Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Chimichanga VivoCity Review, and Singapore's 1st ever Agave Festival: Viva Mexico!!!
Chimichanga VivoCity Review: Viva Singapore, and Viva Mexico: Where Chimichangas and Tequila Rule. Let’s be honest, every Singapore food blog worth its salt needs a Mexican twist once or twice, and we usually give you more than that at Islifearecipe. Chimichanga Vivocity isn’t just a mouthful to say, it’s the place to go if you love bold flavours, punchy cocktails, and a tsunami of vibrancy and fun with your food.
Throw in Singapore’s first ever Agave Festival and you have a serious Mexican fiesta on Harbourfront with enough tequila, mezcal, and tacos to make the Mexican Ambassador and his abuela proud, even if she’s reading this food blog from Mexico.
Located at Vivocity, this Chimichanga is the largest of the chain’s outlets, with a 160-seater restaurant dripping in resort-inspired terracotta tones and bamboo ceilings. There’s an alfresco terrace for the pet parents, yes, bring your dog for tacos under the stars, and even waterfront views if you snag the right table. If you’ve ever wished Singapore could channel the energetic buzz of Oaxaca, Chimichanga Vivocity is the answer, with live acoustic sessions, chilled vibes, and friendly staff who know their way around a guacamole bowl.
Chimichanga Vivocity Review: Table of Contents
Chimichanga Vivocity: Customer Reviews
The place gets a hearty two thumbs up and occasional cheers for “great food,” “good ambience,” and “friendly staff.” Family groups, dates, and business lunches all tuck into large portions, loaded nachos, and that Impossible Chimichanga for the plant-based crowd. Popular opinion labels the place as a “good bet in Vivocity,” especially for lively weekend meals, and the waterfront pet terrace is often mentioned as a rare perk.
It’s full of families and groups introducing their friends to Mexican food for the first time. Multiple visits come highly recommended. Kids love the activities and the churros, adults love the sunset happy hour. It was mobbed with families this day that I was there.
Chimichanga Vivocity: Singapore Mexican Restaurant Review First Impressions & Atmosphere
Chimichanga VivoCity Review: Upon entering Chimichanga Vivocity, you’re greeted with a relaxed yet lively atmosphere: woven seagrass lamps, pink and terracotta stucco walls, and a bar that has “one more margarita” written all over it. Despite the size, the place never loses its cosiness – perfect for get-togethers and family feasts. Their pet-friendly alfresco side is a winner for anyone who thinks a dog should be at every good Mexican fiesta party: Viva Perro.
Servers hustle like seasoned pros and still manage a wide smile, even when the Saturday rush hits. Chimichanga’s is showered with praise online for their excellent service and servers with encyclopedic drinks knowledge. Don’t let the crowds faze you; reservations are strongly advised unless you enjoy a pre-dinner queue with the Sentosa view (that rhymes): ENJOY!!!
Chimichanga VivoCity Menu: what's hot?
Small Plates, Big Joys
- Elotes Ribs: Grilled corn, glossy with house aioli and cheese, a perfect opener that’s as Instagrammable as it is snackable.
- Crispy Whitebait with Limon Aioli: Crunchy, zesty, and highly addictive. If you bring kids, warn them: these vanish quickly.
- Buff-O-Wings: Chicken wings, barbecue sauce, minimal fuss, maximum satisfaction.
Mexican Mains That Bring the Fiesta
- Chipotle Chicken Chimichanga: The hero dish here! Deep-fried wheat tortilla stuffed with amarillo rice, cheese, and chicken, topped with salsa verde, crema, and pico de gallo. It’s everything you want after a long day shopping, and the crispy shell is the stuff of legend.
- Lamb Shank Barbacoa: 12-hour smoked lamb shank, mild mole naranja, and rice. Comforting, rich, and proof that Mexican food isn’t afraid of a little luxury. Holy moly this bad boy is incredible.
- Pulpo Asado Al Carbon: Grilled octopus, butternut squash purée, lemon confit — delightfully smoky and perfectly charred around the edges. Seafood aficionados, this is the plate to order. It was a little bouncy, clearly the Octo has been working out cos them muscles in his arms were tough.
- Shredded Ancho Beef Taco: Slow-cooked beef, fresh tortillas, guacamole, crema, salsa — a classic done right, meltingly tender and full of flavour. To die for, folks, to die for.
- Pico De Gallo Quesadillas: Cheesy, gooey, and ideal for sharing (if you don’t mind fighting for the last slice).
Sips & Cocktails
Chimichanga takes its drinks seriously. Choose from Aperol Spritz, Pisco Sour, Summer Bliss, Neon Donkey craft beers or one of six different margarita flavours during happy hour: we had the peach, yummo. Cocktails are reliable, with decent pours, and the house beer is crisp enough to handle all your spicy bites.
If you’re here for the Agave Festival, prepare for unlimited Rivera-inspired cocktails. More about this event below!
ELOTE CORN RIBS @ SGD $15.90
Corn ribs, house aioli, cheese. Just a tad on the dry side, but still super delicious, with all those umami add-ons. Yummo.
SHREDDED ANCHO BEEF @ SGD $21.90
Shredded juicy slow-cooked beef, soft flour tortillas, guacamole, crema, onions. Hubba Bubba, how good are these. Like a super-soft beefy Mexican stew in delicious fluffy tortillas. Killers!!!
PULPO ASADO AL CARBON @ SGD $32.90
Grilled octopus leg, butternut squash purée, lemon confit, caper vinaigrette. Truly wonderful flavours, but just a tad springy on the chew. With arms like this he could be the bouncer on the door. Nonetheless, a really good pulpo, and so beautifully plated.
LAMB SHANK BARBACOA @ SGD $38.90
12-hour tender smoked lamb shank, mildy-spicy mole naranja, served over rice. STOP THE MEXICAN AUTOBUS. I would (and will be) come back again, and again, and again just for this. Best lamb shank I think I have ever had, it is sublime. It falls apart when touched, it’s juicy, super-soft and just so damned umami with the mole. Oh my goodness, I’m booking a taxi now to go get it again. This is my MUST-TRY, folks, get this in your life one day.
Chimichanga Frozen Margaritas: This is Mango, Peach
But also: 1/ Classic Lime – Tequila, Curaçao, Fresh Lime, Agave – Blended with Ice. 2/ Berry Blast – Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry. 3/ Pina Colada – Pineapple, Coconut. 4/ Banana Strawberry.
East West Asia swamped on the day...
Our BFFs Brian and Max are the founders and owners of East West Tequila Distributors, based in Singapore. They are the gatekeepers to some of Asia’s most impressive collections of premium and ultra-premium agave spirits, from tequila to mezcal and everything delightful in between. Known for handpicking family-run brands from Mexico and fostering relationships built over decades, they elevate the city’s spirits culture with a dash of expertise, a splash of organic, some super-star razzmatazz, and an unmistakable dose of fiesta.
Their portfolio reads like a tequila enthusiast’s bucket list, and together with them, our ongoing collaborations with the Mexican Embassy ensure Singaporean drinkers get the real deal, not supermarket shelf impersonators, with more additives that a Kardashian.
And there’s buzz in the air, because East West is set to launch Matthew McConaughey’s Pantalones Tequila in Singapore, later this year—cue the “alright, alright, alright!” from every tequila fan and film buff on the island. When Pantalones Tequila lands, expect tastings that pair movie-star glam with top-tier agave, and a party scene worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster—just with better tequila. Watch this space, folks…
On September 27, Chimichanga Vivocity made Singapore history by hosting its first Agave Festival — a dedicated showcase for tequila, mezcal, Cocuy, and creative agave cocktails. Embraced by both the Mexican and Venezuelan Embassies, the festival spotlighted 30+ agave spirits, immersive tastings, and guided talks from international spirits experts. If you’ve ever wanted to say you’ve sampled Cocuy (Venezuela’s own agave spirit, making its Asia debut with just 60 bottles), now’s your chance.
Guests ticketed at $68/pax ($120 for two) unlocked:
- Unlimited agave tastings (I can vouch for that): Try every single tequila, mezcal, and agave under the sun (and stars, if you keep sipping).
- 6 flavours of margaritas and cocktails, including inventive festival specials.
- A bottle voucher and food credits to keep the party rolling.
- Networking with international bar stars, tequila reps, passionate fellow drinkers, and the occassional fat beardy food blogger (you know who you are…)
The festival drew spirits lovers, foodies, and Margarita aficionados from all over Singapore — a rare collision of food and drink adventure in one of the city’s buzziest food hubs.
Why It Matters
Chimichanga Vivocity put Singapore’s food scene on the map with the Agave Festival, bringing rare Latin American flavours (especially Cocuy, along with top Mexican spirits like Don Ramón from East West) to local lips and social feeds alike. The presence of the embassies added authenticity to the festival’s celebratory spirit. If you missed out, watch for round two — Singapore clearly has a thirst for agave-infused fun, cos it was RAMMED!!!
So much tequila and mezcal on offer today for tasting. It surely was a wow, and a great opportunity to really get to experience the vast difference in tastes of this incredible liquid.
With over 200 species of agave, each type varies dramatically in appearance, growth patterns, and chemical composition, making every agave unique—yet the spirits world has barely scratched the surface of this botanical diversity. Tequila is produced exclusively in Jalisco using only one type of agave: Blue Weber, while mezcal production spans nine Mexican states and utilizes dozens of agave varieties, creating a spirit category of staggering complexity.
Unlike tequila, mezcal can be made from over 30 varieties of agave, from the workhorse Espadin that accounts for almost 90% of all production to rare wild varieties like Tobalá, Tepeztate, and the massive Arroqueño that can be 8 feet tall and 11 feet around, with piñas weighing from 200 to more than 450 pounds
Machetazo Mezcal: The Machete's Strike
The name Machetazo symbolizes the complexity and labour of the mezcal production process—with a swing of the machete or machetazo, their mezcaleros mark the beginning of the adventure behind the making of this mystical spirit. Mezcal Machetazo follows traditional mezcal production processes that have been passed down from generation to generation, offering different varieties produced in three different states in Mexico: Guerrero, Oaxaca and San Luis Potosí.
Founder Rosendo Zambrano’s Machetazo Mezcal is produced in a wood-fired hearthstone oven, blending smokiness and natural earthy flavours, while their Espadin expression has subtle floral notes with a light spicy finish influenced by the tropical-desert climate where the distillery is located, with agave reaching maturity between 8-12 years. Their Cupreata from Guerrero offers slight hints of smoke with citric aromas, showcasing the diversity of terroir across different Mexican states.
This is mezcal that honours the swing of the blade that started it all—traditional, handcrafted, and rooted in the honest labour of Mexican mezcaleros who’ve been doing this properly for generations, one machete strike at a time.
Loca Loka Tequila: Where Bollywood Meets Jalisco
Imagined in India and authentically produced in Mexico, Loca Loka is co-founded by Indian film star Rana Daggubati, musician Anirudh Ravichander, and entrepreneur Harsha Vadlamudi, blending the cultures, colours, art, tastes, and emotions of both nations. Crafted from 100% agave in the renowned Jalisco region, this innovative tequila celebrates the fusion of two vibrant cultures, and it’s a premium additive-free tequila that takes its craft seriously.
The blanco has a distinct fruity character with subtle earthy and floral notes, while the reposado offers richer, oaky flavor from aging in French and American oak barrels. Basically, it’s what happens when Bollywood star power meets proper Mexican tequila craftsmanship—and judging by those San Francisco awards, the marriage is working brilliantly. Welcome to the Republic of Loca Loka, where “loca” means crazy and the tequila is anything but.
Motel Mezcal: Desert Romance in a Bottle
Inspired by its Mexican heritage, Motel Mezcal is weighted in the richness of craftsmanship, crafted by third-generation Mezcalero and Co-founder, Daniel Lopez. This all-natural mezcal is cooked on volcanic stoves, double distilled with zero additives, abacantes or sugars at 43% ABV, keeping things pure and honest in the glass.
Rooted in Oaxaca’s rich mezcal-making traditions, Motel Mezcal is a sensory experience inspired by Mexico’s cultural legacy, with branding that evokes sun-bleached desert motels, dusty roads, and the romance of artisan makers who’ve been perfecting their craft for generations.
“Mezcal for the moment” is their tagline—and honestly, that moment should be right bloody now, preferably with a slice of orange, some sal de gusano, and absolutely no regrets about tomorrow’s tequila-less hangover.
The Venezuelan Ambassador was in the Casa
Jessica María López Piña, the Venezuelan Ambassador for Singapore was in the casa today, showing off all her Venezuelan country-wares. But why at the Agave Festival I hear you shout:
Well, my friends, let’s talk about Cocuy—Venezuela’s answer to tequila and mezcal that’s been hiding in plain sight for centuries. Cocuy is a liquor distilled from the fermented juices of agave, with a taste similar to tequila and mezcal, but made from green agave plants (Agave cocui) that grow in the arid regions of Venezuela’s western states of Lara and Falcón, where the stalks and heads are roasted in underground ovens, fermented, and then distilled. The tradition dates back to pre-Columbian times when indigenous communities used agave for ceremonial and medicinal purposes—so this spirit has serious historical street cred.
Bozal Mezcal: coming to a shelf near you soon...
What’s all the fuss about, well… Bozal celebrates wild agave from steep hillsides of Oaxaca and Guerrero, producing exotically intense flavours with rich earth tones and savoury smokiness. Most mezcals use cultivated Espadin agave – Bozal goes after the wild stuff. Their Ensamble blends cultivated Espadin with wild Barril and Mexicano agave. They also produce single-agave expressions using Tobalá and Cuishe – these are rarer, harder to harvest, and take longer to mature than standard agave.
Bozal uses traditional earthen pit roasting and clay pot distillation for their Reserva series. This ancestral approach creates more complex, layered flavours compared to modern industrial methods. The flavour is therefore more intense and “wild” than mainstream mezcals – think earthy, funky, complex rather than smooth and ‘approachable’.
Gets my vote. So when we opening it Brian? Viva Bozal!!!
Chimichanga VivoCity Review
My namesake, Brian, founder and owner of East West, with the lovely Mario Calderon Trade Commissioner at Embassy of Mexico in Singapore. They were seriously in debate about whether or not to open these two beauties.
I tell you we were so busy this day, I jumped on to the tools to help my BFF Brian, and ended up selling bottles that I wasn’t supposed to sell. Coffee Liqueur, Mezcals and Tequilas were flying off the shelf (well, table), and the tastings were a massive success, so much so that I can’t quite remember how it ended up…
Chimichanga VivoCity Menu
Voice of the Restaurant: Chimichanga VivoCity Review
“Chimichanga made its debut in 2016 in Little India, offering a unique blend of Mexican flavours tailored to the Singaporean palate, which we fondly call “Sing-Mex.” Since then, our family has grown to include our sister brand, Chimi’s, and Chimichanga branches in Holland Village and Paya Lebar Quarter and most recently, VivoCity. At each location, a world of flavours await—whether you crave classic burritos, tacos, quesadillas, or have a taste for the extravagant like our Angus Ribeye and lamb cutlets.
For a coastal twist, try Chimichanga VivoCity’s seafood offerings, inspired by Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Complement your meal with handcrafted cocktails, including Margaritas, or opt for our refreshing Neon Donkey craft beer and you’ve got the perfect meal for any day of the week.”
Chimichanga VivoCity Review: Final Thoughts
Chimichanga VivoCity Review: Final thoughts on Chimichanga Vivocity? Mates, if you leave here hungry, you’ve probably made all your life decisions in reverse — and you’d better check your pulse while you’re at it. There’s so much food flying out of the kitchen, your FitBit will throw up its arms and start counting margaritas as steps. From the chipotle chicken chimichanga to tacos that could double as a fiesta party hat, you’ll find yourself full, happy, and possibly ready to write an emotional food blog review about Vivocity and Chimichangas: now there’s an idea…
And as for the ambience? This is where Singapore’s food scene goes on holiday — bold, bright, and upbeat, whether you’re indoors by the funky lamps or sunning yourself on the pet-friendly terrace. You could arrive in flip-flops and start swigging tequilas or bring your Nan for a quick lamb shank: either way, Chimichanga Vivocity makes you feel like you should order that last round of churros “for the table.” If you spot anyone serenading their taco or slow dancing with a lamb shank, don’t worry, you’re just seeing the full effects of one of Singapore’s finest Mexican dining spots… and the copious amounts of tequila, too.
Gracias Chimichangas Vivocity. ¡Qué increíble Festival del Agave! Comida, diversión y amigos a raudales. ¡Viva Chimichangas! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva el Tequila! ¡Viva el Mezcal!
East West Phrases Gourmet Coffee Tequila Liqueur
I have to call out this beauty. No not my gorgeous Wifey, I mean the liquid she is holding in her hands. This stuff is insane. We sold out of this on the day, and I even had to reserve bottles for coffee tequila convert customers, and yes it really is THAT good…
This liquid is a bold fusion of coffee and tequila, crafted with meticulous care, this 32% ABV (64 proof) spirit brings together the finest 100% Arabica coffee beans from Veracruz and 100% Blue Agave tequila from Jalisco, Mexico, delivering an authentic taste of two iconic regions.
Tasting Experience
- Smooth and balanced, each sip opens with an intense coffee flavor that immediately captivates the palate.
- A rich vanilla sensation follows, adding depth and creaminess.
- The finish reveals a hint of caramel and a subtle perception of agave honey, rounding out the experience with gentle sweetness and complexity.
Versatility
Enjoy Phrases Gourmet Coffee Tequila Liqueur chilled on the rocks to savour its smooth character or use it as a standout ingredient in your favorite cocktails. My idea is to have this poured over vanilla ice-cream to create an alcoholic Affogato – yes, that’s my idea and will be served at The Kapre Restaurant and Bar, Panglao (outrageous plug…)
Islifearecipe's Ode to Chimichanga VivoCity
At VivoCity there’s a place divine, Where Mexican dreams and hunger align, Chimichanga’s the name, you must give it a shot, Where the food is incredible and the tequila’s are shot after shot!
The tacos arrive like a gift from above, Each bite is a passionate Mexican love, The nachos are piled up ridiculously high, With cheese so abundant you’ll weep and you’ll cry!
The beer flows like rivers through ancient Aztec lands, Cold Corona and Modelo in eager beer hands, They pour and they pour till your worries are gone, You stumble outside singing “La Cucaracha” at dawn!
But wait—there’s tequila! Oh glorious sight! Shot after shot through the VivoCity night, With our friends and amigos, we toast to our health, (Though tomorrow we’ll question our life and our wealth!)
So if you’re in VivoCity, feeling quite peckish, And Mexican food makes you slightly fetish-ish, Head to Chimichanga, don’t be a fool, Where the food is hot fire and the drinks are ice cool!
¡Viva la fiesta! ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Chimichanga’s! What a glorious night! (Your liver may hate you come morning’s first light, But that Barbacoa? That Barbacoa? Man, that Barbacoa was just OUT OF SIGHT!)
Tips for Your Fiesta at Chimichanga Vivocity
- Book ahead:Especially for weekends, festival events, and the sunset menu.
- Try the Chimichanga:It’s the namesake, and it’s crunchy, cheesy Mexican joy.
- Go for the lamb barbacoa for comfort, octopus for adventure.
- Cocktails and Margaritas are festival winners.
- Pet-owners:The terrace is a major win.
- Don’t skip the festival bites if there’s an event on.
- For groups:Sharing plates works best, and everyone gets their taco moment.
- Arrive early:Weekend evenings are packed and happy hour goes fast.
Chimichanga VivoCity Opening Hours
| Tuesday | 11:30 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am–12 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm–12 am |
| Sunday | 12–11 pm |
| Monday | 11:30 am–11 pm |
Chimichanga VivoCity Address
Is Chimichanga VivoCity Halal?
With all the hooch, even when there is not an Agave Festival, it is categorically not halal. And they don’t use pork either…
</div>What is the Chimichanga VivoCity Dress Code?
Smart casual cum whatever the hell you want (excluding speedos and bikinis), hey it’s on the seafront and next door to our holiday island, Sentosa. We had lunch and I rocked up in a short, shorts and flip flops. It seemed OK, all around were dressed the same.
Chimichanga VivoCity Reservation
Chimichanga VivoCity Contact Details
- Chimichanga VivoCity Telephone: 6015 0994
- Chimichanga VivoCity Reservations: chimichanga.sg, tablecheck.com
Chimichanga Singapore
Chimi’s Somerset
- 313 Orchard Rd, #01-25B, 313@Somerset, Singapore 238895
- 📞6980 5194
- Nearest MRT Somerset