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In commemoration of Cinco de Mayo, here are some taquerias to visit to get your taco fix
This story was first published October 4, 2021, and updated on April 27, 2022. Additional reporting by Cheryl Lai-Lim.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It falls on May 5, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in delectable tacos.
Whether you like them soft, hard, folded or flat, the traditional Mexican dish is loved by many across the globe. In honour of this Mexican holiday, here are some eateries you can visit to indulge in this hearty and comforting dish in Singapore.
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1. Super Loco Customs House
Above Super Loco Customs House
Super Loco Customs House
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Taco Tuesdays at Super Loco are suffused with the vibrant Mexican tradition of bonding over with loved ones over a hearty meal. Available exclusively on Tuesdays at dinnertime, this special once-a-week menu consists of a DIY taco platter of six, where you’ll be able to put together your own tacos that are tailored to your taste buds. Pillowy soft and warm white-corn tortillas serve as the perfect base for deftly seasoned fillings that are innovative renditions of classic taco flavours. Each venue under the Super Loco Group—Customs House, Robertson Quay, and Lucha Loco—offers a unique menu with a different selection of proteins, so make sure to factor that into your decision when choosing a dinner spot.
The chipotle pulled beef brisket, a hot favourite at Super Loco Customs House, is tender and bold in flavour, offering a slightly spicy kick courtesy of the burnt onion salsa within. Another top pick is the cilantro barramundi filling, where mouthwatering, aromatic hunks of the marinated fish is served with light and creamy yoghurt verde. Top your tacos off with garnishes such as crumbly cotija cheese and fresh pico de gallo for a dreamy combination.
Tatler Tip: Not sure which filling you’d like to go for? Don’t be afraid to ask your friendly server if you could mix and match two different proteins.
Super Loco Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, 01-04, S(049323), +65 3158 2799
Read more: Loco For Tacos: How This Humble Mexican Staple Became a Local Favourite
2. Vatos Urban Tacos
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Vatos Urban Tacos
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Influenced by Mexican street tacos and home-cooked Korean meals, Vatos Urban Tacos serves up tacos with a unique Korean twist. While traditional tacos consist of a balance of inexpensive cuts of meat and vegetables, Vatos takes tacos it up a notch, with creations such as kimchi carnitas fries, galbi tacos and spicy chicken quesadillas.
Its galbi short rib tacos are local favourites—these tacos are served on 100 per cent corn tortillas and topped with tender marinated short rib, ssamjang aioli, Asian slaw, and cilantro.
Tatler Tip: Available for islandwide delivery, get to indulge in these tacos at home.
Vatos Urban Tacos, 36 Beach Rd, 01-03 South Beach Quarter, S(189766), +65 6385 6010
3. Papi’s Tacos
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Papi’s Tacos
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Plastered with vintage Spanish posters, this taqueria represents the long-awaited arrival of authentic Mexican fare in Singapore. Led by head chef and partner Mauricio Espinoza (also known as Papi), he incorporates his heritage into an array of simple yet delectable native dishes.
Here, find classic street food-style eats, including tacos, burritos and margaritas. Its tacos de pescado (fish tacos) is a favourite among many—this taco is served on corn tortillas and topped with impeccably grilled white dory, fresh cabbage and smoked chipotle. Two meat-free taco options are also available for diners to opt for, including the vegan, consisting of grilled mushrooms, capsicum, guacamole and homemade guajillo salsa; and the Impossible taco, consisting of plant-based meat on a corn tortilla, topped with guacamole, salsa and guajillo hot sauce.
Tatler Tip: Complement your meal with some cold and refreshing margaritas—pick from a list of flavours including spicy mango, strawberry, blood orange, lime and habanero chilli.
Papi's Tacos, 39 Seah Street, S(188395), +65 6258 0701
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4. El Mero Mero
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El Mero Mero
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El Mero Mero is breaking stereotypes with its charming selection of contemporary Mexican cuisine. Out to prove that modern Mexican cuisine is not just about burritos and nachos, this eatery aims to excite and delight its diners with its vibrant menu, with flavours from every region of Mexico.
Make space in your stomach as you indulge in its delectable dishes from tacos and fajitas to Mexican pork ribs and chimichangas. Sink your teeth in its Baja fish taco, featuring tempura toothfish with pico de gallo, chipotle mayo and pickled shallots, and its pork carnitas, which consists of beautifully caramelised pork neck and belly.
Tatler Tip: The menu may seem meat-focused, but there is also an extensive selection of vegetarian options—ask the waiter for options!
El Mero Mero, 30 Victoria St, 01-19 Chijmes, S(187996), +65 8289 7860
5. Los Jefes Taqueria
Originating as a grocery store, providing islanders with authentic Mexican and Latin ingredients, Los Jefes Taqueria recently expanded to offer hot foods. Exclusively available for takeaway, this taqueria currently offers an extensive range of authentic Mexican fare, including traditional tacos.
Its taco selection is extensive, with signatures including its pastor tacos and Baja fish tacos. Served in sets of two, on six-inch corn tortillas, its pastor tacos include an indulgent combination of pork collar and pork belly marinated in its mouth-watering house blend of Mexican spices.
Tatler Tip: Try making tacos yourself with its DIY taco bundle—within this bundle, receive 500g of meat, tortillas and sides for you to create a taco that is uniquely yours.
Los Jefes Taqueria, 1 West Coast Drive, 01-73 Los Jefes Taqueria, NEWest Mall, S(128020), +65 9652 9274
6. Cafe Iguana
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Head to Cafe Iguana for authentic tacos and margaritas. Look forward to classic favourites such as pork belly carnitas taco, or hard shell taco generously filled with succulent pork belly, cilantro rice, pork green chile, mango habanero salsa and candied bacon.
Can’t decide what to get? Opt for the La Familia DIY Tacos bundle and create your own feast. Each bundle comprises flour tortillas, candied jalapeno, pickled onion, pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, and a choice of two proteins, including grilled beef and baja fish. Book here.
Tatler Tip: Save room for dessert and indulge in the Nieve de Oasis, a sweet taco filled with a heavenly combination of strawberry, pineapple, and orange sorbet.
Cafe Iguana, 30 Merchant Road 01-03 Riverside Point, S(058282), +65 6236 1275
