Mexican Restaurants in Singapore

A guide to Mexican restaurants in Singapore

Mexican food is a fun choice for a relaxed dinner in Singapore. The Mexican restaurants in Singapore on this list are mostly casual, with tacos, small plates and dishes to share. Most are in the city centre, so they are easy to reach after sightseeing. This guide explains what to order, how spicy it gets and where to go.

What to order at a Mexican restaurant

• Tacos: soft corn tortillas, which are thin flatbreads, folded around a filling. Try al pastor (pork marinated with chilli and pineapple), carnitas (slow-cooked pork) or grilled fish.
• Guacamole: mashed avocado with lime, onion, coriander and chilli, served with tortilla chips.
• Ceviche: raw fish or seafood "cooked" in lime juice with onion and chilli.
• Elote: grilled corn on the cob with cheese, chilli and lime.
• Quesadillas: tortillas filled with melted cheese, then toasted.
• Tostadas: flat, crisp tortillas topped with beans, meat or seafood.
• Mole: a rich, dark sauce made with chillies, spices and sometimes chocolate. It is often served with chicken.
• Churros: fried dough sticks rolled in sugar, often served with chocolate sauce.

Mexican or Tex-Mex?

Tex-Mex is the Mexican-style food of Texas in the United States. It uses more cheese, beef, wheat flour tortillas and hard taco shells. Burritos and nachos are mostly Tex-Mex. Traditional Mexican food leans on corn tortillas, fresh salsas, beans and slow-cooked meats. Many places in Singapore serve a mix of both.

Where to find Mexican food in Singapore

Marina Bay and the CBD

Super Loco Customs House and Café Iguana are both listed in the Marina Bay & CBD area. This part of town works well before or after an evening walk. Try the Marina Bay Night Walk on the same night.

Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar

Lucha Loco is in Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar. The area has many restaurants in old shophouses, so it is easy to make an evening of it. Read the Tanjong Pagar & Keong Saik guide for ideas.

Korean-Mexican fusion

Vatos Urban Tacos in Bugis & Kampong Glam mixes Mexican tacos with Korean flavours. Try it if you want something a little different. See Korean for more Korean food.

Related pages

For burgers, ribs and other casual food, see American. For more small plates to share, see Spanish.

Tips for visitors

• Ask about spice. Many dishes are mild, and the heat comes from salsas on the side. Taste a little first.
• Share plates. Order two or three tacos each, plus a few sides for the table.
• Eat with your hands. Tacos are finger food. Fold the tortilla and lean forward as you bite.
• Book for groups. Mexican places in Singapore are popular for after-work meals and birthdays.
• Mention your diet. Corn tortillas suit many people who avoid wheat, but kitchens may share fryers and surfaces. Ask staff if you have an allergy.
• Know rough costs. A taco dinner with sides often costs around S$40 to S$80 per person. Prices change, so check menus first.
• Drink responsibly. Many Mexican restaurants also serve cocktails. The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18.

FAQs about Mexican restaurants in Singapore

Is Mexican food in Singapore spicy?

Usually not very. Most of the heat comes from salsas and hot sauces on the side, so you can control it.

Are there vegetarian Mexican dishes?

Yes. Bean, cheese, mushroom and vegetable tacos are common, as are guacamole and grilled corn. Ask staff whether the beans contain lard or meat stock.

What is the difference between a taco and a burrito?

A taco is a small, open tortilla with a filling. A burrito is a large flour tortilla wrapped around rice, beans and meat. Burritos are more common in Tex-Mex food.

What is a tortilla made of?

Traditional Mexican tortillas are made from corn dough. Larger, softer tortillas for burritos and quesadillas are often made from wheat flour.

Do I need to book a Mexican restaurant?

It helps for Friday and Saturday nights and for groups. Weekday lunches are usually easier.