[Review] Tomatillo Unveils Playful New Drinkable Tacos And Mexican Favourites By The Marina Bay Waterfront

There is something about dining by the bay that makes dinner feel a little more special. At Tomatillo, you get the Marina Bay skyline, an alfresco setting and, if you are bringing your pup along, a pet-friendly outdoor dining area to enjoy it all from.

Helmed by chef couple Daniel and Tamara Chavez, the Mexican restaurant at Esplanade has refreshed its menu with a lineup of tacos, Mexican favourites, desserts and cocktails. The new Drinkable Tacos, from S$5.90, are probably the most playful addition, packed with fillings, sauces and juices that are meant to be sipped, slurped and eaten together.

We started with the Nachos Verde (S$15), topped with avocado, tomato, white onion, coriander and green chilli. The combination was fresh and tangy, with plenty of crunch from the tortilla chips.

The El Marinero (S$5.90) comes with battered fish, purple cabbage, mango salsa, chipotle mayo and coriander. The fish was nicely crisp, while the sweet mango salsa helped keep the taco light and refreshing.

For something more savoury, El Chilango (S$5.90) combines Mexican adobo grilled pork with pineapple salsa, chilli and corn tortilla. The pork has a smoky, savoury flavour, balanced by the sweetness of the pineapple.

La Birria (S$5.90) is the one to go for if you enjoy richer flavours. It comes with slow-braised lamb, mozzarella, white onion, Mexican coriander and corn tortilla, served with consommé. The lamb was tender and deeply savoury, with the consommé adding extra richness.

There is also La Gringa (S$5.90), made with grilled pork, guacamole, mozzarella, habanero salsa and flour tortilla. It is creamy and smoky, with the habanero bringing a good amount of heat.

Meanwhile, Beef Bravo (S$5.90) features grilled beef confit, caramelised onion, coriander, salsa verde, beef jus and corn tortilla. The beef is rich and juicy, while the salsa verde adds a brighter, slightly tangy contrast.

For a proper main, the Pork Ribs (S$26) come with Mexican adobo, homemade BBQ dressing, sweet plantain purée and potato fries. The ribs were tender with a smoky-sweet glaze, while the plantain purée added a touch of sweetness to the plate.

We kept dessert simple with Churros (S$10) served with chocolate dipping sauce. They come crisp on the outside and soft within, and are best enjoyed warm with plenty of chocolate.

To pair with the food, the Frozen Margarita (S$18) brings together tequila, lime, orange liqueur and agave for a refreshing citrusy drink.

For more information, visit Tomatillo’s website here.

Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar
Address: 8 Raffles Avenue, #01-11, Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802
Opening hours: Wednesday to Thursday, 5pm to 10.15pm; Friday, 5pm to 10.45pm; Saturday, 12pm to 10.45pm; Sunday, 12pm to 10.15pm.