Papi’s Tacos’ New Dishes (And Jalan Besar Outlet) Are TDF

What’s Mexican food all about? For Papi’s Taco’s founder, Papalotla-native Chef Papi, it’s three words: “food, friends, family.” This philosophy is what’s made the Mexican taqueria so popular, so much so, that the franchise has just welcomed a fourth outlet in Jalan Besar on Tyrwhitt Road.

With outlets in Tanjong Pagar, Joo Chiat and Seah Street, its new outlet continues the franchise’s foothold on Singapore’s foodie scene. Serving up classic Mexican cuisine staples like tacos, frozen margaritas, quesadillas, birria-style tacos (obviously), and more, their new outlet flexes the franchise’s authentic, to-die-for, Mexican flavours- with a new add-on.

For their Tyrwhitt Road outlet only (or at least, for now), Papi’s Tacos introduces rotating outlet specials that will switch out quarterly. I paid their outlet a visit and tried out their Jalan Besar outlet specials, and other dishes. Here’s a rundown on what you can expect, personal favourites, and why this should be your next dinner spot.

Address: 149 Tyrwhitt Road

Opening hours: Daily, from 12-2.30pm and 5-11pm

Where you can find them: Instagram

New Outlet, New Menu Specials

If you need one reason to venture deep into Jalan Besar for this Papi’s Tacos outlet, it’s their outlet-exclusive specials. Its first roster is a double feature for meat lovers: a twist on the French classic duck confit, and beef tongue tacos.

Duck Confit Tostaditas ($16)

It’s a Mexican spin on the French duck confit. It’s pulled duck, with mole salsa (a type of Mexican sauce), orange and Ancho chile infused with white onion and coriander, served on mini tortillas. It’s the perfect bite-sized appettiser that’s packed with sweet-savoury flavours, and a subtle wine aftertaste.

Braised Beef Tongue Tacos ($21)

I’ll be honest, I didn’t have high hopes for this but holy cow did this surprise me. The tongue wasn’t too chewy, and it was seasoned to perfection. The salsa verde, coriander and picked radish really complemented it. A tip: make sure to eat it while it’s hot. Once it starts to cool down, the texture of the tongue might get too chewy and rubbery.

If I had to choose between the two specials, I’d recommend the beef tongue tacos while they’re available.

Papi’s Tacos Must-Haves

Papi’s Nachos ($23)

For entrees, you can never go wrong with loaded nachos. Sour cream, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, guacamole (all made in-house, by the way) and some black beans and pickled jalapenos for a spicy-sour kick. For those with a carnivorous appetite, there’s even the option to add some grilled chicken or smoked beef brisket at $6 each. What more could you possibly ask for?

Quesabirria Tacos ($28)

The chronically online would know: birria tacos had its moment on TikTok a few months ago. If you’re still craving (or are curious about) authentic birria tacos, Papi’s Tacos does not disappoint. They were deliciously smokey and packed with flavour and spices. If you need more of a kick, Papi’s Tacos has are three types of Mexican hot sauces with varying levels of spiciness.

If you’re specifically looking for TikTok-viral birria tacos, only the beef tacos come with birria consome. To beef-lovers: all their meat is smoked in-house. Rest assured, you’ll be getting quality smoked meats. However, the real star was the sour cream (the unassuming metal sauce cup behind the birria): it was so light and fresh, it perfectly cut through the strong savouriness of the smoked beef and grilled cheese. Definitely will be coming back for more.

Grilled Chicken Quesadilla ($17)

It’s packed with flavour, loaded with toppings and will leave you completely stuffed. I almost went into a food coma after a piece. If you just want some goold old fashion Mexican cuisine, get the chicken quesadilla. It’s grilled chicken, cheese, chipotle salsa and sour cream- fairly straightforward, and so, so good.

Tacos De Pescado ($16)

As a someone who loves seafood (and usually goes for pescatarian options), the fish tacos were so mouth-wateringly good. Compared to the beef tacos, the fish was much lighter and offered a softer melts-in-your-mouth texture.

Churros ($13)

Obviously, I ended the night with a sweet treat: churros. They were golden, crunchy, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, served with a side of hazelnut dip, and I would’ve had more if I wasn’t so stuffed.

From The Drinks Menu

El Pasion Frio Agua Fresca (Non-Alcoholic) ($11)

For those who want something refreshing after a heavy meal, this was a chef recommended (and much raved about) agua fresca. If you’re not sure what that is, they’re light, non-alcoholic drinks usually made with fruit or flowers. The El Pasion Frio is an earl grey cold brew concoction, mixed with Sprite, mint, and passion fruit infused agave nectar. It was oh-so refreshing without being too sweet.

Spicy Mango Frozen Margarita (Alcoholic) ($18)

It’s everything you want in a frozen margarita: chilly, tangy, sweet, and pretty strong. It’s perfect if you want a tropical accompaniment to a pretty savoury food menu.

And you’ll definitely want one: Happy Hour runs from 12pm to 7pm, offering pours that start at $10- an absolute steal.

Tamarindo Frozen Margarita (Alcoholic) ($19)

If you don’t know what tamarind is, it’s a tropical fruit that tastes tart and slightly sour. Like an apricot-cherry hybrid. If you’re into sweet drinks, this is worth a try. Served with a piece of sour gummy candy, it’s a margarita for those who want something subtly sweet.

The Takeaway

If you want authentic and flavourful Mexican cuisine, this is where you should be going. Each dish is a cocktail of flavours and spices that just work so well. However, if you’re ordering a full spread, things might get too jelat. Which is why I’d recommend getting drinks alongside your mains.

That said, like every other Papi’s Tacos outlet, the space was such a vibe. It stays true to their theme of bright and colourful Mexican memorabilia, with a great playlist to match. Whether you’re there for the food, the drinks, or the vibes, the new outlet just makes it way easier for everyone to experience what Papi’s Tacos has to offer.