James’ Quesadillas & Brunch, Tanjong Pagar: Affordable Mexican cuisine with loaded burritos, quesadillas, and rice bowls

I have always been on the hunt for sumptuous, yet affordable Mexican hawker cuisine. However, it has not been easy at all, leaving me disappointed countless times. However, that all changed when I learned about James’ Quesadillas & Brunch through a friend’s recommendation. 

These were his exact words: “After you try it, I guarantee that you will keep coming back for more!” Judging from all the positive reviews and long queues that I read about on social media, I had high hopes for this humble hawker stall.

Located at the popular Amoy Street Food Centre, the hawker stall joins a list of illustrious hawker names that are located under the same roof.

Situated on the second floor of the food centre, I quickly spotted James’ Quesadilla & Brunch by its prominent red signboard. 

If you happen to arrive before 10.30 am, you’ll be able to get a taste of their breakfast menu. Unfortunately, I only made it in time to try their lunch options. By the time I arrived, the hungry lunch crowd had already formed a snaking queue in front of the store.

What I tried

James’ Quesadillas & Brunch’s menu primarily focuses on three main dishes – burritos, quesadillas, and salad/rice bowls. Besides that, they offer a stunning number of combinations that you can choose to go along with your main dish. Aside from the classics, there were so many intriguing toppings that I could choose from. Thankfully, I had the luxury of slowly assessing the various options while waiting in line.

Eventually, I went for their Sous Vide Chicken Breast Quesadillas (S$6), Streaky Bacon Burrito (S$6.50), and Pulled Pork Mexican Rice Bowl (S$7.50). Quick note: you could either go for their set option (S$1.50) that comes with Chips and Salsa, or their Garden Salad (S$1.50). If you would like a healthier option, you can pay an additional S$3.50 for their Chips and Guacamole. 

I started with their Sous Vide Chicken Breast Quesadillas (S$6). 

From what I frequently hear, many people tend to shun this part of the chicken due to how dry it is. That certainly was not the case here, as the mouth-watering chicken breast tasted extremely succulent and juicy. I could also taste the mozzarella cheese that complemented the chicken breast really well, along with the other elements.

However, my favourite part of this dish had to be the massive size of the quesadillas, which turned out to be extremely fulfilling.

Next, I went for James’ Quesadillas & Brunch’s Streaky Bacon Burrito (S$6.50). 

I was very impressed by the thick streaky bacon slices that tasted extremely tender and juicy. However, I would have loved it if the slices were just a little crispier.

Other than that, the burrito was loaded with lettuce and purple cabbage that added some good texture, along with some salsa sauce from their homemade recipe. The tortilla wrap turned out to be the icing on the cake, as it was surprisingly tasty and not too floury. 

I ended off with James’ Quesadillas & Brunch’s Pulled Pork Mexican Rice Bowl (S$7.50).

At first glance, I really liked the vibrant colours of the dish – it was like a work of art. Inside, there was an assortment of ingredients like cucumber, lettuce, purple cabbage, and corn. Of course, the main star of the show had to be the flavourful pulled pork which was decent enough for my liking. 

However, I discovered that some parts of the rice were clumped together and did not taste as well as the rest. Besides, the dish was a little too dry – but a few scoops of salsa sauce quickly did the trick. 

Also, their Chips with salsa sauce (S$1.50) are a must-have. 

Thankfully, the chips tasted incredibly fresh and toasty, coupled with that satisfying crisp. You could even eat them on their own! However, dipping them into the freshly-made salsa sauce completely elevates them.

James’ Quesadillas & Brunch’s salsa sauce came in generous portions, which allowed me to dip my chips to my heart’s content. I enjoyed the zesty mix, which carried a good balance of sweet and savoury flavours. 

Final thoughts 

Overall, I have to say that I really enjoyed the food at James’ Quesadillas & Brunch and it did not disappoint at all. Besides, their prices are quite affordable especially if you consider the significant portion sizes.

That being said, I believe the long queues are a testament to the large variety of quality food being served up at the hawker stall. I can guarantee that I’ll be back to try their breakfast menu next!

Expected damage: S$6 to S$10 per pax

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