Burritos at Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar (Photo: Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar)
Cover Burritos at Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar (Photo: Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar)
Burritos at Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar (Photo: Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar)

From street-style taquerias to contemporary kitchens, Singapore’s Mexican scene is buzzing—here are five spots for your next fix

Mexican dining in Singapore has never been more vibrant, with a wave of restaurants and bars showcasing the cuisine’s bold flavours and lively spirit. From no-frills taquerias dishing out al pastor straight off the spit to sleek kitchens putting a modern spin on mole and ceviche, the variety on offer speaks to both authenticity and creativity. Add to that the city’s appetite for convivial dining and tequila-fueled nights, and it’s easy to see why Mexican food has become a fixture in the scene.

What makes it even more exciting is the price point. Unlike some global cuisines that skew toward fine dining, Mexican fare here often remains approachable, delivering generous portions and layered flavours at accessible costs. Whether you’re ducking in for a quick taco fix or lingering over a feast with friends, the balance of value and vibrancy ensures there’s always something to look forward to.

In case you missed it: 9 best spots for a refreshing margarita

El Chido

Tatler Asia
Chicken peanut mole (Photo: El Chido)
Above Chicken peanut mole (Photo: El Chido)
Tatler Asia
Tostada (Photo: El Chido)
Above Tostada (Photo: El Chido)
Chicken peanut mole (Photo: El Chido)
Tostada (Photo: El Chido)

El Chido—which translates to “cool” in Mexican—is a fitting name for this bar and restaurant perched atop Pullman Singapore Hill Street, conceived as an urban oasis. Stretch out by the infinity pool overlooking Marina Bay while tucking into Mexican fare and cocktails. Standouts include the Mariachi’s Margarita, a fiery twist on the classic with Blanco tequila, mezcal and jalapeño, and the Sombrero Splash, a refreshing mix of gin, jasmine and basil.

The food here is just as compelling, so come hungry. Signatures include Nacho Man (perfect for sharing), tortilla crisps piled high with toppings; pulled beef short rib tostada with shishito pepper, goat’s cheese and pickled onions; and smoked duck breast tacos brightened with apple and scallion slaw.

In case you missed it: What you need to know about Pullman Singapore Hill Street’s three new dining concepts

Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar

Tatler Asia
Al Pastor taco
Above Al Pastor taco (Photo: Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar)
Al Pastor taco

Celebrated chef Tamara Chavez returns to her roots with Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar, a laid-back taqueria at Esplanade. The menu spans taco styles from across her native Mexico, alongside tapas, ceviches, aguachiles and ice-cold drinks.

Start as you mean to go on—with tacos. Favourites include the taco de jaiba, crisp soft-shell crab with cabbage, tomato–onion salsa and mango; and taco de pollo pancho, featuring grilled chicken seasoned with Mexican spices. Round out the feast with sharing plates such as mariachi wings, served with both barbecue and sweet-and-sour sauces, or tostadas de pulpos, a zesty octopus salad atop crunchy corn tortilla.

In case you missed it: Daniel and Tamara Chávez to open Spanish restaurant Tinto

Cafe Iguana

Tatler Asia
Quesadillas at Riverside Point pop-up and Orchard Rendezvous Hotel outlet (Photo: Cafe Iguana/Instagram)
Above Quesadillas at Riverside Point pop-up and Orchard Rendezvous Hotel outlet (Photo: Cafe Iguana/Instagram)
Quesadillas at Riverside Point pop-up and Orchard Rendezvous Hotel outlet (Photo: Cafe Iguana/Instagram)

At this enduring stalwart—whether at the Orchard Rendezvous Hotel or the Brewerkz Riverside Point pop-up—you’re guaranteed a lively time, complete with Mexican-inspired dishes and plenty of tequila and mezcal.

Culinary director Seow Tzi Qin draws on local and sustainably sourced produce for creations such as Ah Hua Kelong red snapper, served either with mole verde or red chilli, and an array of empanadas. The latter come in inventive fillings: Impossible meat with makhani sauce, squid ink with otah and Spanish mackerel, or green pork chilli with jalapeño. Drinks are integral here—sip tequila or mezcal neat over ice, or enjoy them shaken into cocktails.

Read more: Don Julio and Peggy Gou drop the limited-edition Don Julio 194구 in a bold fusion of style and spirits

Super Loco

Tatler Asia
Super Loco (Photo: Super Loco/Instagram)
Above Super Loco (Photo: Super Loco/Instagram)
Super Loco (Photo: Super Loco/Instagram)

With its prime spot at Customs House, Super Loco boasts some of the best Marina Bay views—especially after sundown. Opt for a seat outdoors, soak up the balmy air, and dig into crowd-pleasers like chips with salsa, roasted Mexican corn dusted with cotija cheese, and mango ceviche.

For heartier fare, the Angus ribeye steak with salsa verde and piquillo chimichurri is a must, as is pescado: sustainably farmed barramundi in guajillo (dried chilli pepper) broth. To drink, go communal with a jug of Frozen Lime Margarita or keep it light with sodas such as passionfruit or white peach and ginger.

Papi’s Tacos

Tatler Asia
Papi's Tacos exclusives at the new outlet in Jalan Besar
Above Papi’s Tacos exclusives at the new outlet in Jalan Besar
Papi's Tacos exclusives at the new outlet in Jalan Besar

Papi’s Tacos has expanded with a fourth outpost on Tyrwhitt Road, bringing fresh energy to the beloved taqueria brand and a menu that balances classics with inventive exclusives.

The duck confit tostadas—mole salsa, orange and white onion layered over a crisp base—make for a memorable bite, while the tacos de suadero, with smoked beef brisket and pickled onion, are another standout. Pair your order with frozen margaritas, house wines and spirits, or one of the house cocktails.

Topics

Dudi Aureus
Senior dining & travel editor, Tatler Best co-jury chair for Singapore, Tatler Singapore
Tatler Asia

Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.