If you thought you couldn’t satisfy your need for authentic Mexican restaurants in Singapore (tacos! tortillas! beans!), well, you thought wrong. Here’s where to satiate your cravings. Let us know if your favourite spot isn’t on the list, otherwise, buen provecho!
Best tacos: Señor Taco
If you don’t mind big crowds (it’s Clarke Quay after all), their super satisfying tacos are a must-try. They make a mean carnitas (slow-cooked pork) taco, but if you’ve trouble deciding, drop by for Taco Tuesdays, where there’s a one-for-one deal after 6pm.
Señor Taco, #01-07/12, 3A/3D River Valley Rd, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179023, p. 6337 6376.
Best elotes: Lucha Loco
You can’t leave without ordering yourself some elotes, Mexican street-style grilled corn rubbed with mayo, chili, and cotija cheese. The heat from the chili and tangy cheese balance the sweetness of the corn beautifully. Speaking from experience, you won’t stop at just one.
Lucha Loco, 15 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089598, p. 6226 3938.
Best nachos: Viva Mexico
Nacho lovers, be prepared to be blown away. Crispy fried tortillas covered with your choice of meat, Mexican beans, properly melted cheese with chipotle paste, and get ready for it, REAL jalapenos! Big, fat vinegary jalapeno chilies, just as it should be.
Viva Mexico, 23 Cuppage Road, Cuppage Terrace, Singapore 229453, p. 6235 0440.
Best DIY Mexican: Mex Out
Take your pick from tacos, burritos, and salad bowls, choose your meat, top it off with Mexican rice, fresh salsas and other toppings. We vote for their cochinita pibil (Yucatan style pulled pork), which is tender and juicy and their mango salsa. Fresh and tasty Mexican food right in the middle of the CBD, what’s not to like?
Mex Out, #01-01, 39 Pekin Street, Singapore 048769, p. 6536 9953.
Tacos at Pistola
Best fusion tacos: Pistola
This Asian-Mexican fusion takeaway joint has a small menu but that hasn’t stopped the public from devouring its offerings. All fillings are Asian-inspired, which comes as no surprise. We love the chicken tikka taco the most.
Pistola, 93 Club Street, Singapore 069461, p. 6438 2185.
Best burritos: Muchachos
It’s hard to mess up a burrito, and this place serves up some good and authentic Mission-style ones outside of San Francisco. It’s all about the tortillas, which are imported directly from North America. Stuff it with rice, refried beans, your choice of meat, some lettuce, and don’t forget the guac! Try the tender and flavourful lamb barbacoa or the carnitas.
Muchachos, 22 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089129, p. 6220 0458.
Piedra Negra
Best guacamole and chips: Piedra Negra
This brightly coloured bar and restaurant is hard to miss as you wander around Arab Street and Haji Lane. A must-try here is their chunky guacamole that’s made fresh right in front of your eyes. Paired with warm and crunchy tortilla chips, their guacamole will definitely hit the spot.
Piedra Negra, 241 Beach Road, Singapore 189753, p. 6291 1297.
Best margaritas: Cafe Iguana
Expect the top-notch stuff at this hangout. Their margaritas, made from 100% Blue Agave, are simply lip-smacking. Plus, there always seems to be some sort of promo going on and we’re sure you can’t say no to cheap drinks.
Cafe Iguana, #01-03 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road, Singapore 058282, p. 6236 1275.
Best tres leches: El Rocho’s
It’s the only dessert on the menu, but we think it’s the best there is in the city. Imagine a light and fluffy vanilla sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk (which gives it its name) – evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk – and garnished with pistachios. The perfect sweet ending to your meal.
El Rocho’s, 36 Circular Road, Singapore 049392, p. 6438 7879.
Top image: Señor Taco