12 Mexican Restaurants to go taco loco for in Ho Chi Minh City

Written By Guest User

Photo Courtesy of District Federal Restaurant

Ho Chi Minh City is no stranger to a myriad of different cuisines - Indian, Singaporean, Mexican, Thai - you name it, the city’s got it. Fast becoming a ‘gastronomy powerhouse’ in Southeast Asia, it’s no wonder many are flocking to Vietnam to get their foodie fix.

One such cuisine becoming increasingly popular is Mexican (no surprise there!) and if you, like many, are craving a spicy Burrito, Enchilada of some Tex-Mex, look no further. Narrowing down the best Mexican restaurants in town to a list of 13 is no easy feat but after combing through multiple foodie groups and checking in with our industry sources - we think we’ve managed to curate a pretty remarkable list. We’ll let you be the judge of that.

District 1

Agave Saigon

Photo courtesy of Agave Saigon

Agave Saigon is Vietnam's first elevated Mexican restaurant serving Mexican gastronomy. Founded by Mexican duo Ricardo Glenn and Chef Carlos Bravo (ex-Chef de Cuisine of JW Marriott Phu Quoc). Like an ode to remembrance, Agave’s wood-washed interiors and expertly-curated menu offering traditional favourites with a twist such as Huevos Rancheros (a traditional breakfast featuring eggs, tortillas, and salsa) and Wagyu Beef and Tostada Crab Tinga, reflect both the culinary finesse of Chef Carlos and the sanctity he ties to Mexican cuisine and culture.

Here, they have a ‘Los Pipirisnais’ menu that’s promised to get your heart pumping. Think Lamb Barbacoa with chickpeas and chipotle salsa, Tacos Villa Melon with fun bites of cecina beef jerky, chorizo ​​sausage, and chicharron and last but not least, Carne Asada leaves with pickled onions and roasted peppers as the highlight. Best part? The dishes are all grilled over a wood stove to give that smokey flavour typical to Mexican cuisine. To pair, we recommend the Mezcal with traditional ‘worm salt’ at this Mexican bistro the largest selection of tequila and Mezcal in the city.

Bandido Saigon

Photo courtesy of Bandido Saigon

Playful, bright and colourful - Bandido is a treat for the eyes even before you tuck into your tacos. Here, there’s an open bar counter next to the kitchen where you can witness Bandido’s bartenders throwing swirls and flipping bottles while watching your food being plated.

While you have your usual suspects (meaty tacos, burritos etc.), menu standouts include the Arrchera Al Plato (cooked Australian Black Angus Steak with potato wedges and chipotle mayo) and Cochinita Pibil (pork shoulder slow-cooked in orange sauce, tossed with achiote and pickled onion). To complete the meal, pair your order with an Arroz Con Lech (coconut milk rice with vanilla ice cream, tequila-soaked raisins, and almonds) to beat the heat.

Chilango Taco Saigon

Photo courtesy of Chilango Taco Saigon

Though Chilango only opened in 2019, it has fast become a favourite amongst locals and expats alike. Known for its authentic Mexican tacos, Chilango’s interiors also don’t fall short with colourful Sombreros hats and flags streaming its walls. Tacos start from (69,000 VND), and include crowd-favourite toppings such as fish, beef, chicken, or fresh vegetables (Carnitas Pork, Chicken Tinga, Baja Fish, Beef Suadero). For something different, try the Carnitas, Pastor, and Chorizo ​​with cheese and for big groups (300,000 VND). To complete the meal, a Horchata or Michelada (drink or dessert) can’t go wrong.

La Fiesta

Photo Courtesy of La Fiesta

Spice, rice and all things nice - La Fiesta cuisine is the epitome of moreish Mexican cuisine. Here, you’ll find your classic Tex-Mex dishes (yes, in their usual generous portions too) including menu standout Spicy Fried Fish Taco (fried fish marinated in a spicy Mexican sauce and chewy thin crust). If you’re not looking for a taco fix, we highly recommend the Quesadilla Pizza Pie (160,000 VND) with its thin crust tortillas topped with oozy gooey cheese. True to its form, it’s also a party in the mouth at La Fiesta with a daring “Special Flavoured Tequila Shots” section including creations such as Praire Fire (70,000 VND) which includes a spicy tequila and hot sauce. The question is: can you handle the heat?

Sol Kitchen & Bar

Photo Courtesy of Sol Kitchen

Known as a mini "Santorini," Sol Kitchen is equal parts photogenic, equal parts tasty, and perfect for the gram’. From its playful Mediterranean interiors with beautiful decorative rattan lamps, cactuses and an open kitchen where you can watch full tattoo-sleeved Chef-founder Adrian Chong plating delectable dishes on the pass. Dishing out fiercy Mexican and Argentinian flavours, here you’ll find flame-kissed favourites such as Carne Asada (300,000 VND), Wagyu Chili Con Carne (220,000 VND) and Pork Taquitos (190,000 VND). On the drinks front, Sol offers an equally colourful cocktail menu filled with zesty and zingy margaritas - we recommend the Dragon Fruit Frozen Margarita!

District 2

District Federal Restaurant 

Photo Courtesy of District Federal Restaurant

Streams of colourful flags, big bold graffiti,, and weekly live music nights. It’s no surprise District Federal attracts a bustling crowd throughout the week. But, it’s the cocktail-friendly and variety of Mexican grub that keep us coming back for more. The Beef Barbacoa (155,000 VND), Chicken Tinga (195,000 VND), Pork Carnitas (165,000 VND) and Baja Fish (155,000 VND) are no doubt worthy of seconds. The best part? They apply a process called Nixtamalization to prepare fresh corn tortillas whereby the corn is soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution, soaked, washed, and ground into Masa Dough. No surprise why the tacos here are so lip-smackingly good.

El Camino Taqueria

Photo Courtesy of El Camino Taqueria

Founded by popular Youtube personality Calvin Bui (co-host of The Best Ever Food Review Show), El Camino is your casual neighborhood go-to where you can find Mexican-Korean burritos, tacos, and all things Mexican and wash them down with a pint of ice-cold craft beer while sitting on a stool on the side of the road. Of course, you’ll still be able to find your classic tacos - Baja Seabass Fish, Tropical Shrimp, Pork Carnitas, and Chipotle Pork Shoulder - starting from 70,000 VND. On Tuesdays, you can go loco for tacos and get them at only 50,000 VND per piece!

  • Address: 88 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, HCM

Simple Place

Photo Courtesy of Simple Place

Simple Places dishes out delicious Mexican grub from its humble location that won’t leave a gaping hole in your wallet. Think enchiladas, grilled chicken tacos (160,000 VND), pork carnitas (75,000 VND), and burritos filled with juicy smokey protein and fresh vegetables wrapped in a homemade fresh tortilla to nail that authentic taste. They’ve also got vegetarian options of almost everything on the menu so no reason to not eat your greens here! Pair with an ice-cold beer or Mango Smoothie (25,000 VND) to complete your experience.

  • Address: 35 Tống Hữu Định, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Tacos Fuego

Photo Courtesy of Tacos Fuego

Founded in 2019, Tacos Fuego has elevated the bar for tacos in Saigon with its Southern Californian take on Mexican food. While the Southern California-harking flavours remain unchanged, Tacos Fuego adds meaty tacos, a “Vietnamese” burrito, and a shrimp wrap inspired by Mexican to the menu. Don’t leave without trying the Birria beef taco (55,000 VND)or opt for one of Tacos Fuego’s signature Super Tater Tots (starting from 145,000 VND) topped with a protein of your choice (ground beef, shrimp, chicken etc.), cheese, beans, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole! Regardless of your order, Tacos Fuego is the perfect spot for you and your amigos to kick back and relax with an ice-cold beer and some tacos!

GringoTacos y Cantina

Photo Courtesy of GringoTacos Y Cantina

Founded in 2017, Tacos Fuego was born from Southern Cali native Doug Stratton’s desire to feed his craving for “authentic” Mexican cuisine, which he used to enjoy at Mexican tacquerias and cantinas back in the US. This Mexican joint spans two floors and dishes out the country’s finest fare such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and one of the city’s most extensive collections of tequila. The dishes are all made using the freshest ingredients such as Maseca or “corn masa flour” to make their fresh corn tortillas using a tortilla rolling machine imported from Mexico. Other homemade items include the queso fresco (fresh cheese), and Mexican crema as well as their sauces and salsas. The Baja Fish Taco (75,000 VND) is a must-try and uses Corona beer battered basa fish, pico de gallo, cabbage, and lime crema. There’s even a daily happy hour (5 to 830pm) where you can get 50% off selected cocktails, margaritas, and more!

District 3

Rico Taco

Photo Courtesy of Rico Taco

Located on Hai Ba Trung street in downtown bustling District 1, Rico Taco is all things bold, vibrant and Mexican. Inspired by Latin American and Spanish cantinas, Think brick walls, nude green tables, and a flirty pink entrance and hallway perfect for a group of amigos to unwind and have some fun. Tacos start from 65,000 VND and burritos as well as quesadillas for 95,000 VND. For something different, check out Rico Taco’s seafood-friendly creations boasting Mexican flavours such as Steamed Clams with Chipotle Butter (135,000 VND), which is perfect for big groups sharing. To complete the meal, pair your order with some Horchata (50,000 VND) to beat the heat.

District 4

Tippy Mexican’s Food 

Photo Courtesy of Tippy Mexican's Food

Go loco for tacos and all things Mexican from tacos to nachos, burritos, quesadillas and burritos at Tippy’s. And, while the menu has plentiful options to choose from, Burritos are the name of the game here and you can order different styles of burritos - Classic, Cowboy, California, Arizona, and “Tippy” as well as breakfast burritos and specialty creations. Burritos start from only 70,000 VND and tacos from 55,000 VND. On Tuesdays, grab a seat outdoors and tuck into Tippy’s 50,000 VND Taco Tuesday offer and an ice-cold bevvie. We recommend the Famous Baja mayo fish topped with fresh cabbage, onion, and cilantro and Green Chilli Pork with pico de gallo - trust us, you won’t regret it. On other days, there’s a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 pm featuring buy-one-get-one free cocktails and margaritas as well as 30% off on all beer and spirits!

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