10 places in Singapore serving delicious tacos

Birria tacos – which hail from the Mexican state of Jalisco and conventionally feature stewed goat meat – have been making waves on social media for the better part of the past year. You can nab them at Huevos, which makes theirs with slow-cooked beef short ribs, chorizo, cheese and pico de gallo accompanied by flavour-packed consommé. Other things worth trying are the Baja fish tacos and, for vegetarians, the cauliflower tacos.

803 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198771, +65 8484 4825

Treat yourself to tacos in a sleek setting at this casual Mexican restaurant. It specialises in wood-fired meats, and the stellar corn tortillas are crafted with freshly ground masa before being cooked on an old-school comal (griddle). Tacos are served build-your-own style. The al pastor tacos include tender pork belly, pineapples and shaved onions, while the equally noteworthy duck barbacoa tacos come with slow-roasted duck leg and tomatillo salsa.

116 Amoy Street, Singapore 069936

This chill Mexican joint is a popular spot among CBD slickers, who flock here for the happy hour deals (3pm to 7pm daily). Food-wise, there’s a plethora of tasty tacos to choose from. We like the classic carnitas tacos, which are piled high with plenty of pulled pork; as well as the juicy shrimp tacos and smoky chorizo tacos. Vegetarians can consider the mushroom and vegetable option, or those made with a moreish plant-based meat alternative.

39 Seah Street, #01-01, Singapore 188395, +65 6258 0701

While this restaurant in the leafy Dempsey Hill enclave doesn’t serve Mexican food, it still offers solid Peruvian-style tacos for those who want something slightly different. You can choose from chicken, pork and Wagyu beef varieties, all of which are plated up with corn tortillas, beans, onions, coriander, chilli sauce and lashings of smoky mayo. Pair everything with some Peruvian pisco – a lovely grape brandy that’s also the country’s national spirit.

9A Dempsey Road, Singapore 247698, +65 8028 1994

Value-for-money tacos are what you’ll discover at this homey Mexican joint. It doles out authentic Mexican nosh, plus Tex-Mex and Cali-Mex dishes. We’re partial to the classic al pastor tacos, which are marinated in Mexican spices and topped with diced pineapples and all the requisite fixings. While more adventurous eaters can go for the beef tongue option, vegetarians can graze on roasted poblano, caramelised onion and sweet corn tacos. The house-made salsa is a must-try, too.

275 Thomson Road, #01-45, Singapore 307645, +65 8307 5163

Along with sister restaurant Super Loco, Lucha Loco serves scrumptious Mexican-inspired fare – with colourful tacos being their calling card. Stars of the show are the pulled lamb shoulder tacos, tiger prawn tacos and Baja fish tacos composed of barramundi and chilli-mango salsa. And for something unique, do try the sunchoke tacos made with roasted Jerusalem artichoke. Visit on Taco Tuesday to enjoy their DIY taco platter, which is available from 5pm to 10pm.

15 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089598, +65 3158 3677

This may not be the most traditional of Mexican joints, but Vatos Urban Tacos is where you’ll find mouth-watering fusion tacos – many of which include a Korean twist. A standout is the galbi short rib tacos: marinated short ribs, ssamjang aioli and Asian slaw served atop thin corn tortillas. We also love the Korean pork belly tacos, which have pickled red onions for a nice zing; and the chimichurri prawn tacos made with flash-fried chipotle prawns and a tangy cilantro-lime crema.

36 Beach Road, #01-03, Singapore 189766, +65 6385 6010

True Mexican-food aficionados in the West ought to be familiar with Los Jefes, a taqueria that serves old-school Mexican grub. The smash-hit Baja fish tacos are made with thick and crispy strips of battered dory, thin pineapple slivers and chipotle coleslaw atop warm flour tortillas; while the barbacoa tacos feature melt-in-your-mouth lamb that’s been wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked to perfection. Do note that they currently only provide takeaway and home delivery.

1 West Coast Drive, #01-73, Singapore 128020, +65 9652 9274

No-nonsense Cali-Mex cuisine is the name of the game at Muchachos, which has been a CBD mainstay for almost a decade. Their classic tacos are available in varieties including chicken, steak, pork, fish and beef tongue, which are loaded onto corn tortillas and then dressed with zesty red onions, cilantro and lime (you can add some guacamole for good measure). Also on the menu are birria tacos, which come with a to-die-for consommé.

182 Cecil Street, #01-01, Singapore 069547, +65 6513 0215

Located at CHIJMES, El Mero Mero is a popular purveyor of Mexican dishes with a modern twist, and sources many of its ingredients from the motherland. Feast on al pastor tacos, of which they offer both pork and chicken options; grilled fish tacos made with succulent red snapper; and Waygu beef tacos with a crunchy shell instead of the usual soft and supple tortilla. Be sure to add some of the tongue-tingling house-made salsa before digging in.

30 Victoria Street, #01-19, Singapore 187996, +65 8289 7860

This article was first published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.