Holy guacamole there are some seriously good Mexican restaurants in Singapore, if you know where to look!
Whether you fancy a sizzling plate of fajitas, flavourful fish tacos complete with house-made tortillas, or a burrito exploding with cheese and ground beef, or even chicken rice (hello Deadfall Cantina), Urban List has rounded up the best spots for a Mexican feast, so now all you have to do is sit back and sip pretty on your margaritas and mezcal.
Deadfall Cantina
16 North Canal Road, #01-01
Image credit: Deadfall Cantina | Stephanie Zheng
In case you didn't know, Deadfall Cantina don't only boast of a solid drinks program, but also serves up some serious nosh after further refurbishment.
Deadfall Cantina pays homage to all things Mexico in decor, but not in the exaggerated, overdone manner you might expect. There’s are no paintings of Frida Kahlo, no sombreros and no imagery of mariachi bands. Instead, you’ll find explosively loud colours smeared across crackly, unfinished concrete walls and plenty of maguey plants (what liquid agave is processed from), cacti, succulents and other desert flora. The inviting space offers lounge style seating plus outdoor terrace seating.
Although Deadfall Cantina used to be technically more of a bar than a restaurant, things have changed. Now you definitely cannot go wrong with their food offering which includes an expansive spread of ‘Mexi-porean’ plates: Mexico meets Singapore dishes. Highlights include the Hainanese chicken and rice wrapped into a burrito, 48-hour braised beef rendang “relleno” stuffed inside a smoked poblano with salsa roja, Singaporean chilli prawn quesadilla, and an evolving menu we're excited to go back and try again and again.
The drinks menu showcases one of the city’s largest collections of agave-based spirits, accounting for roughly 70% of the bottles on offer, split evenly between mezcal and tequila. Hero drinks feature beloved Mexican ingredients in ingenious form: pasilla chilli infusion, mole fat wash, coriander salt rim and prickly pear mash. We recommend the Codigo Tequila Frozen Watermelon, with the melon’s natural sweetness enhanced by agave syrup, finished with a gasp of lime and the piña colada-margarita hybrid Pina Margarina, featuring Los Arcos Tequila, coconut, pineapple, cordial, lime and saline.
Tip: Go on Thursdays for 90s classic beats with 80s vintage cocktails, a sure-win combination for a great night out!
Nixta
116 Amoy Street
Image credit: Nixta | Supplied
Since opening in 2021, Nixta Mexican Grill & Bar has quietly carved a niche for itself as one of Singapore’s most authentic Mexican restaurants. Central to Nixta’s commitment to authenticity is its use of traditional nixtamalisation—a Mesoamerican process that transforms dried corn into masa, the foundation of Nixta’s tacos, tlayudas and tostadas, offering a flavour and texture unmatched by commercially-produced alternatives.
Highlights from the menu include the Guacamole Nixta made with creamy Haas avocados, grilled tomato, serrano, lime, and white onion topped with savoury feta, the Duck Barbacoa which is served as a taco or sharing portion, slow-roasted in a prized hoja santa leaf until soft, balanced with onion, lime, cilantro and a bright tomatillo salsa, and the Kurobuta Pork Belly Al Pastor which is served on a crisp taco with shaved radish salad, lime, cilantro, house pastor sauce, pineapple and crunchy fried pork rinds.
As for grilled meat and poultry, you can’t go past Travis’ Cadillac Fajitas which come with A5 wagyu ribeye slices on top of a bed of ember-roasted chiles and onions on a sizzling hot plate, accompanied by house-made mezcal butter and mole. The Nixta Signature Spit & Herb Roasted Chicken is crisp on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside, marinated with epazote, grilled garlic and roasted jalapeno before slow roasting over the open grill. This dish is perfect for large groups, complemented by classic Mexican side dishes like Rancho Gordo Black Beans, Green Rice and Tomato & Cucumber Salad.
For a sweet ending, be sure to order the Churros served with hay’s milk cajeta and dark chocolate sauce. Presented in a continuous spiral coil, Nixta’s churros are a labour of love and remain crisp and airy for the perfect bite.
Super LOCO
60 Robertson Quay, #01-13 and 70 Collyer Quay, #01-14 Customs House
Image credit: Super LOCO | Facebook
Serving up fresh, sustainable familia style Mexican fare, Super LOCO has two locations across the island—Robertson Quay and Customs House—and is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch or a boozy meal with family and friends (including furry friends).
Their menu is inspired by the vibrant markets of Mexico and a food culture that honours home cooking, local produce and heartfelt hospitality. We recommend the Mexican street corn, beef quesadilla and frozen margaritas. For a sweet treat, try the crispy churros with Mexican chocolate sauce and coconut dulce de leche.
Señor Taco
Block 3C, #01-09A River Valley Road
Image credit: Señor Taco | Supplied
Señor Taco, Singapore’s premier and beloved taqueria, has officially reopened in the heart of Clarke Quay. Since its debut in 2009, Señor Taco has captivated us with its authentic Mexican street food and lively atmosphere.
Back with a vengeance, promising a flaming variety of hardcore flavours that is sure to be a fiesta for the senses, Señor Taco's newly expanded menu will boast some truly Mexican dishes, like their star player, TROMPO, an addictive corn tortilla taco showcasing fillings such as the succulent Al Pastor Kurobuta Pork and the delicious Chicken Sinaloa-style.
Cheese lovers are in for a treat with the inclusion of Oaxaca cheese—a Mexican gem akin to the beloved mozzarella. Embracing the cravings of addictive indulgence, the VOLCAN emerges as a crunchy flat corn tortilla tostada erupting with the rich and creamy goodness of Oaxaca Cheese.
Lucha Loco
15 Duxton Hill
Image credit: Lucha Loco | Supplied
Nestled within the peaceful, green surroundings of Duxton Hill, Lucha Loco (from the Super Loco Group) offers a contemporary spin on authentic Mexican food, showcasing delicious discoveries from the team’s travels, and shining a spotlight on coastal Mexican flavours. In fact, Lucha Loco’s design was inspired by the natural beauty and the earthy Mayan architecture of Tulum on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
For starters, do yourself a favour and order the crispy plantain and mozzarella fritters and Mexican street-style grilled corn on the cob. All their tacos are made with soft yellow corn, gluten-free, 6" tortillas and are filled with delicious Mexican flavours, but our favourite is the slow-braised lamb with grilled tomato, mint and red onion salsa. For dessert, the mezcal sorbet (orange, grapefruit, lime, mezcal and tequila salt) is a surefire winner. You can then wash everything down with their signature frozen margaritas.
Papi's Tacos
Various Locations
Image credit: Papi's Tacos | Supplied
Since opening its doors on Seah Street in 2017, Papi's Tacos has been on a mission to bring authentic Mexican cuisine to Singapore. From irresistible tacos to lovingly crafted burritos and mouthwatering quesadillas, it's all about authentic flavours, top-notch fresh ingredients, and traditional Mexican cooking techniques that come to life right before your eyes.
At the heart of Papi's Tacos is Executive Chef and Partner, Mauricio Espinoza (aka Papi). Hailing from the remote state of Tlaxcala, Mexico, Mauricio infuses his heritage and over a decade of international culinary experience into every dish. His pièce de résistance? The Tacos de Pescado that have developed a cult following, featuring grilled White Dory fish, fresh cabbage, and homemade smoked Chipotle Aioli on a flour tortilla.
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Margarita's
11 Dempsey Road
Image credit: Margarita's | Supplied
Inspired by the ruggedness, simplicity, and tradition of Old Mexico, Margarita's is a nod to the country's eclectic past and bright future. With its first location dating back to 1988, Margarita's is the oldest Mexican restaurant in Singapore and has pivoted itself as a local go-to.
As for the menu, we recommend the pork carnitas, chicken fajitas and braised lamb shank. For a sweet treat, look no further than the Mexican brownies served with dulce de leche and coconut ice cream. Their spicy margarita is also a must try—it offers the perfect blend of ancho, guajillo and jalapeño, combined with blanco tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
Mami’s Tamales
55 Keong Saik Road, #01-02
Image credit: Mami’s Tamales | Supplied
The first tamale-led pop-up restaurant in Asia, Mami’s Tamales has opened its doors in Singapore. In collaboration with the culinary icon behind Papi's Tacos, Chef Mauricio Espinoza, and led by the talented Chef Maribel Colmenares, Mami's Tamales brings a festive, home-cooked experience to the culinary hotspot along Keong Saik Road.
Tamales hold a special place in Mexican cuisine, representing centuries of tradition and culinary artistry. These delicious parcels of masa (a traditional type of flour), filled with savoury ingredients and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, are a rarity in Singapore. Crafting tamales is a labour of love that demands skill and patience, with each recipe taking up to three hours to perfect.
Tamales at Mami's Tamales are not only delicious but also affordable, with prices starting at just $13. The menu features a variety of tamales, each offering a unique blend of flavours and ingredients that showcase both the diversity of Mexican cuisine and Asian influences.
We recommend Mami’s Chicken Tinga Tamales, a true taste of Mexico featuring tender, shredded chicken simmered in a rich, smokey tomato sauce with a hint of chipotle, and the Pork Salsa Verde Tamales. These tamales are filled with succulent pork, slow-cooked in a tangy tomatillo and green chili sauce. For a sweet treat, try an indulgent twist on a classic Mexican dessert with their Mexican Dark Chocolate Quesadilla. Filled with rich, velvety dark chocolate and served with a luscious strawberry compote, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savoury.
El Chido
1 Hill Street, Pullman Singapore Hill Street
Image credit: El Chido | Supplied
Boasting beach club vibes within the heart of Singapore’s busiest districts, El Chido is the ultimate Mexican rooftop oasis. Located at the top of Pullman Singapore Hill Street, you can take a dip in the glistening infinity pool, share flavourful Mexican bites, enjoy stunning views of the Singapore skyline and groove to captivating Mexican tunes regardless of whether you’re a hotel guest or not.
The bar's new menu, helmed by Executive Sous Chef Hong Dingzhao, celebrates the vibrancy of Mexican flavours while weaving in influences from local Singaporean cultures and cuisine. Among the highlights, the Chicken Rice Chimichanga transforms Singapore’s most famous dish into something entirely unexpected, featuring smoked chicken, mozzarella, and pickles wrapped in a crisp tortilla. The Breaded Fish Otah Tortilla offers a reimagined take on local otah, balancing spice and crunch with green papaya salad and crushed peanuts.
El Chido’s new cocktail menu, led by Bar Manager Riot Gurvinder, draws inspiration from Mexican flavours, global influences, and inventive mixology techniques. We recommend the Clarified Strawberry Mojito which reinterprets the Cuban classic into a smooth, crisp blend of rum, strawberry liqueur, mint, citrus, and Perrier for a crisp, tangy finish.
Chico Loco
102 Amoy Street
Image credit: Chico Loco | Facebook
Chico Loco (also from the Super Loco Group) is a cheeky rotisserie and bar located on Amoy Street in the heart of the CBD. Despite it’s casual vibe, they are serious about serving the best Mexican rotisserie chicken in town.
Alongside their signature chicken you’ll find dishes like the Tajin Cauliflower Tacos, Ancho Smoked Beef Brisket Burger, Ranchero Burrito Bowl, and a large range of frozen margaritas. It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch, hearty dinner, or a late-night margs.
Chimichanga
Various Locations
Image credit: Chimichanga | Facebook
Chimichanga made its debut in 2016 in Little India, offering a unique blend of Mexican flavours tailored to the Singaporean palate, which they like to call Sing-Mex. Since then, they have gone on to open three more outlets at Holland Village, VivoCity and Paya Lebar.
Dishes include everything from burritos and tacos to quesadillas and chimichangas, alongside larger mains like ribeye steak and lamb cutlets. Pair your meal with one of their handcrafted cocktails or their in-house craft beer, Neon Donkey Cervez.
If you feel like something different this Chinese New Year, Chimichanga VivoCity has released a special festive menu that pays homage to a fascinating and lesser-known chapter of history: the rich cultural fusion between Chinese and Mexican communities. It will be available from 20 January to 12 February 2025.
Piedra Negra
241 Beach Road (on the corner of Haji Lane)
Image credit: Piedra Negra | Facebook
Piedra Negra serves up hearty Mexican fare alongside oversized frozen margaritas and live music. The best tables, on a non-rainy night, are the ones lined up outside along the colourful Haji Lane.
Their guacamole, which is freshly prepared at your table, is one of the best we have tried and it comes served with plenty of tortilla chips. The beef nachos and mango ceviche are also worth ordering. All in all, it’s a fun and lively spot for those looking to have a drink and casual bite to eat without leaving a gaping hole in your wallet.
Afterwit
778 North Bridge Road
Image credit: Afterwit | Facebook
Whether you're in the mood for a gooey melted cheese and beef quesadilla or something a little more adventurous like their Prawnstar taco, Afterwit has got you covered. Taking advantage of the relatively untouched area of Mexican Halal restaurants in Singapore, this Halal-certified venue has established itself as a cult favourite among those with a penchant for spicy flavours.
For something a bit different, we recommend ordering their whole chicken leg topped with mole sauce and served with apple cider slaw and your choice of Mexican rice or tortilla. For dessert, the empanadas (caramelised bananas stuffed in house made pastry turnovers served with vanilla bean gelato and dulce de leche) are an excellent choice. As this is a Halal restaurant, they don't serve alcohol, but their virgin berry mint mojito is just as delicious without.
Café Iguana
Various Locations
Image credit: Café Iguana | Facebook
Café Iguana has two locations in Singapore—Riverside Point and Orchard Rendezvous Hotel—and serves up tasty modern Mexican dishes, zingy tequila cocktails and a super-chill vibe.
Offering a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine their must-try dishes include the Tex-Mex Baby Back Ribs, El Marisco Ceviche, Pork Belly Carnitas Tacos and Shaker Churros (complete with fudge sauce made with Brewerkz Fort Siloso craft beer and Mexican caramel).
Sanchos
3D River Valley Road, #01-07 Block D
Image credit: Sanchos | Supplied
Inspired by the vibrant tapestry of Mexican culture, Sanchos serves up traditional Mexican street food with an innovative twist alongside signature cocktails like their delicious Coronarita (it’s basically an overturned bottle of Corona which has been placed inside a margarita).
We recommend ordering the stuffed jalapenos followed by the barbacoa tacos (slow cooked shredded duck confit served with blue corn tortillas and a range of toppings). For something sweet, the churros with chocolate sauce is a no brainer.
If you can, get a seat outside along the river for good views and people watching.
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Main image credit: El Chido | Supplied
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