Upscale

The Upscale band covers Mexican restaurants where you should expect to spend roughly US$50 to US$100 a head before drinks. These are places for a planned dinner rather than a quick taco, with serious agave lists and more ambitious cooking.

Nixta Mexican Grill & Bar on Amoy Street in Singapore is run by Travis Masiero, who nixtamalises heirloom corn in-house and roasts meats over wood; the duck barbacoa tacos and Kurobuta pork belly al pastor are worth ordering. Ojo, on the 76th floor of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, is Thailand's highest restaurant and serves modern Mexican food from chef Paco Ruano, including tamal de cangrejo and cochinillo.

Book ahead, especially for weekend evenings, and check the booking terms when you reserve. Cocktails and mezcal will add a good deal to the bill, so budget accordingly. Neither restaurant is halal.