Mami's Tamales

Despite Singapore’s reputation for its diverse food scene — from the everyday meals at trusty hawker centres to the various international cuisines found at every street corner — it might surprise many that traditional Mexican food is still relatively rare on our shores. That might no longer be the case with Mami’s Tamales, a pop-up within Chinatown helmed by two Mexican chef-owners. Step into this cosy 35-seater pop-up in Keong Saik and you’ll be greeted with vibrant pink walls and various Mexican-inspired furnishings that will instantly transport you to the country.

It’s the first Mexican restaurant to introduce tamales, a traditional Mexican and Latin American staple, to Singapore. For the unacquainted, tamales are traditionally made with a corn-based dough mixture filled with various meats or beans and cheese. It's then wrapped and steamed in corn husks or banana leaves, similar to the way bak chang is cooked and tastes. You can then have it with fresh pico de gallo and a side of guacamole and rice. Besides serving it the Mexican way with pork salsa verde ($18), the eatery also puts a twist on tamales with Asian-fusion flavours like the ayam sambal hijau ($14) and salmon tom yum ($20).

Other than tamales, the restaurant also brings homestyle Mexican cuisine to the table. For lunch, you must try the Mexican starters like chips and guacamole that’s freshly made tableside ($26), and chalupas poblanas ($16), which are thick fried tortillas loaded with salsa. It’s then topped with your choice of either jackfruit or tinga, a smoky and spicy dish made of shredded chicken in a sauce. Don’t miss the torta de milanesa de pollo ($20), a dish that’s only available on the lunch menu – it’s breaded chicken nestled in soft telera bread and slathered with refried beans, mayonnaise, chopped vegetables, with a kick of spicy chipotle chilli. Dinner features large platters of beef with a side of chilaquiles ($52), which are basically corn tortilla pieces that are fried, cooked in salsa, then topped with cheese. There’s also the chargrilled chicken platter ($35) – perfect for sharing.

Remember to save room for dessert because Mami’s Tamales also has an in-house Mexican ice cream bar. Their paletas, or popsicles, come in fresh flavours like hibiscus-guava-mint and mango verde, which you can pair with a number of tasty margaritas.

Be quick to show your support because the pop-up only runs for three months from July 15 to October, though it is likely to extend should there be public demand. Check out all the details here.