Singapore may be well-known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, but there’s a particular cuisine that’s making its presence felt in recent years – Mexican food. From traditional to fusion-style dishes, the best Mexican food in Singapore is spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying the best food in town. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the history, evolution, and must-try dishes of Mexican cuisine in Singapore.
A Brief History of Mexican Cuisine in Singapore
Mexican cuisine may not be as popular as other international cuisines in Singapore, but it has an interesting history. The introduction of Mexican flavours to Singapore traces back to the 1980s when Singaporeans started travelling to the United States and Europe. They began to develop a taste for Mexican food and seek out restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine.
The Introduction of Mexican Flavors to Singapore
The first Mexican restaurant in Singapore was Cafe Iguana, opened in 1994. This restaurant was a pioneer in introducing authentic Mexican flavours to Singaporeans. Cafe Iguana’s menu featured classic Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Singaporeans were thrilled to have a taste of Mexico in their city and quickly fell in love with the vibrant and bold flavours of the cuisine.
As the popularity of Mexican food grew, more restaurants began to open in Singapore. In 1998, Margarita’s opened its doors, offering a more upscale dining experience with a focus on tequila and margaritas. The restaurant’s menu featured a range of Mexican dishes, from traditional to modern fusion-style dishes. Margarita’s quickly became a popular spot for Singaporeans to enjoy Mexican cuisine in a stylish and trendy setting.
The Evolution of Mexican Food in Singapore
Over time, more establishments began to open in Singapore, offering a range of Mexican dining experiences. Today, some restaurants serve traditional Mexican food and others that offer modern and fusion-style dishes. Lucha Loco, for example, is a trendy Mexican restaurant that offers a modern take on classic dishes, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Another popular spot for Mexican cuisine in Singapore is Vatos Urban Tacos. This Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant offers a unique twist on classic Mexican dishes, such as its kimchi carnitas fries and bulgogi tacos. Vatos Urban Tacos has become a go-to spot for Singaporeans looking for a new and exciting dining experience.
The evolution of Mexican food in the city shows how Singapore’s food scene continues to evolve, with new trends and flavours constantly emerging. Today, Singaporeans can enjoy a range of Mexican cuisine, from classic to modern fusion-style dishes, all while experiencing the vibrant and bold flavours of this beloved cuisine.
Top Mexican Restaurants in Singapore
If you’re looking to satisfy your craving for Mexican food in Singapore, you won’t be disappointed. There are many authentic, fusion, and modern Mexican restaurants to choose from. To help you decide where to go, here are some of the top Mexican restaurants in Singapore:
Muchachos
One of the most popular places to enjoy authentic Mexican food in Singapore is Muchachos. The restaurant offers an extensive range of filling and flavoursome burritos, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas, all made with fresh ingredients. It is located at Frasers Tower and opens from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Margarita’s
Another great option is Margarita’s, which serves a range of traditional Mexican dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and chimichangas, and has a lively and cosy atmosphere.
Vatos Urban Tacos
If you’re looking for a fusion or modern Mexican dining experience, try Vatos Urban Tacos. This Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant offers a unique twist on classic Mexican dishes, such as Kimchi Carnitas Fries and Galbi Short Rib Tacos.
Lucha Loco
Lucha Loco is also a great option, where you’ll find a mix of both traditional and modern dishes like Taco Loco and Hongos Asados (grilled mushrooms). Their advocacy for their menu is to make sure they give back to nature by serving planet-friendly varieties while also giving proceeds to environmental pro causes.
El Mero Mero at Chijmes
For those on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options throughout Singapore for Mexican food. El Mero Mero at Chijmes has a great happy hour with discounts on tacos, margaritas, and beers. They’re situated in the heart of Singapore, so make sure you check in before you head on over, it can get pretty crowded!
The Mexican Bistro
Another affordable option is The Mexican Bistro, which offers a variety of tacos, quesadillas, and burritos at reasonable prices. They also have a very Mexican dining experience because of the place and the flavours you can explore on their menu.
Must-Try Mexican Dishes in Singapore
With so many Mexican restaurants to choose from in Singapore, it can be challenging to decide what to order. Here are some of the must-try Mexican dishes:
Tacos and Quesadillas
Tacos are one of Mexico’s iconic dishes that have become popular worldwide. At Muchachos, try the Al Pastor Tacos, made with pork, onions, and pineapple, or the Veggie Tacos, made with a variety of fresh vegetables and guacamole. For quesadillas, try Vatos Urban Tacos’ Shrimp and Mango Quesadilla, which is an excellent blend of sweet and savoury flavours.
Burritos and Enchiladas
Burritos are favourites for many, and El Mero Mero has some of the best ones in Singapore. The restaurant’s Beef Barbacoa Burrito is a must-try, made with slow-cooked beef, cilantro rice, beans, cheese, and guacamole. If you’re a fan of enchiladas, try Margarita’s Chicken Enchilada, which is cooked to perfection and served with salsa and sour cream.
Salsas and Guacamole
Salsa and Guacamole are Mexican classic accompaniments and cannot be missed on your visit to any Mexican restaurant. At Lucha Loco, you can try the chunky garden salsa for a mild flavour or the roasted habanero salsa for a spicy kick. The guacamole at Muchachos is another must-try, made with fresh avocados, onions, and cilantro.
Desserts and Beverages
End your Mexican feast with some delicious desserts and beverages. El Loco by Super Loco has a fantastic Mexican-inspired dessert menu. Try their Caramel Churros or Mexican Milk Cake. Sip on some refreshing cocktails like the classic Margarita, at Margarita’s or try Vatos Urban Tacos’ signature drink – the Soju Frozen Lime Margarita.
Vegetarian and Vegan Mexican Food in Singapore
Vegetarians and vegans need not worry as many Mexican restaurants in Singapore cater to their dietary requirements. Here are some of the vegetarian and vegan-friendly Mexican restaurants:
Plant-Based Mexican Dishes
If you’re looking for plant-based Mexican dishes, try The Mexican Bistro. The restaurant offers vegetarian options for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. They make their Queso with vegan cheese, making it a perfect choice for vegans. Another restaurant to check out is Tacos and Tequila, which serves vegetarian tacos and enchiladas.
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants
For vegan-friendly Mexican food in Singapore, check out Afterwit. The restaurant features a range of vegan and vegetarian options, including the vegan-friendly BBQ Jackfruit Tacos, made with jackfruit, vegan mayo, and pickled onions. The guacamole and salsa at Afterwit are also vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Mexican cuisine has become a popular addition to Singapore’s food scene, offering a range of flavours and experiences. Whether you’re looking for authentic, fusion, or plant-based Mexican options, you’ll find an option to cater to your taste buds and dietary requirements. With the recommendations in this article, we hope you discover the best Mexican food in Singapore and enjoy a memorable dining experience.
