Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown & CBD

Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown and the CBD hold some of Singapore's best-known Mexican restaurants, packed into shophouse streets such as Duxton Hill, Keong Saik Road and Amoy Street. Office workers fill the lunch counters, and the evenings bring dates and after-work groups.

Lucha Loco on Duxton Hill is a Tulum-inspired mezcaleria with a terrace. Mami's Tamales on Keong Saik Road is Singapore's first tamaleria, run by Puebla-born Maribel Colmenares. Lavi Taco Chinatown at Pearl's Hill Terrace serves quesabirria and masala lamb tacos. Nixta Mexican Grill & Bar on Amoy Street nixtamalises its own heirloom corn, and its neighbour Chico Loco slow-roasts rotisserie chicken. Muchachos at Frasers Tower is known for California burritos and carne asada fries.

Tanjong Pagar, Telok Ayer and Outram Park MRT stations are all close by. Book for weekend evenings at Lucha Loco and Nixta; Lucha Loco is closed on Sundays. None of these places is confirmed halal.