Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get our top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Header image courtesy of Te Quiero Mucho
The question of where to get authentic, honest-to-goodness Mexican food in Hong Kong is somewhat divisive—at least, that’s the impression we got while researching this article—but despite what the detractors may say, tasty Mexican food does, in fact, exist in Hong Kong (and yes, there are even a few Taco Tuesdays in town).
No, the restaurants don’t all make corn tortillas from hand-ground masa (maize dough) and no, you simply are not going to find a taco for less than $10 (sorry, LA expats). But there are definitely some delicious bites out there—from classic tacos to inventive vegan renditions and hearty, cheesy Tex-Mex, here are our favourite places to get Mexican (and Mexican-ish) food in Hong Kong.
Since opening its doors in 2018, Te Quiero Mucho has quietly amassed a cult following for its authentic Mexican food, stellar hospitality, and energetic atmosphere. The new menu features an iconic selection of tacos like carne asada, cochinita, pescado, rajas and corn, as well as more hearty items—i.e. the gringa de pastor wheat tortilla, which comes piled with al pastor meat, cheese, sweet pineapple, coriander, and onion—and regional Mexican-inspired foods like the crab tostada and the CDMX shrimp coctel. Swing by on a Tuesday night for an affordable Taco Tuesday, or drop by in the evening to people-watch from the terrace with a margarita, frozen or on the rocks, in hand.
Te Quiero Mucho, The Sheung Wan, 286 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan | (+852) 3423 3290
With an abundance of colourful sombreros covering the ceiling, sugar skulls everywhere, and sarapes for patrons to try on, El Macho ensures a fun and vibrant Mexican culinary experience. Try the satisfying weekday set lunch or come around after work for a delicious margarita served in a decorative skull glass, and a bite of the renowned pork carnitas nachos. Besides, it’s a social enterprise restaurant—all the more reason to go and show some support.
El Macho, G/F, 1 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun | (+852) 2523 2488
Have a craving and want reasonably priced Tex-Mex food? Look no further than Taco Chaca. The quesadillas are some of the most beloved items on the menu, with the pollo quesadilla and Thai peanut chicken quesadilla being the most popular of all. Taco Chaca also has some creative fusion flavours such as mid-Wilshire taco with Korean bulgogi beef and kimchi that seem to be well-received among their patrons.
Taco Chaca, G/F, 119 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun | (+852) 2559 9519
With two adorable sloth piñatas hanging from the ceiling, Verde Mar takes on a light aesthetic. Other than regular dishes you would expect to find in a Mexican restaurant, Verde Mar also offers a variety of vegan items, of which the avocado dishes are obviously a favourite—taking up a whole page of the menu. There are the avocado fries, the avocado burger trio—it’s a burger with avocados for buns— and most impressive of all, an avocado ice cream topped with a dollop of mango sherbet as the pit. If you want to try the avocado ice cream but are not vegetarian or vegan, complete your meal with an order of the chimichangas, a choice of tacos, and the slow-cooked birria beef stew.
Verde Mar, 41 Water Street, Sai Ying Pun | (+852) 2810 0888
Branded with a fiesta theme, Tequila on Davis is best known and loved for its generous portions. The Tlayuda—a Mexican pizza piled on with jack and cheddar cheeses, black olives, refried beans, jalapeño, bell pepper, and a mix of red salsa, sour cream, and guacamole—is definitely a must-order if you are here with a group of friends. The 12-inch big burrito is packed with tender meat and other regular toppings, and served with Mexican rice, red salsa, and black bean—some even say it’s enough to feed two people.
Tequila on Davis, G/F, 1 Davis Street, Kennedy Town | (+852) 2818 1766
For a taste of Tex-Mex right here in Hong Kong, head to Xoco Mexican Cantina and Bar in Mid-Levels. This hole-in-the-wall eatery by the escalators may be small, but it more than makes up for it in flavour and value-for-money. The service is warm and friendly, the portions are extremely generous—as in, you can stuff yourself silly in one sitting and still have enough leftovers for the next day—and the chips are free. What’s not to like?
Xoco Mexican Cantina and Bar, Shop 2, G/F, Ryan Mansion, 31–37 Mosque Street, Mid-Levels | (+852) 3620 2323
Much fanfare was made about 11 Westside before it opened—after all, the man at the helm is the “LA Taco King” himself, Esdras Ochoa. Between the guacamole trolley, glittering chandeliers, and literal frescoes of cherubs, the vibe doesn’t exactly scream “taco truck”—thankfully, the food speaks for itself, with signatures being the taco al pastor, Baja fish taco, and the churros three ways. Considering that the guacamole is made tableside to your specifications, it’s safe to say that the guac costs extra here, but in fairness, it’s more for the spectacle than anything else.
11 Westside, 1/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town | (+852) 9300 8068 (WhatsApp)
Any restaurant that moved into Yardbird’s old spot on Bridges Street is bound to have a lot to prove, but it’s been years and Taqueria Super Macho shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it may have traded the yakitori for DIY condiment trays, but the vibe is still decidedly hip, from the neon-lit bar to the cute enamelware containing the aforementioned condiments. For a fuss-free Mexican meal, go for the Super Macho classics: charcoal-grilled street corn, habanero-marinated steak taco, and Macho nachos, and wash it all down with a Paloma.
Taqueria Super Macho, 33–35 Bridges Street, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2333 0111
Located on block party central Peel Street, Uncle Miguel has become a favourite among party-goers for its buzzing atmosphere and tasty cocktails, fit for a great night out. You’ll likely have to brush shoulder with people spilling out onto the restaurant’s front step as you make your way to the counter. If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat, order from the food menu to enjoy some flavourful Mexican fare.
Start your meal off with the elote, the Mexican-style street corn covered in mayonnaise and crumbled cheese, or go for the ceviche for a refreshing starter with a kick. From the taco offerings, try classics like the Baja fish and al pastor, or go wild with the grilled cactus dish nopales. In our opinion, the big plates—comprising enchiladas, a burrito or burrito bowl, and pork barbacoa—are where the Uncle Miguel magic truly shines. Don’t leave without ordering a serving of the churros dipped in caramel sauce.
Uncle Miguel, 49 Peel Street, Central | (+852) 3686 0377
When it comes to Mexican food in Hong Kong, it’s not always easy to find a classic corn tortilla made in-house. El Taquero provides the goods with its trompo-grilled tacos, where the homemade corn tortilla is covered in freshly sliced meat.
Order quesadillas for a filling individual main, with melted cheese, guacamole, salsa roja, and fillings of chicken, beef, or pork. If you are hoping to pull out all the stops, the al pastor experience—available at 300 or 500 grams for sharing—is sure to please. Guests can kick back with a drink from the cocktail menu, featuring a wide range of tequilas and mezcal, and many variants of margaritas and micheladas!
El Taquero, Shop B–F, Yan King Court, 119 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai | (+852) 2811 1998
Co-founded by Gabriel Perez and Edgar Vigo, Chicano is a neighbourhood restaurant that honours the culinary legacy of Perez’s grandmother, serving homemade, traditional Mexican food that most diners will find welcoming and familiar—the type of eatery that puts heritage and identity first and dishes up flavours to remind us of home.
Try the lunch set menu with the exceedingly cheesy shrimp quesadilla and top off with a warming cup of café de la olla and a serving of churros. For a full spread, the Mexican food canon would not be complete without the culinary classics—opt for the tacos de pescado and the tamales de pollo to round out the gustatory ode to Mexico. Not sure what to order? Let Chicano take care of your order, just like Perez’s abuelita would.
Chicano, G/F, 15 Gough Street, Central | (+852) 5595 3334
First published on 14 December 2020. Written by Anette Chan. Last updated by Lily Valette.
Covering the hottest new eats, the best places to play, offbeat takes on local culture, and so much more, Localiiz is every Hongkonger’s destination for how to live a well-rounded life in our vibrant city. Why the strange spelling? Well, Localiiz is designed to be your “local eyes”—and for that, you need two i’s.
Top