Discover the Mexican Magic of El Mero Mero in Chinatown
When you think of Mexican fare down in Singapore, a few names pop up—Muchachos for those California burritos that travel across borders, and the legendary Papi’s Tacos for the straight‑up taco vibe. But trust me, the street‑food scene doesn’t end there.
The Real Deal: Why El Mero Mero Deserves a Spotlight
In the culinary world, “el mero mero” translates to “the go‑to guy.” And when you walk into this place, you’ll see exactly what that means: genuine flavor, authentic vibes, and a menu that goes beyond the usual Tex‑Mex trappings.
From a Lawyer to a Foodie Boss
A five‑year journey led by Alejandro Blanco—once a corporate lawyer, now a culinary entrepreneur—has brewed a restaurant that screams authenticity. The July refurbishment gave it a modern, globally minded feel, but the soul remains rooted in real Mexican gastronomy.
Style & Space
- Soft ivory walls set the mellow tone.
- Marble touch‑up on tables and exposed timber add that classy yet casual edge.
- Plants, especially the towering cactus that anchors the room, bring a splash of jungle to the urban backdrop.
- A live kitchen spills into the main dining area—watch chefs spark up your dishes with shiny tools and grounded Mexican techniques.
When it comes to the tasting experience, these golden cups of Mexican magic lure you into a world where every bite tells a story.
MENU: Small Plates to Big Heaves
Let’s take a detour on the menu—think of it as a coffee‑shop treat list with an extra crunch.
Botanas (Mexican Street Bites)
- Baja Fish ($14)—tempura‑fried citrus‑juicy fish, tacked with pico de gallo and pickled shallots on a soft flour tortilla. Texture and flavor dance together.
- Corn Sampler ($15)—char‑grilled baby corn, torched corn husk, and little huitlacoche donuts (yes, that edible “corn truffle” is delicious).
Starters & Soups
Hamachi & Coconut Ceviche ($21)—fresh stellar hamachi in a piperated aguachile, bathes in a hibiscus‑infused coconut milk. A bowl that smells like summer and tastes like siren.
Tortilla Soup ($14)—an oven‑roasting fiesta of tomatoes, guajillo chillies, and such that the fresh crunchy tortilla inside isn’t just a garnish, but a flavor boost.
Fusion Brains On Table
Weird? Not at all. Some dishes reflect a subtle East Asian vibe.
- Wagyu Volcano ($15)—lean, thin slices of wagyu. Super‑mild volume topped with a “molcajete” sauce (tomato, chilli, garlic).
- Oyster Blade Fajita ($38)—shishito pepper paired with plays of fresh oysters in a bold, signature Mexican style.
Sweet Finale
Braised Pineapple ($14)—more steps than the name suggests. Baván salsa in a sous‑vide with piloncillo, then a melt‑in‑your‑hand peel of that grillase.
All paired with vanilla ice cream for that satisfying crumb.
Drink Time with Mezcal
The duo wonders if you can stay alcohol‑free in a place that’s all about the holiday vibe. Easy answer: No—the mezcal list tempts just the way it should.
- El Mero Mero ($18)—orange‑infused mezcal, lime, agave syrup—it’s a subtle smoky, slushy alchemy.
Keep an eye out—other cocktails bring the perfect finish.
Location & Hours
Address: 30 Victoria St, #01‑20 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
Phone: +65 9722 8171
Hours: Sun‑Thu 5 PM‑11 PM, Fri‑Sat 5 PM‑11:30 PM
So, if you are seeking a place that knows the real spirit of Mexican cuisine (not corner‑store Tex‑Mex), El Mero Mero is the place to go. You’ll leave feeling like you just ate a Mexican festival in a bustling Singapore vibe!
