Manila is home to a plethora of excellent restaurants, and when it comes to Mexican cuisine, the opportunities for culinary exploration are limitless. Whether you’re enjoying cheesy corn elotes on the street or discovering the perfect late-night burrito, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect time to embark on a quest for the ultimate Mexican-themed meal.
Cinco de Mayo is always a grand fiesta. This celebration on May 5th commemorates the Mexican army’s triumph over the French in the Battle of Puebla in the 19th century. Although it is not a major holiday in Mexico, it has become a widely celebrated event around the world. In Manila, numerous Mexican restaurants offer special menus to honor the occasion, with drink options ranging from frozen Margaritas to shots of tequila.
Poblacion is a popular area for festivities, adorned with colorful banderitas and filled with revelers dancing salsa in the streets. However, Cinco de Mayo celebrations take place throughout the city, from the north to the south.
Here are five establishments that we believe serve some of the best tacos in town:
1. Lagrima
Lagrima stands out as the “Hypebeast” of local Mexican restaurants. Since relocating from their original spot in Legazpi Village to San Juan, this restaurant has consistently pushed the boundaries of Mexican cuisine with unconventional recipes.
In Spanish, “lagrima” translates to “teardrop.” When ordering their burritos, rice bowls, or classic tacos, you must choose your “feelings” – a clever play on the word “fillings.” Lagrima offers an array of delectable fillings to choose from, including confit pork shoulder carnitas, kimchi asada, and crunchy shrimp tempura. Just be prepared for an extra kick of spice, even in their Margarita.
Lagrima is located at 192 Wilson cor. Arras St., San Juan, and 8488 Abeja cor. Trabajo St., Makati.
2. El Chupacabra
El Chupacabra has been a popular Mexican restaurant and watering hole for years. Known for its lively atmosphere and affordable drinks, this “home of the street tacos” is always buzzing with patrons in search of a satisfying meal. They even offer Pork Sisig Tacos, perfect for those seeking the comfort of Filipino flavors while celebrating the Mexican holiday.
El Chupacabra is located at 5782 Felipe St, Makati.
3. Chihuahua Mexican Grill
We fondly recall dancing the night away at Chihuahua eleven years ago when it first opened. This Mexican Grill, with locations in Greenbelt and BGC, has hosted countless salsa parties, and this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration will be no exception. The restaurant offers a classic menu featuring soft and hard-shell tacos, with flavors ranging from Beef Birria and Picadillo to Pork Carnitas and Vegetarian options.
Chihuahua Mexican Grill is located at G/F Greenbelt 2, Makati, and 3/F Cinemas Central Square, BGC.
4. La Chinesca
Chef Bruce Ricketts has been making waves in the local dining scene, and his restaurant La Chinesca is no exception. Every component of their dishes is meticulously crafted, from the slow-cooked beef and guajillo broth in the Quesabirria to the achiote pork confit and roasted pineapple in the Carnitas. For a sampling of their famous tacos, try the Taco Hits sampler, featuring carnitas, quesabirria, huachinango, and camaroncito, topped with an array of sauces.
La Chinesca is located at 181 Aguirre Ave., Parañaque, and The Grid, 2/F Power Plant.
5. Onlypans Taqueria
What began as a delivery service has evolved into a go-to spot for tacos in vibrant locations like La Union, Katipunan, and Poblacion. Currently, their most popular tacos include the Quessa Birria with shredded beef tortilla and the Barbacoa with tender beef cheeks. The Chicharones tacos, featuring tender pork, are also a big hit. For this year’s Cinco de Mayo, OnlyPans will be hosting drag performances and DJs on the famous Don Pedro street, with additional fiestas at their other taqueria branches.
Onlypans Taqueria is located at 5663 Don Pedro, Poblacion, Makati, The Pop Up, 273 Katipunan Avenue corner Xavierville Avenue, Quezon City, and in La Union.
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