Lavi Taco Chinatown

Lavi Taco started life in 2022 as Lavi Burger at the Grandstand before switching to tacos, and its Chinatown outlet now occupies a ground-floor unit in Pearl's Hill Terrace, a short walk from Outram Park. Neon, murals and outdoor tables give it a casual, after-dark feel.

The quesabirria is the house signature: slow-cooked brisket in a birria broth, stuffed into crisp tortillas with melted cheese and served with the broth for dipping. Other fillings borrow from around Asia, including masala lamb birria, crispy Thai fish and a vegan rendang mushroom, and there is a birria-style pulled mushroom for vegetarians. Loaded nachos and Balinese buffalo wings fill out the table. Tacos come in pairs and most cost between S$15 and S$25.

It suits a relaxed dinner with friends and has plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Dinner only, Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Mondays. A second, larger outlet with a full bar, Lavi Taco Maxwell, is at 5 Kadayanallur Street behind Maxwell Food Centre.