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By Beverly Ngai
20 January 2022
Copyright © 2022 LOCALIIZ | All rights reserved
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Header image courtesy of Chino HK (via Facebook)
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 meal 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 Pueblan sandwiches to inventive Mexican-Japanese fusion 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 seasonal menus feature a mix of internationally renowned dishes like tacos al pastor ($85) as well as more playful items—i.e. the Trump tacos ($50), which come piled with “heaps of beef tongue” and “walls of chicharron” (crispy pork rinds)—and regional Mexican favourites like the Pueblan-style cemita chicken sandwich ($120). Swing by in the afternoon for an affordable and incredibly filling lunch set, or drop by in the evening to people-watch from the terrace with a margarita or agua fresca in hand.
Te Quiero Mucho, The Sheung Wan, 286 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan | (+852) 3423 3290
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 Mid-Levels escalator may be small, but 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, 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 stands up for itself, with signatures being the taco al pastor ($48), Baja fish taco ($58) and the churros three ways ($88). Considering that the guacamole is made tableside to your specifications, it’s safe to say that the guac costs extra here—$150, to be exact—but in fairness, it’s more for the spectacle than anything else.
11 Westside, 1/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town | (+852) 3996 7754
Any restaurant that moved into Yardbird’s old spot on Bridges Street was bound to have a lot to prove, but it’s been more than a year and Taqueria Super Macho shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, they 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 ($42), habanero-marinated steak taco ($38) and Baja ceviche cocktail ($128), and wash it all down with a Paloma ($108).
Taqueria Super Macho, 33–35 Bridges Street, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2333 0111
Helmed by LA native Erik Idos and his partner, pastry chef extraordinaire Tracy Wei, the food at this underrated Kennedy Town spot is contemporary Mexican food that utilises Japanese ingredients and techniques. Start your meal off with the scallop agua chile ($148) with pickled jicama for a burst of freshness, or go for the taco platter to try classics like the Wagyu beef tacos ($78) with shishito peppers. In our opinion, the tostada menu—comprising signatures like the scallop and uni ($90), tuna poke and arbol miso ($70), and furikake-seasoned kanpachi tostadas ($50)—is where Chino’s Japanese influences are most evident. If you drop by on a day when Wei’s famous Thai tea tres leches cake is available, don’t leave without ordering a slice (even if it’s to go).
Chino, 1B–1C New Praya, Kennedy Town | (+852) 2606 0588
When it comes to Mexican food in Hong Kong, Cali-Mex is a sure staple in conversations and recommendations. Studio City by Cali-Mex, their latest restaurant concept, made its splashy entrance on Food Street in Causeway Bay earlier this year, featuring an all-new menu highlighting the best and boldest flavours of Mexico.
Unlike its Cali-Mex Taqueria counterpart, this menu elevates its recipes with dishes such as the revamped nachos grande (starting from $178) and your choice of street tacos ($58), with options such as marinated port shoulder, grilled cactus, and more. If you are hoping to pull out all the stops, the braised beef short rib ($368)—a slow-cooked USDA beef short rib with chocolate mole—is sure to please. Do order the interactive tableside guacamole ($148), which comes with customisable toppings like fresh jalapeños and pomegranate seeds, amongst others.
With its attractive interiors featuring blue, teal, and terracotta colour tones, along with a pet-friendly alfresco dining area out front, guests can also kick back with a drink from Studio City’s cocktail lounge, featuring one of Hong Kong’s largest range of tequilas and mezcal.
Studio City by Cali-Mex, Shop C, Towning Mansion, 50–56 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay | (+852) 2889 1696
Annette is an editor and copywriter with a lifetime of experience in hunting out the most interesting, odd, and delightful things about her beloved home city. Having written extensively about everything from food and culture to fashion, music, and hospitality, she considers her speciality to be Hong Kong itself. In her free time, you can find Annette trying out new dumpling recipes or playing Big Two at her favourite local bars with a cocktail in hand.
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