Tres Sombreros @ Upper East Coast Road - New Mexican Eatery On Upper East Coast Road Serving Vibrant Mexican Feast

Opened late last year along Upper East Coast Road, Tres Sombreros is a vibrant Mexican restaurant offering various Mexican dishes, from tacos and burritos to chimichangas and quesadillas, as well as Mexican coffee and cocktails. The restaurant is spacious, with colourful murals and decorations, perfect for a casual dinner or a festive celebration.

Sangria 4.2/5, Virgin Mojito 4/5

We started off the meal with their signature Margaritas, cocktails or mocktails. I had a huge glass of their signature Sangria ($18), which is available in a jug for sharing, and a Virgin Mojito ($8), a refreshing beverage for the flavour-intense mains later on.

Nachos 3.8/5

The Nachos ($18) come with crispy corn chips, topped with a myriad of ingredients such as cheese, black olives, black olives, Jalapeno, sour cream, tomatoes, guacamole, and salsa sauce. If you're with a group of friends, you may also upgrade to the Ultimate Nachos with a choice of lamb or beef, which is fit for 3 to 4 pax.

Grilled Fish 3.5/5, Spicy Chipotle Shrimp 4/5

For the tacos, we opted for the Grilled Fish ($10) and Spicy Chipotle Shrimp ($10). Our favourite is Spicy Chipotle, and I enjoyed the juicy shrimp wrapped in the warm flour tortilla. Other options include the Pollo Asado (chicken), Birria Quesa (beef) and Carnitas (pork).

Birria Sliders 3.8/5

The Birria Sliders ($16) are pulled beef sliders served with Birria consomme to dunk it in. The meat is very soft and tender, with the Birria consomme adding more beefy flavours to the sliders.

Quesadilla 4.2/5

The Quesadilla ($19) comes packed with melted cheese and spiced lamb meat in a soft tortilla skin. These little pockets of spice and cheesiness are easy to pick up and dip into the salsa sauce.

Chimichanga 4/5

The Chimichanga ($26) consists of a fried crispy flour tortilla stuffed with chicken, cheese, black beans, and jalapeños. It is then topped with sour cream and pico de gallo. It also comes with sides of homemade salsa verde and guacamole. The portion size is huge, suitable for sharing between 2 pax.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tres Sombreros
77 Upper East Coast Road
#01-02
Singapore 455218
Tel: +65 86463571
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 2pm, 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh @ Craig Road - Chef Gaggan Opens First Oversea Outpost In Singapore

Chef Gaggan Anand's Bangkok-based casual offshoot restaurant, Ms Maria & Mr Singh, opened its first overseas outlet at Craig Road, Singapore. The menu features tapas and small plates marrying Mexican and Indian flavours and traditions.

Mixed Chips with Four Dips 3.5/5

We started with some appetisers and snacks, beginning with the Mixed Chips with Four Dips. The colourful fried chips comprise sweet purple potato, sweet orange potato, yam, and yellow corn tortilla. Seasoned with salt, you can have it on its own or go with the four different dipping sauces - Pickled Mango, Chilli Cheese Sauce, Guacachutney, and Pickled Baby Corn.

Spicy Crunchy Okra 4/5

The Spicy Crunchy Okra ($12) is a popular Indian snack known as 'Bhindi'. An addictive and crispy snack coated with beautiful aromatic Indian spices.

Papdi Chaat 4.2/5

Get an explosion of flavours from the Papdi Chaat ($18) in one bite, which is made of chaat masala and yoghurt. The snack combines a traditional Indian street snack and Chef Gaggan's signature dish - Yogurt Explosion.

Cold Curry Ceviche 4.5/5

The Cold Curry Ceviche ($20) is inspired by Gaggan's classic Cold Curry, Scallops dish. It challenges the norm that curry has to be served hot and cooked. The interpretation is served cold and raw. Recommend giving it a good mix before eating.

Truffle Quesadilla 4/5

Quesadilla, an iconic staple of Mexican cuisine found worldwide, is given an elevated take incorporating influence from India, adding paneer to the quesadilla. In addition, black truffle paste is added to the Truffle Quesadilla ($28) for that extra earthy oomph to enjoy.

Hate Veggies Love Peanut Mole 3/5

Another staple in Mexican cuisine is the mole sauce, comprising chocolate, spices, fruits, nuts, chilli peppers and over 60 different ingredients. Charred cauliflower and crispy fried lotus root rested on top of the Hate Veggies Love Peanut Mole ($14).

Maria Singh Fish Tacos 4.5/5

Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh Shots 

A twist of the classic Baja Fish Taco is the Maria Singh Fish Tacos ($18), using two different styles of marinades representing Ms Maria and Mr Singh favourite ingredients. Instead of tortilla shell, it is replaced with Perilla leaf to hold the barramundi fish. Besides that, two special Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh Shots ($16) are designed to go along with the tacos.

Patrani Fish Tamal 4.5/5

With limited daily portions, the Patrani Fish Tamal ($30) is another inspiration from one of Gaggan's classic dishes - Fish Paturi. It incorporates influences from both the Indian and Mexican cultures. It reminds me of our local sambal stingray.

Biryani - Surf & Turf 4.2/5

A staple dish but given a new variation for Singapore is the Biryani - Surf & Turf ($28). Usually, it comes with a type of meat, but this has a mix of seafood (prawns and scallops) and meat (beef tongue).

Gaggan's Crab Curry 4.8/5

We had Gaggan's Crab Curry ($32) and Chicken Tikka Masala ($18) to go with the rice. The crab curry is a signature dish of Chef Gaggan that has been a staple in several pop-ups. The stirred-fried crab meat's sweetness is showcased beautifully in the creamy Southern Indian curry.

Chicken Tikka Masala 4.5/5

The chicken tikka masala is spicier than the crab curry, a classic British cuisine popularised by British cooks from India living in Great Britain. The tender chicken is marinated in tikka masala and cooked in a creamy, tomato-based curry.

Mango Yuzu Snowball 4.2/5

Singaporean may be familiar with the Mango Yuzu Snowball ($24), a dessert featured in MasterChef Singapore. The Alphonso mango mousse comes with a yuzu base paired with white chocolate snow and chopped mangoes. A light and refreshing dessert to wrap up the meal.

Avocado Falooda 4.2/5

Lastly, we had the Avocado Falooda ($16). Falooda is a traditional Indian cold dessert made by mixing vermicelli, and rose syrup with milk, often served with ice cream. Ms. Maria & Mr Singh's interpretation comes with vanilla ice cream, avocado mousse, coconut jelly, lemon foam, and basil seeds..

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh
43 Craig Road
Singapore 089691
Tel: +65 96544351
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Thu: 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon, Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk to Neil Road. Cross the road using the underpass. Take the staircase and walk to Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Aloght at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk down Neil Road. Cross the road at the junction of Craig Road and Neil Road. Turn left onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tonito @ Jewel Changi Airport - Serving Lesser Known Traditional Latin American Cuisine

Having dined at Tono Cevicheria on a few occasions, I have grown to enjoy the vibrant flavours of Peruvian cuisine. I was excited when it opens a brother restaurant, Tonito at Jewel Changi Airport, bringing the lesser known Latino dishes to Singaporean as well as tourists travelling in and out of Singapore.

Mexican Ceviche 4/5

For appetisers, we started with the Mexican Ceviche ($28) and Ceviche Tonito ($28). The Mexican Ceviche consists of octopus, Japanese baby scallops, crabmeat, pico de gallo, limes, and guacamole. It is best eaten together with the crispy corn tortilla for an explosion of flavours and play of textures.

Ceviche Tonito 4/5

Tasted as good is the Ceviche Tonito ($28) that comprises of Japanese baby scallops, octopus, crabmeat and fried calamari in Smoked Aji Amarillo Tiger's Milk. Compare to the Mexican Ceviche, and I prefer this more as the flavours are sharper with more depth.

Pork Tacos 4/5

Tonito does not focus only on Peruvian food. It also offers a selection of Latin American cuisine  such as the Mexican tacos and quesadillas. For tacos, there are options for fish, beef, chicken and pork. I had the Pork Tacos ($16) which comes with crispy pork belly, sausage, caramelised onion, chipotle mayo aioli with soft corn tortilla.

Beef Quesadillas 4.2/5

The Beef Quesadillas ($16) with crispy thin flour tortilla is another excellent dish on the menu. Marinated beef, coriander aioli and avocado puree are sandwiched in between the crispy shell, bound together by the melted cheddar cheese for a cheesy enjoyment. There are also options for pork and chicken if you don't eat beef. For vegetarian, the corn replaces the protein.

Fish Moqueca 4.2/5

A dish closer to our local palate is the traditional Brazilian Fish Moqueca ($26). The fish stew is prepared with rich coconut milk in a piquant gravy of tomatoes and peppers which has a mild spicy kick. It goes very well with the fragrant garlic rice.

Latino Seafood Rice 4.5/5

My favourite dish for the night goes to the Latino Seafood Rice. The crabmeat rice cooked in white wine, dried chilli sauce and parmesan cheese is delicious and flavourful. Crispy fish, calamari and prawns accompanied the dish. It is a simple yet hearty dish. I probably can eat this every day and not get tired of it.

Tres Leches 4.5/5

Not being a dessert person, I find myself enjoying the Tres Leches ($8) paired with pineapple compote and crispy coconut flakes. The sponge cake soaked in coconut milk is moist and sweet.

Unlike Tono Cevicheria, Tonito offers a more family-friendly, convivial dining atmosphere with hearty and flavourful traditional Latin American cuisine that is lesser known to Singaporean.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tonito
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#02-248
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 69043975
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Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A and B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Comida Mexicana @ East Coast Road - New Casual & Convivial Dining Concept By Margarita's

Same same but different that is exactly how I would describe Comida Mexicana at East Coast Road. Managed by the same folk behind Margarita's, the team has revamped its outlet in East Coast Road and created a new casual and convivial dining concept offering Mexican food which in Spanish is the name of the restaurant - Comida Mexicana.

Tortilla Chips with Dip 3.5/5

We started with some freshly made tortilla chips before dinner is served. At Comida Mexicana, you order the prefer choice of dip to go with the tortilla chips. There are a total of 4 different dips on the menu and we tried the Red Salsa ($6), Green Tomatillo Salsa ($7) and Chile Con Queso ($16). Most in the group likes the chile con queso or chilli with melted cheese while I actually enjoyed the green tomatillo salsa for its spicy kick.

Enrollados 3.8/5

The Enrollados ($18) is the Mexican popiah. The tortilla is rolled up with chicken, jalapenos and cheese stuffing. It is then coated with egg and deep fried. This is topped with fresh salsa, sour cream and guacamole. The doughy bite of the enrollados was quite enjoyable with the different flavours working in harmony.

Mash Avocado Sopes 3.8/5

Next we tried the Mash Avocado Sopes ($20) which is known to be originated from central and southern parts Mexico. The crackling and light fried masa base held the pile of mash aovcado for a textural enjoyment. I only hope the flavour has more punch in it.

Crab & Avocado Quesadillas 4/5

The Crab & Aocado Quesadillas ($28) is an off the menu creation. What made it worked was actually the creamy sauce of the crab mixture. It was surprisingly very delectable, complemented by the thin and crispy tortilla.

Carnitas 4/5

Next we tried the Carnitas ($32) which is Mexican pulled pork. It comes with warm corn tortillas, salsa rojas, salsa verde and guacamole. We are supposed to eat it like a wrap with a bit of everything. However I felt the corn tortilla was too thick, masking the appreciation of the dish. Credit has to go to the beautifully cooked pulled pork which is tender and flavourful. I actually ended up having the pulled pork without the corn tortilla.

Mexican Yucantan Chicken 4.5/5

A favourite dish among the dining group is the Mexican Yucantan Chicken ($28). The chicken skewers are spiced with achiote and orange. The tender and juicy chicken was extremely delicious with the sweet marination.

Salted Caramel Pina Colada Bread Pudding 4/5

A pleasing dessert to wrap up the dinner is the Salted Caramel Pina Colada Bread Pudding ($15). The play of hot and cold, sweet and savoury together with the soft bread pudding provided a delightful finishing for a lovely dessert.

Kahbrita 4.5/5

For coffee lover, not to be missed is the Kahbrita ($14). Similar to affogato, the dessert glass consists of Kahlua and a scoop of ice cream coated with Mexican chocolate. A shot of espresso is then poured over the dessert for a bitter sweet enjoyment.

Overall I find the place and food at Comida Mexicana is family friendly which suits its neighbour. However I find the Mexican food here a bit light handed. I thought Mexican food should be more vibrant in flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Comida Mexicana
404 East Coast Road
Singapore 428998
Tel: +65 64408030
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Eve of PH & PH: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon exclude Eve of PH and PH)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 8 stops later. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Barrio by Mex Out @ Vivocity - Mexican Cuisine In A Beer-Garden Inspired Casual Dining Setting

With the success of its 313 Somerset outlet, Barrio by Mex Out has opened a second outlet at Vivocity offering Mexican cuisine in a beer-garden inspired casual dining setting. On weekends, it even has a breakfast deal at $12.90, which comes with a breakfast dish + a coffee (available 9am to 12pm).

Smashed Avocado on Toast 3/5

Let us check out what do Barrio by Mex Out has to offer on its breakfast menu. The Smashed Avocado on Toast ($7.80) comes with tomato jam and smashed avocado on a grilled sourdough. You can add bacon/fried egg / mushrooms for an additional cost of $3 each.

Huevos Rancheros 3/5

Comes in a Tortilla shell is the Huevos Rancheros ($12.80) that comprises of black beans, rice, guacamole and a fried egg with barrio breakfast sauce. This is a bit heavy for me to eat as breakfast though. For those with big appetite, you may want to add extra bacon/fried egg/mushrooms for an additional $3 each.

Churros with Yogurt & Fruits 3/5

How about Churros ($11.90) for breakfast with Yogurt and Fruits? It is a first for me to have churros for breakfast. Not my preference but it is quite nice though with its crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Loaded Nachos 4.2/5

Be warned! The Loaded Nachos ($13.60) is super addictive. I have told myself not to have to eat too much but I just could not control myself from going back for more of the freshly fried corn tortillas, which is topped with a generous amount of chilli con carne, cotija cheese, moazzarella and cheddar cheese sauce, pico de gallo, coriander, sour cream and freshly made guacamole.

Pulled Pork Torta 4/5

For a more hearty bite, the Pulled Pork Torta ($15.90) is a good consideration. Sandwiched in between the deep fried brioche buns is the delectable pork marinated with Chipotle Aioli, cotijatas cheese, pickled red cabbage and mayonnaise. Be prepared to get your hands messy.

Fish Taco 4.5/5

A mush try at Barrio is their Fish Taco ($13.40 for 2pc / $15.90 for 3pc). The taco uses beer battered sea bass and topped with pickled red cabbage, pico de gallo and chipotle aioli. With a squeeze of the lime to zest up the whole enjoyment.

Barbacoa Quesadilla 4.2/5

The Barbacoa Quesadilla ($13.40) did not disappoint with the diced chargrilled flank steak encased in a crispy tortilla, paired with pico de gallo, chilli jam, cheddar and jalapenos for a delightful combination of flavours and textures.

Jalapeno with Cheese 4/5

I am great that Barrio is still servicing the Jalapeno with Cheese ($8.40) on its menu. Lightly battered for a crispy exterior, the Jalapeno is stuffed with cheese for a harmonious combination of spicy and cheesy finishing.


Barrio by Mex Out
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-116
Singapore 098585
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]