S$21.90) has a huge IPA battered white fish which I truly believe they should just sell the fish on its own as Fish and Chips. The crust of the fish was unbelievably crispy and airy but not oily with silky smooth flesh on the inside. This was perhaps the epitome of a fish taco for me.
To finish off the meal I would recommend going for any of their frozen Margaritas or even their house-special Mexican Lager (S$16) with hints of salt and lime. While those are quite basic and can also be found in other Mexican restaurants in this list, allow me to let you in on a little secret – they have delicious Peanut Butter Tequila (S$8 a shot). This was something unique, but word of caution, this can be dangerously addictive as there is little to no alcoholic taste to it.
For a list of all the locations, contact numbers and operating hours, please click here.
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3. Huevos
There must be a reason why Singaporeans would queue for hours on end just to get a table at any of their Huevos outlets. The reasons are simple – affordable yet authentic and delicious.
We visited their newest New Bahru outlet and as expected queues are long but telltale signs of a no-frills Mexican restaurant that does it right. One such example is their popular Baja Fish Taco (S$14 for 2). For $14 for 2, this is one of the more affordable fish tacos in this listicle. The breaded fish came in a generously large portion topped with a mango salsa which is tangy and pairs well with the crispy fish.
What sets the New Bahru outlet apart is that they also serve Tacos De Camaron (S$18 for 2) which is a tiger prawn taco with mint and pineapple salsa. While I wasn’t expecting much as I have never had a prawn taco before, this one blew my mind with the large prawn and the sweetness and juiciness of the prawns.
This might just become my favourite taco at Huevos. Another outlet-special is their charred octopus – Pulpo Asado (S$38) which has an interesting tender texture unlike other octopus elsewhere.
For a list of all the locations, contact numbers and operating hours, please click here.
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4. Papi’s Tacos
With an interior that feels very much like a food truck, Papi’s Tacos is by far the most authentic experience you can find in our sunny shores when it comes to Mexican food. The restaurant is led by Mexican Chef-owner, Jose Mauricio Espinoza, otherwise known by regulars as ‘Papi’.
A crowd favourite is their fish taco – Tacos De Pescado (S$15 for a set of 2, S$20 for a set of 3), which is amazing when paired with some of the Mexican Cocktails in Papi’s Tacos menu— like the Michelada (S$19) and Mexican Mule (S$18).
For truly no-frills, street-style authentic tacos and margaritas, Papi’s Tacos is as close and as good to the real thing as it gets. What’s more, they also have an awesome promotion on Taco Tuesdays, where you can get 3 tacos for the price of 2 if you visit between the hours of 5pm and 7pm.
Happy Hours happen at the same time but daily, with frozen lime margaritas, house spirits, draft beer and wine going at S$10 per glass.
39 Seah Street, #01-01, Singapore 188395
+65 6258 0701
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5pm – 11pm
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5. Muchachos
Muchachos tops my list for being the best Chicken Burrito (S$14) I’ve had in Singapore to date. If you’ve ever had Chipotle before, you know how much of a travesty it is that there isn’t one in Singapore. Muchachos provides the closest substitute for my go-to casual, quick-service custom burrito fix.
The chicken was juicy and the best part was that it was packed full of ingredients with generous portions of meats and carbs.
They also whip up tasty tacos, burrito bowls and quesadillas to your liking, but I think the burrito is the star here. Depending on your type of protein, you can then decide how you would like it be it in a Taco, Burrito and so on. Something different, however, is that they offer Lengua as a protein selection, too. Lengua is beef tongue and is not usually found in the Mexican scene here in Singapore.
Make sure to pair your meal with a side of chips and Guacamole (S$2.80) and a Jarritos Soda (S$5.60) to complete the experience.
182 Cecil Street, #01-01, Singapore 069547
+65 6513 0215
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 3pm
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6. Cafe Iguana
Cafe Iguana (co-founded by an American) is one of my favourite Mexican restaurants in Singapore because it checks a few key boxes for me: jugs of great margaritas, chilli con queso and massive portion sizes – the key ingredients to good US-Mexican food.
Tacos surprisingly are reasonably priced with Al Pastor Chicken Taco (S$6) and Pork Belly Taco (S$6) going for only S$6. You can also have a large sharing portion of Taco that you can customise yourself good for 3-4 pax with their La Familia DIY Taco (S$45).
The space, located on the river in Clarke Quay, is massive making it ideal for families, large groups, or a casual date night inside at one of the hightop tables. Personally, I prefer sitting at the bar at Cafe Iguana. The service is always good and you can stargaze at all the top-shelf Tequila (S$15 a shot).
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30 Merchant Road, Riverside Point, #01-03, Singapore 058282
+65 6236 1275
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm -12am
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7. La Salsa
New to my radar, La Salsa serves up tasty, well-executed, no-fuss, classic Mexican dishes inside a hip, yet relaxed atmosphere. Their homemade guacamole has guests returning for that alone, while the size and punch of flavour in their sizzling Wagyu fajitas (S$38) will have me returning.
La Salsa is a great weekend spot for groups or a date night with live soloists and bands performing from 7pm every Friday and Saturday night. Also, if you are looking for some yummy Mexican food to feast on before hitting up the furniture shops of Dempsey, La Salsa is now open for lunch.
11 Dempsey Road, #01-17, Singapore 249673
+65 6475 6976
Tue to Thu: 3pm – 11.45pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 11.45pm
Closed on Monday
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8. Comida Mexicana
Comida Mexicana, located on the East Coast, is a gem for those in the area seeking authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant brings the vibrant flavours of Mexico to life.
A crowd favourite is their delicious Baked Crab Enchiladas (S$42). These soft corn tortillas are filled with wild-caught fresh crab meat, then baked and topped with a creamy garlic sauce and enchilada sauce. They are served with smooth sour cream and toasted almonds, creating a rich and unique flavour profile.
Another favourite is the Grilled Fish Tacos (S$32), which feature perfectly grilled fish topped with fresh mango salsa, delivering a delightful blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours. With these dishes, Comida Mexicana provides a delicious and genuine Mexican dining experience.
404 East Coast Road, Singapore 428998
+65 6440 8030
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Monday
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9. Cha Cha Cha
Cha Cha Cha is one of Singapore’s oldest Mexican restaurants. What I liked was their Chimichangas with Pulled Pork (S$16) which felt like an elevated burrito. There was a crispy outer shell accompanied by the tender pulled pork meat within the wrap and the cheese pulls.
While being a fan of the hard corn tortilla shell, their Flour Tortilla Tacos with Fish (S$16) may look very unappetising, but the flavours were out of this world! It was like a flavour bomb in my mouth with silky soft fish, complemented by the kick of sourness from the lime.
Cha Cha Cha also brings the X-factor, which is one of the cheapest places for pitchers of Margaritas I have found to date. At S$48 during happy hour, I consider it a steal in Singapore.
32 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277690
+65 6462 1650
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 12pm
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10. Margarita’s
The institution that is Margarita’s has had patrons flocking to this Dempsey Hill hot spot for years. Margarita’s is home to my favourite salsa in Singapore and the burritos are huge. Personally, I prefer sitting outside in the patio area while people-watching and enjoying a leisurely Saturday afternoon.
While all the places on this list are pretty casual, Margarita’s is a favourite spot for young families. It’s kid-tested, mother-approved as they say.
I would recommend going for their Pollo Con Mole (S$18 for 3 pieces) a grilled adobo marinated chicken in a rich chocolate-spiked spicy sauce. Each individual taco is delicately put together ensuring the right balance of meat to vegetable ratio.
Margarita’s: 11 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249673
+65 6471 3228
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
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11. Piedra Negra
The prime location right off of Beach Road makes Piedra Negra one of my favourite Mexican places to chill out on the weekend. The menu choices here are not my favourite from this list of best Mexican restaurants in Singapore (I take away points for any Mexican restaurant that serves burgers and fries), but what gives Piedra Negra a spot on this list is the made-at-your-table fresh guacamole, yummy margaritas and its vibrant, buzzing atmosphere.
It’s a great spot to meet up with friends before a night of bar-hopping and chilling out on Haji Lane.
241 Beach Road, Singapore 189753
+65 9199 0610
Daily: 12pm – 12am
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12. Guzman Y Gomez
Guzman Y Gomez is a Mexican chain in Singapore that is gaining some traction, was founded by a New Yorker who relocated to OZ. After moving, he became frustrated with the lack of good Mexican options in the area and decided to start his own. Back when I used to work in the CBD, I had Guzman Y Gomez for lunch more often than physically healthy.
Still trying to fill the Chipotle burrito-sized hole in my heart, I came here for an enjoyable rotation of creating your own burritos, burrito bowls, salads and tacos, depending on my mood.
What I especially love about Guzman Y Gomez is the super quick turnaround on orders, the massive soft tortillas and the station of hot sauces (complete with chopped coriander and onions) to spice up your takeaway meal.
My gripe? The portion size and price can be on the steeper side compared to the quality of dishes further up in this listicle.
For a list of all the locations, contact numbers and operating hours, please click here.
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