Vatos Urban Tacos @ Beach Road, Singapore

Korean + Mexican = Match made in Heaven...

My sister in law and family were visiting Singapore (yay!), and staying in the new J.W. Marriott South Beach (amazing hotel BTW)... so, me and hubby were in the area, looking for some caffeine.

Coffee finally in hand, we were wandering around when we chanced upon Vatos Urban Tacos. It's quite hidden-tucked away in a corner of a beautiful old colonial style building, near the new office block:

Old facade with a renovated interior...

"MISS, NO OUTSIDE FOOD AND DRINKS ALLOWED", I was informed...

Once I had negotiated the terms of my entry** with the friendly, but very "by the book" wait staff, we proceeded to examine the menu.
(** I parked my coffee on a stool, and put it in the corner like it had done something bad, and promised I wouldn't drink it while I was on the premises)
(Look, it's not like I like breaking all these rules but we hadn't planned on having a meal - Vatos looked interesting so we just went in to try it)

I love Korean food, and I also love Mexican food.
But Ko-Mex fusion? Well, I've never tried it before and had my doubts on how it would work - both cuisines are spicy, but with distinct flavor profiles.

First up that day, we tried the Honey Tequila Chicken Wings (S$ 19++).

The crispy wings came coated in sweet and spicy honey tequila sauce, served with deep fried jalapeno slices, and blue cheese dipping sauce on the side. With just a few deep fried jalepenos and some optional blue cheese sauce, I didn't find it very different from the usual Korean fried chicken (albeit very well done).

Sticky sweet deliciousness...

For our main, we tried the Korean Po Boy Burrito (S$ 21++).

Slices of Galbi short rib, and Korean pork belly, wrapped up with Mexican Rice, black beans, cheese, sautéed kimchi, cilantro lime crema, ssamjang aioli, Asian slaw, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, and Sriracha mayo... it was a nice mix of tender meat and punchy kimchi flavor - would definitely order again. :D
(I recommend sharing this though, as the serving is quite big)

A log/burrito...

The dish that really stood out to me though (still craving now) was the Kimchi Carnitas Fries (S$ 19++).

Seasoned fries, topped with braised pork carnitas, sautéed Kimchi, melted cheese, topped with sour cream, hot sauce, cilantro, and onion was an amazing mix of crunchy carbs, tender meat and sour spicy kimchi. So, SO, SO delicious.

I Love You, Deep Fried Carbs...

The inside of Vatos is just like any hipster resto-bar - comfortable and dimly lit, with a mix of industrial fixtures and exposed brick walls. It wasn't very busy as we were there at an odd hour on a weekday:

Interior of Vatos...

Overall, we both really enjoyed our meal there, and looking to returning soon to try more dishes, as well as the beer-itas. Next time, I'll remember to go without a rule breaking coffee in hand. :)

So, it's: Good selection of delicious fusion Mexican-Korean food, very conveniently located (near Esplanade MRT) BUT a bit expensive, friendly but sometimes blur service....

Summary Information:
Vatos Urban Tacos @ Beach Road, Singapore
Website: CLICK HERE

Opening Hours:
Sun – Thurs 12pm – 11pm
Fri – Sat; 12pm – 12midnight

Phone: +65 6385 6010

Address: 36 Beach Road Singapore 189677
Map: CLICK HERE

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Seth Lui.com
- Daniel Food Diary.com
- Lady Iron Chef