Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
PAPIS TACOS REVIEW: Best Mexican Food in Singapore...
Papis Tacos Jalan Besar Review
Papis Tacos Review Jalan Besar. You know you’re in for a good time when the menu starts with tequila and ends with tongue. Welcome to Papi’s Tacos, Jalan Besar—the slightly rowdier, inked-up, graffitti’d cousin of Papi’s on Seah Street. It’s where tortillas meet temptation and the tequila flows faster than your resolve: as happened yesterday (phew). The new locale is in one of Singapore’s most gloriously chaotic neighbourhoods, this is the kind of place that says, “Come hungry, leave tipsy… probably with salsa all down your shirt and shorts, and taco crumbs in your beard.”
Let’s talk about that beef tongue taco—or as I now refer to it, “The Reason I Believe in Reincarnation” because I want to come back as one. Slow-cooked, ridiculously tender, and unapologetically beefy (akin to oxtail), this taco is frickin’ amazing. All of us, in unison, have put this to the top of our favourites of Papis, it is insanely good.
And when paired with a cheeky tequila frozen lime margarita or two (actually it was ten), it’s downright dangerous. One bite and suddenly I was making bold declarations like “I could totally live in Mexico” and started Googling flights to Oaxaca mid-taco. This, folks, is not a place for a quiet dinner: just keep walking if that’s your gig. But if you’re up for tacos, tequila, and tongue-in-cheek (did you see what I did there…), this spanking new taquería is your new favourite bad influence. Get down here, say hi to Papi and the crew and get some tongues wagging!!!
Papis Tacos Review: Table of Contents
Papis Tacos Jalan Besar Menu: What did we eat today
Papi is working some magic here across Red Dot. All his menus are the same at each Papis location, except for one or two specials per location. That’s what we dove head-first into today – the beef tongue and the duck mole and holy moly were they good, so good in fact!!! They are now two of our all time favourites at Papis Tacos – with Beef Tongue Taco being our #1 taco of all time. Yes it really is that damned good.
Papis Beef Tongue Tacos
Heaven on a plate. I tell you, I would keep coming back here just for this one taco. It is sublime and something you MUST travel to Jalan Besar to try. I absolutely gurantee you will love it, or I will pay for your entire meal. Get this in your life NOW – by decree of Islifearecipe. WOOF!!!
Papis Duck Confit Tostaditas
Papis Tacos Jalan Besar Photos
Papis Tacos Jalan Besar Final Thoughts
Final thoughts on Papi’s Tacos, Jalan Besar? Let’s just say I came for a light lunch and left wondering if I should change my name to “Lengua.” Because honestly, if love had a texture, it’d be beef tongue slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection and tucked lovingly into a warm tortilla. Add a splash of their smoky hot sauce and I was ready to write love poems to this taco. And don’t even get me started on the tequila—what began as a cheeky sip turned into a full-blown agave love affair, intertwined with Ube Cream. One shot for curiosity, two for science, and by the third I was fluent in bad Mexican and emotionally attached to Mauricio.
Papi’s at Jalan Besar is the kind of place where agt the weekend your weekday woes go to die—preferably drowned in tequila and wrapped in corn. It’s casual, it’s cheeky, and there’s a serious chance you’ll make bold life decisions after the second margarita (like ordering six beef tongue tacos “to share” and eating them all yourself). I don’t care if you’re a taco purist or just up for a saucy fling with tequila, Papi’s doesn’t disappoint. My advice? Bring a friend. Or better yet, don’t—more beef tongue tacos and tequila for you.
An ode to Papis Beef Tongue Tacos
Oh beefy tongue, you cheeky beast,
You star of every taco feast.
So tender, juicy, full of zing—
I’d trade my granny for what you bring.
Add tequila—smooth and bold,
With notes of lime and stories told.
One sip, one bite, and I’m undone—
Snogging tacos, chasing sun,
Shouting “¡Viva lengua!” like I’m on the run.
So here’s to meals that make no sense,
To meat from mouths and mild offence.
Call it weird, call it loco—
But pour the shots and pass the taco,
I’ll die feliz in this nonsense mess. 🥃🌮🇲🇽
Papis Tacos Jalan Besar Menu
Papis Tacos Jalan Besar Reservations
Papis Tacos Jalan Besar Deliveries
Papis Tacos Review: Voice of Papi
“Reflecting the informal street dining culture of Central Mexico, Papi’s Tacos represents the long-awaited arrival of authentic, fuss-free Mexican fare in the Lion City.
Along with a convivial atmosphere and honest food steeped in tradition, diners are welcomed with heartfelt hospitality from a kitchen helmed by Head Chef and Partner, Mauricio Espinoza. Mauricio (or Papi, as we like to call him), hails from the small town of Papalotla, Mexico and brings his heritage to an array of simple, yet mouthwatering tacos and native dishes. And because no taqueria is complete without the requisite selection of high-quality tequilas, guests are treated to a straightforward menu of bebidas and refreshing margaritas from the gurus behind the legendary cocktail bar Employees Only.
Papi’s Tacos is Singapore’s best Mexican. Open all day for walk-ins and available for catering + private events. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, happy hour, a midday margarita, or late night taco, Papi has a seat for you!”
Papis Tacos Review: Folks, time for a review update for our mates from Papis Tacos and Chef Mauricio, AKA Papi, as they now celebrate their FOURTH branch opening at Jalan Besar and of course the “pop-up” on Keong Saik Road: Mamis Tamalis. In this update we’ll be sharing all Papis Tacos Locations now across Red Dot, Papis Taco Menu, Papis Tacos Reservations, Papis Tacos Delivery and our recent lunch visit to Papis Tacos Seah Street (their frrst locale): phew, buckle up Amigos, Ariba!!!
Papi's Tacos Singapore Review
Papi’s Tacos Singapore is a massive family favourite and we go back time after time after time. But, we can’t give them a perfect 5/5, bacause of that rather shocking booking system and way to find their menu and delivery: that’s sadly lacking, and some.
But, the food, the booze and the crew is what makes Papi’s Tacos sing, that sweet Mexican music. They are, without any shadow of doubt, up there with the very Best Mexican Restaurants Singapore. No question of that. Long may they reign supreme!!!
Papi’s Tacos en Singapur es de esos lugares donde un taco se convierte en cinco en un abrir y cerrar de ojos. Es ruidoso, animado, y las tortillas saben como si las hubiera hecho la abuela de alguien con mucha habilidad. El al pastor es una revelación ahumada y dulce, el taco de pescado tiene una textura crujiente que dura días, ¿y el guacamole? Digamos que rasparás el plato con un totopo y tu dignidad. Añádele margaritas frías y un personal que te trata como si acabaras de volver de un largo viaje (aunque solo vengas de Siglap MRT), y tienes un local de tacos pequeño pero con un sabor enorme. So says Islifearecipe!!!
Papi and family: They Cook It Like They Mean It...
Photo courtesy of Papi’s Tacos Website
PAPI'S TACOS SINGAPORE REVIEW: CONTENTS
Papi's Tacos Seah Street Menu: What we ate today... WOOF!!!
Papi's Tacos Seah Street Review: with these two beautifiul people...
We’re off the cinema to watch the latest Mision Impossible (give that a miss if you haven’t been already), so where else to dine buty our BFF Mauricio, AKA Papi. And, as we’re of to Bigis, we pop into Papi’s Tacos Seah Street, the founding father of this Taco Empire, and one fo the Best Mexican Restaurants Singapore.
Papi's Tacos Smoked Brisket Quesadillas @ $16 SGD
House made juicy smoked brisket, mixed cheese, salsa verde, sour cream. These got served, I turned away, and turned back and they were gone. There’s a good sign Papi, haha. Seriously I have these before and they are seriously good Quesadillas, just so flippin’ delish!!!
Tacos De Suardero @ $18 SGD
House smoked beef brisket, diced onion, coriander, pickled onion, salsa verde. Totally WOOF!!! I love these. Your gob is gonna get smacked around with all the textures and tastes in here. The corn tortillas pop, then the super-savoury and smoky brisket hits you, then kapow the pickles. Just a most amazing combo: stuff of legend!!!
Papi's Tacos Quesabirria Tacos (3 PCS) @ $28 SGD
Braised Australian Beef Brisket, Mixed Cheese, Smoked Chili Broth (Chipotle Chili, Pasilla Chili, Guajillo Chili, Onions, Coriander), Sour Cream, Pickled Onions, Pan-fried Corn Tortillas. Goodness gracious me. I have had these at Stella Bar on East Coast and was WOW’d by them, then we espy them on Papi’s Taco Singapore Menu. Get in there. These are crunchy, greasy, super-savoury, and then dip in the broth and Taco Angels start to strum their harps and sing from on high. DOUBLE WOOF!!!
Papi's Tacos Esquites @ $9 SGD
Papi's Tacos Holy Trinity @ $13 SGD
Fried corn tortilas, fresh tomato salsa and avocado dip. You taste the authenticity in the homemade tortilas, the taste is like not others you’ll have at “fake” Mexican restaurants. You want authentic cooked by a Mexican, get your bum here!!!
Papi's Tacos Frozen Lime Margaritas
You have to get these in your life at some point, folks. Like the best most beautiful margaritas ever. A perfect blend of flavours with the tequila, the balance is perfection. But it’s not just about lime, how about Spiced Pineapple, Spiced Mango and Strawberry…? Ding Dong!!!
Papis Tacos Menu
This menu is island-wide, so incorprates Papi’s Tacos Menu, Papi’s Tacos Singapore Menu, Papi’s Tacos Tanjong Pagar Menu, Papi’s Tacos Greenville Menu, and Papi’s Tacos Katong Menu.
Papi's Tacos Contact Details
- Papi’s Tacos Telephone: +65 6258 0701
- Papi’s Tacos eMail: hola@papis-tacos.com
- Papi’s Tacos WebSite: papis-tacos.com
Papi's Tacos Delivery
Papi's Tacos Reservations
OK, not the flashest of booking systems it has to be said as you have to go to the main web site, then select location, then select reservations, then select book. Hmmmm, Papi, how about one “reservations button”, to then choose Papi’s Tacos Locations of choice and off you go… we’re coming to speak to you Sir… In the short term, we’re helping you, dear readers, by giving you a single click button below:
Is Papi's Tacos Halal?
Have you seen those beautiful Smoked Achiote Pork Burritos, and multitude of Frozen Margaritas and Beers. It’s a simple answer to a simple question. Absolutely and totally not. Is Papi’s Tacos Singapore Halal = NO!!!
Papi's Tacos Locations
Papi's Tacos Seah Street Address
Papi's Tacos Joo Chiat Address
Papi's Tacos Tanjong Pagar Address
Papi's Tacos Jalan Besar Address (new to 2025)
Mami's Tamalis Address
Papis Tacos Review: BREAKING NEWS: Our mates from Papis Tacos on Seah Street will be opening a new location in 2023 in the heart of Katong: smack bang in the middle of it actually. They’re not open yet though folks, as this is an Islifearecipe.net ‘scoop’. We’ll commit to keeping this blog up to date wth opening dates and times.
You will soon have the best authentic Mexican food in Singapore available on the East Coast.
Islifearecipe.net rates them in our previous reviews as the very best tacos in Singapore, and the best frozen margaritas in Singapore. So, the fact that they are now opening even closer to home for us is a beauty. These boys also serve up our mate’s finest of fine tequila: Tequila Stop.
Here’s what you can expect at Papis Tacos Joo Chiat Katong…
Photo courtesy of Papis Tacos Facebook Site
Papi’s Tacos Brisket Tacos de Suadero
Here is that stunning brisket now buddied up with all the other ingredients in the taco. A thing of absolute beauty. Best tacos in Singapore.
Slow Cooked Beef Brisket, Homemade Salsa Verde, Pickled Red Onions, and Coriander.
@ SGD $16/22
Papi’s Tacos Esquites
Off-the-Cob Grilled Street Corn. Smoked Chipotle Aioli, Mexican Cheese. This is incredible, especially with the icy-cold Margarita. A heavenly pairing.
@ SGD $9
You simply have to try this. Homemade all the way through, super fresh and zinging with flavours, and textures. Even Jude Jude got stuck into this today, and he’s not normally a lover of ‘green stuff’. Fried corn tortillas and avocado dip.
Papi’s Tacos Chips and Guacamole
@ SGD $10
Papi’s Tacos Joo Chiat Katong: very likely what you’re going to be getting
Papis Tacos is a well-known Mexican restaurant in Singapore, offering an authentic taste of Mexico’s culinary delights. With its main location situated at 39 Seah Street in the bustling heart of Singapore, Papi’s Tacos has become a popular destination for those craving Mexican flavors. The restaurant specializes in serving a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. The vibrant and cozy atmosphere of Papi’s Tacos aims to bring a slice of Mexican street dining culture to the city.
Menu and Offerings
Papi’s Tacos offers a diverse menu that caters to different preferences. Guests can indulge in a range of options, from traditional tacos filled with flavourful ingredients to burritos bursting with savory goodness. The restaurant also serves margaritas and features happy-hour specials. This establishment provides an opportunity to experience the vibrant and bold flavours of Mexican cuisine, making it a go-to spot for those seeking an authentic culinary experience.
Try the brisket tacos with the hot sauce, and ensure you have a frozen margarita in your hand.
Reviews and Recognition
Papi’s Tacos has garnered positive reviews from both locals and visitors, with praise for its genuine Mexican flavors and casual dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to bringing an authentic taste of Mexico to Singapore has contributed to its popularity.
Conclusions of Papis Tacos Joo Chiat Katong, and Why it’s seriously worth the Wait…
Craving the zest of Mexico’s culinary wonders in the heart of Singapore? Look no further than Papi’s Tacos! This vibrant taqueria is your passport to an explosion of authentic Mexican flavors and laid-back street dining vibes, which is soon to be all tucked away on Joo Chiat in Kating. From tantalizing tacos to zesty burritos and oh-so-refreshing margaritas (the best), Papi’s Tacos has got you covered. Just be patient as you will need to wait before you can dive into the fiesta of flavours that await you at this cozy Mexican gem when it opens in Joo Chiat Katong!
Tacos, Tacos, Tacos! – Ever wondered what genuine Mexican street food tastes like? Brace yourself for the taco extravaganza that Papi’s Tacos has in store when it opens on East Coast. Add to that their Margarita Magic – Can’t beat the heat? At Papi’s Tacos, the frozen margaritas flow like there’s no tomorrow. We’re not just talking about any margaritas; we’re talking about ice-cold, lip-smacking margaritas that perfectly complement your Mexican feast.
You just can’t beat it, believe me!!! Islifearecipe.net is tracking carefully the opening of the new locale so that we can dive into that brisket taco fest, hot sauce, and frozen margaritas. Bring it on Papi, and welcome to the East Coast Hood!!!
Papis Tacos Katong - Islifearecipe attends the Soft Launch 3rd October 2023
Papi’s Tacos in Katong is an authentic Mexican restaurant located at 450 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427663. They offer a variety of Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and margaritas. The restaurant’s operating hours are from Monday to Thursday, 12 PM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 11 PM, with last orders for food taken at 2:30 PM and 10 PM. On Fridays, they are open from 12 PM to 2:30 AM and 5 PM to 12 AM. Papi’s Tacos is known for its no-frills, cold margaritas and vibrant Mexican flavors, making it a popular spot for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts, now in Katong.
🌮 Hold onto your sombreros amigos and get ready for a fiesta of flavors because we’re about to take an adventure that’ll leave your taste buds doing the Mexican hat dance! Welcome to Papi’s Tacos Katong, where the tacos are as authentic as the Mexican sun and the margaritas are cooler than a cucumber wearing sunglasses.
🇲🇽 Papi’s Tacos Katong is your ticket to a Mexican food extravaganza in the heart of the East Coast of Singapore.
🎉 You stroll down the colorful streets of Katong, near the i12 end and suddenly, the aroma of sizzling meats and the sound of mariachi music lure you towards a place that feels like a slice of Mexico right here in Katong. Papi’s Tacos is not just a restaurant; it’s a flavor-packed journey that takes you south of the USA border without leaving the island.
🌯 Papi and crew are offering up a mouthwatering menu that’s bursting with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and the legendary margaritas. “¡Delicioso!”
Papis Taco Katong: Exterior...
Like the Seah Street locale, this is small but is punching way above its weight. It has, overnight, become THE place to dine on Joo Chiat Road. I’ll be coming back once a week to get my taco and margarita fix. So I’ll be seeing you there.
The Islifearecipe crew + mates. What a soft launch this was. Super smooth, no hiccups. Consistently incredible; food and drinks with the most wonderful crew. #BEPROUD Papi, you’re such a winning model here my friend.
Papis Tacos Katong: Interior...
It’s vibrant and uber cool, with banging toonz wafting around your ears. You sit and immediately drift away to the streets of Mexico, such is the ambiance of Papi’s Tacos Katong.
Papis Tacos Katong: The crew...
The Guv’nor. Mauricio AKA Papi, and crew. The living legend of tacos in Singapore.
Service with a continuous smile. What a crew Papi has assembled here at their Katong branch.
Papis Tacos Katong: The Drinks...
- HAPPY HOUR DAILY 12-7PM
- WEEKEND BRUNCH / SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11:00AM-2:30PM
Lime Margarita @ $16 Gls / $65 Jug
Just the very best Margaritas in Singapore and beyond. I could drink these all night long, and I did. The perfect balance of sour, salt, and tequila. Stunners!!!
- A marriage made in heaven!!!
- Lime margarita + Pacifico Cerveza from Mexico.
- @ $13 a bottle or $60 for a bucket of 5
The THREE amigos @ $10 in Happy Hour (see below)
- Spicy Mango Margarita,
- Hibisco Margarita, and
- Tamarindo Margarita.
You beauties!!!
Papis Tacos Katong happy: The Food...
Pescado A La Parrilla Tacos: Grilled Cod Fish, Pickled Carrots, and Radicchio, Topped with Grilled Pineapple Salsa and Chipotle Aioli, Served on Flour Tortilla @ $17 for 2 Pcs
Not one for me, but suffice it to say, that looks incredible. Feedback from those eating this was that it was exceptional. Extremely flavourful and so very fresh.
El Puerco Tacos: Smoked Pork Cochinita Pibil, Diced Onion Coriander, Pickled Onions and Guajillo Salsa @ $17 for 2 Pcs
Bosh, these are beauties. Pulled pork heaven, seriously smokey pork with textures and flavours bursting all over the place on top of that. Simply delicious.
Papi’s Tacos Katong Smorgasbord…
Yes we ordered and ordered hard. What a thing of beauty this platter is… Superb job El Guapo and the Papi’s Taco crew.
Brisket A La Parrilla Tacos: Smoked Beef Brisket (WOOF!!!), Diced Onion Coriander, Pickled Onions and Verde Salsa @ $18 for 2 Pcs
Just stunning. You may remember my first trip to Papi’s Tacos on Seah Street these bad boys were not available and I nearly cried. Well, on the second trip, they were available and that’s when the love affair started. These will knock your socks off. Best tacos on the planet.
Holy Trinity: Fried Corn Tortillas, Fresh Tomato Salsa, and Avocado Dip @ $13
Just the best Tortillas ever. It’s a must-try, folks. Get your icy-cold Cerveza open and get chomping and guzzling.
Papi's Tacos Review: Voice of the restaurant
“Reflecting the informal street dining culture of Central Mexico, Papi’s Tacos represents the long-awaited arrival of authentic, fuss-free Mexican fare in the Lion City. Along with a convivial atmosphere and honest food steeped in tradition, diners are welcomed with heartfelt hospitality from a kitchen helmed by Head Chef and Partner, Mauricio Espinoza.
Mauricio (or Papi, as we like to call him), hails from the small town of Papalotla, Mexico and brings his heritage to an array of simple, yet mouthwatering tacos and native dishes. And because no taqueria is complete without the requisite selection of high-quality tequilas, guests are treated to a straightforward menu of bebidas and refreshing margaritas from the gurus behind the legendary cocktail bar Employees Only.
Papi’s Tacos is open all day for walk-ins and available for catering + private events. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, happy hour, a midday margarita, or late night taco, Papi has a seat for you!”
What are the opening hours of Papi's Tacos Katong?
- MONDAY-THURSDAY 12PM-2:30PM | 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS FOR FOOD – 2:30PM | 10PM)
- FRIDAY 12PM – 2:30PM | 5PM – 12AM (LAST ORDERS FOR FOOD – 2:30PM | 10:30PM)
- SATURDAY 11AM – 2:30PM | 5PM – 12 AM (LAST ORDERS FOR FOOD – 2:30PM | 10:30PM)
- SUNDAY 11AM – 2:30PM | 5PM – 11PM (LAST ORDERS FOR FOOD – 2:30PM | 10PM)