¡Hola! In case you can’t tell, my love for Mexican food runs deep and its 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 13 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. ¡Viva México!
1. 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 Tacos De Pescado (Fish Tacos) (S$13 for a set of 2, and S$19 for a set of 3), which is amazing when paired with some of the new Mexican beers in Papi’s Tacos menu—like the Taco Cerveza and Dos Equis.
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 three tacos for the price of two if you come after 5pm. Happy Hours happen between 3pm and 7pm everyday, with frozen lime margaritas, house spirits, draft beer and wine going at S$9++ per glass.
Papi’s Tacos: 39 Seah Street, #01-01, Singapore 188395 | Tel: +65 6258 0701 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Muchachos
Muchachos tops my list for being the best burrito 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.
They also whip up tasty tacos, burrito bowls and quesadillas to your liking, but I think the burrito is the star here. Make sure to pair your meal with a side of chips and guac and a Jarritos soda to complete the experience.
Muchachos: 22 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089129 | Website
3. 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.
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.
ChopeDeals: Save 10% at Cafe Iguana >
Café Iguana: 30 Merchant Road, Riverside Point, #01-03, Singapore 058282 | Tel: +65 6236 1275 | Website
4. Lucha Loco
Lucha Loco is consistently hailed as one of the most favoured restaurants by the expat community for its food and drink offerings, as well as its overall ambience. 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 corn tacos and cinnamon chocolate dessert nachos are a popular choice, but ordering a variety of plates and sharing with a group of friends is the way to go. Also, be sure to get a bite (or four) of their crab tostadas. Yummy.
Lucha Loco: 15 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089598 | Tel: +65 6226 3938 | Website
5. Super Loco
Super Loco, a newish sister restaurant of Lucha Loco, has become a major draw inside the Robertson Quay area. Super Loco just so happens to be about a block away from where I stay, so I’ve been more than a few times. The verdict – skip their dinner and head over for the weekend brunch.
While I was meh on Super Locos’ dinner offerings (portions too small and not enough cheese) their brunch knocks it out for me. By far my favourite item is the Super Huevos Rancheros. A generously sized cheese quesadilla is laid on a pile of black beans and topped with salsa, guacamole, sour cream and two fried eggs. Their fresh juices, smoothies and ‘bloody maria’ are a stellar addition to the brunch experience.
Super Loco: 60 Robertson Quay, The Quayside, #01-13, Singapore 238252 | Tel: +65 6235 8900 | Website
6. 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 fajitas 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.
La Salsa: 11 Dempsey Road, #01-17, Singapore 249673 | Tel: +65 6475 6976 | Website
7. El Mero Mero
Feeling fancy? While I personally prefer ‘dive’ Mexican establishments (the divey-er the better) it’s good to have at least one nicer, fine option in your Mexican restaurant arsenal.
Located at CHIJMES, El Mero Mero focuses on the quality and presentation of their food. They have even gone as far to partner with Comcrop, Singapore’s first rooftop garden, to grow fresh herbs and ingredients to use in their dishes. This isn’t the place to go to pig out and stuff yourself (save that for the other places on this list), but the quality and execution of their small plates are impressive.
ChopeDeals: Save up to 30% at El Mero Mero >
El Mero Mero: 30 Victoria Street, CHIJMES, #01-20, Singapore 187996 | Tel: +65 6337 1377 | Website
8. Cha Cha Cha
Cha Cha Cha is one of Singapore’s oldest Mexican restaurants. What I like best about this place: complimentary chips and salsa upon seating, friendly staff, quick service and a super chill atmosphere.
Their ground beef burritos are massive and filling, making it a great value. Cha Cha Cha’s stews are another popular choice. The caldillo (beef) and the cerdo con salsa verde (pork) are slow-cooked and tender. Cha Cha Cha also brings the X-factor – one of the cheapest places for pitchers of margaritas I have found to date. At S$40 I consider it a steal in Singapore other than the happy hour deal at Cafe Iguana.
Cha Cha Cha: 32 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277690 | Tel: +65 6462 1650 | Website
9. El Patio
Located directly next door to Cha Cha Cha in Holland Village, El Patio is another popular Mexican option for Holland Village residents and Mexican enthusiasts alike. The brightly coloured tables and vibrant interior decor is extremely eye-catching and inviting. The prices here are a touch higher than its low key neighbour, but the food is equally as authentic.
The beef tacos are super filling and come on a soft fluffy tortilla bed, just how I like it. El Patio’s chilli adobo beef fajitas are another reason to head on over for dinner.
El Patio: 34 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277691 | Tel: +65 6468 1520 | Website
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, with the exception of El Mero Mero, Margarita’s is a favourite spot for young families. It’s kid-tested, mother-approved as they say.
Margarita’s: 11 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249673 | Tel: +65 6471 3228 | Website
11. Piedra Negra
The prime location right off of Beach Road makes Piedra Negra one of my favourite Mexican places to chill out at 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.
Piedra Negra: 241 Beach Road, Singapore 189753 | Tel: +65 6291 1297 | Website
12. Hombre Cantina
Located amongst a ragtag mixture of bars, Indian and Asian restaurants in Boat Quay, you’ll find Hombre Cantina—a quick service, create-your-own Mexican and burrito joint inspired by the Baja Peninsula.
I love the simplicity of the four-step menu: choose your main, choose your meat, pick your salsa and your additions. The service is fast and the food is good. It’s one of my favourite spots for a working lunch (free wifi) or enjoying a few drinks and tacos on the river during happy hour.
Hombre Cantina: 53 Boat Quay, Singapore 049842 | Tel: +65 6438 6708 | Website
13. Guzman Y Gomez
Guzman Y Gomez, the hidden Mexican gem of the CBD, 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.
Guzman Y Gomez has since expanded to six outlets around the island.
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 take away meal.
Guzman Y Gomez: Asia Square Tower 2 Food Court, 12 Marina View, Singapore 018961 | More outlets on Website
