Papi's Tacos (Seah Street)

Papi's Tacos on Seah Street is a small, casual Mexican taqueria near Raffles Hotel. It was the first Papi's Tacos when it opened here in 2018. The menu covers tacos, burritos, quesadillas and margaritas.

The cooking is led by head chef and partner Mauricio Espinoza, known as Papi. He comes from Papalotla, a small town in Mexico, and his background shapes the menu of straightforward tacos and other Mexican dishes. The brand now has four outlets, with the others in Tanjong Pagar, Katong and Jalan Besar.

What to order

Tacos are the main event. Choices include tacos de pollo with chicken, tacos de pescado with fish, tacos de camaron with prawns, and tacos de chorizo. Tacos de suadero are made with beef, and quesabirria tacos come with melted cheese. The Seah Street outlet also has its own special: tacos al pastor.

To start, order chips with guacamole or salsa roja, Papi's nachos, or esquites, a Mexican corn dish. There are also house-smoked wings and a grilled cactus and broccolini salad. Burritos and quesadillas come with grilled chicken, smoked brisket, grilled chorizo or mushroom.

For dessert, there are churros and a golden corn cake. To drink, margaritas are a big part of the draw, and the happy hour list includes a frozen lime margarita.

The setting

This is a no-frills place with an open kitchen, closer to a street taqueria than a formal restaurant. The room is small and seats are limited, so it suits a casual meal for two or a small group.

Good to know before you go

• Bookings: seats are limited, so book online if you can.
• Vegetarians and vegans: the menu marks vegetarian and vegan dishes, including Los Hongos mushroom tacos and the mushroom burrito.
• Children: there is a kids' menu with chicken tacos and cheese quesadillas.
• Groups: Papi's also takes private events and corporate catering.

See the full menu and other outlets on the official website.

Nearby

Raffles Hotel Singapore is a short walk away. Close by, you can also have Italian food at Garibaldi on Purvis Street or wood-fired dishes at Butcher's Block. Further north are the shophouse streets of Kampong Glam and Haji Lane.

Browse more burgers, Mexican and more, or see all places to eat in Bugis and Kampong Glam.