Singapore’s home-grown Latin American restaurant group, Chimichanga, is celebrating a decade in business with an ambitious new project. The brand has opened Chimi’s Especial at Customs House, offering a menu that spans the many cuisines of the South American continent.
Founded in 2016 in a small space in Little India, Chimichanga began with a simple mission. It aimed to provide affordable and vibrant Mexican-inspired flavours to the local market. Over ten years, it has evolved into one of Southeast Asia’s first home-grown Latin restaurant chains. The group now manages several concepts, including Chimi’s and the quick-service Little Chimi’s.
A Prime Spot at Marina Bay
The new Chimi’s Especial sits along the prime waterfront of 70 Collyer Quay. It features a 180-seat space that combines indoor dining with a large outdoor terrace. Consequently, the restaurant offers panoramic views of Marina Bay, making it a suitable choice for business lunches or evening social gatherings.
Menu Highlights and Regional Flavours
While the original brand focused heavily on “Sing-Mex” flavours, Chimi’s Especial looks further south. The menu draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of Peru, Argentina, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico.
The kitchen team has introduced several signature dishes that represent different Latin American regions.
Pollo a la Brasa: This Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken is a menu staple. It features smoky notes and a deep marinade.
Wagyu Entraña Asado: This dish pays tribute to the asado grilling cultures of Argentina and Uruguay.
Sándwich de Pastrami Puerto Rico: A nod to Caribbean street food, this sandwich includes a Peruvian aji verde (green chilli sauce) for a spicy finish.
Pulpo Asado al Carbón: This charcoal-grilled octopus reflects coastal influences from Peru and Baja Mexico.
For dessert, the restaurant serves Quesillo, a traditional caramel flan popular in Mexico and Venezuela. Another option is the Maracuyá Tres Leches, a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk and flavoured with passionfruit.
Asia’s First Cocuy Destination
Drinks
Beyond the food, the bar program introduces a unique spirit to the Singapore market. Chimi’s Especial is currently the only venue in Asia to serve Cocuy.
Cocuy is a heritage agave spirit from Venezuela. Unlike Tequila or Mezcal, which come from Mexico, Cocuy is distilled from wild agave plants. It holds a denomination of origin status in its home country, signifying its cultural and artisanal importance. The bar also serves cocktails inspired by Brazil and Peru, alongside the brand’s signature Margaritas and craft beers.
Affordable Option in CBD
The new restaurant caters to the CBD crowd with a weekday lunch set. Available from Monday to Friday, the three-course meal starts at $25. It includes a soft drink and a choice of mains like the Pollo Anticuchos or the Pastrami sandwich.
Happy hour runs daily from 12 noon to 7 pm, with drink prices starting from $8.
Chimi’s Especial
70 Collyer Quay, #01-01 Customs House
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 6029 3225
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11.30 am – 11 pm
Friday & Eve of PH: 11.30 am – 12 midnight
Saturday, Sunday & PH: 3 pm – 11 pm
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