Shanghai has not shortage of tacos, but excellent tacos can be found at Mexican restaurant and bar Chihuahua. Sink your teeth into the very best of Mexican street food at this taco-fonda in Jing’an. New dishes and cocktails on the menu.

The Space

Chihuahua for Mexican food and the best tacos in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Chihuahua relocated in November 2022, finding a much more spacious and comfortable home on Wuding Lu, near Shaanxi Bei Lu.

Chihuahua for Mexican food and the best tacos in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The airy dining room is awash with cheerful colors of pearl white, aquamarine, and sunflower yellow, walls painted with the venue’s namesake mascot. It’s an easy-going destination that’s great for groups and is dog-friendly.

Chihuahua for Mexican food and the best tacos in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

In addition to a roomier home, they’ve also expanded the menu.

The Food

Chihuahua for Mexican food and the best tacos in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The menu features the best of Mexican street foods, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. All of which are truly delicious as well as affordable.

Chihuahua for Mexican food and the best tacos in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Disclaimer: I’ve been a strong proponent of Chihuahua ever since it opened, and personally, I think they do the best tacos in town. I’m also inclined towards corn tortillas, which they source locally.

Chihuahua for Mexican food and the best tacos in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Al Pastor

The best seller taco is the Al Pastor (¥58/two), and for good reason. Pork neck and pork butt roasted to a char topped with salsa verde, onion, pineapple, and coriander on a toasted corn tortilla.

Chihuahua for Mexican food and the best tacos in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Juicy, fully-loaded tacos that’s bursting with freshness and flavor.

New items on the menu include flautas aka deep-fried taquitos, a killer Cubano sandwich, and a zingy “Mexican-style crudo” called Botana Duo.

Chihuahua for Mexican food in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Flautas (¥58/three) – White corn tortillas rolled with mashed potatos, cheese, and chicken, then deep-fried, served in a cup of guacamole, topped with salsa roja, sour cream, and cabbage. Crunchy, addictive snacks.
Chihuahua for Mexican food in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Cubano (¥68) – Not one, but two Cubanos per serving, making it easy to share. A thick cut of French ham, brisket, Jack cheese, and diced jalapeños sandwiched between a toasted loaf.
Chihuahua for Mexican food in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Served with fries, ketchup, and honey jalapeño mustard. Word to the wise: Dip your sandwich into that tasty mustard.
Chihuahua for Mexican food in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Botana Duo (¥30) – Cucumber, jicama, and carrot sticks seasoned with lime, salt, and chili powder. Healthy finger foods.

For drinks, there’s a full menu of classic and house cocktails. New on the drinks list is a yummy rum and whisky-spiked horchata, a mezcal-based Long Island, and a tea-based margarita.

Mexican-inspired cocktail at Chihuahua Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Oaxaca Island Iced Tea (¥68) – Vanilla mezcal, rum, vodka, pisco, triple sec, and lime juice. Like most Long Islands, dangerously easy to drink.
Mexican-inspired cocktail at Chihuahua Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Margaritea (¥68) – Chamomile tequila, pineapple liquor, Cointreau, lime juice, honey, chamomile tea syrup. A refreshing thirst quencher.
Mexican-inspired cocktail at Chihuahua Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Rhumchata (¥68) – Horchata spiked with rum, whisky, and Reposado tequila. If dessert was in drink form, then made boozy. My favorite of the three.

Mexican Independence Day Deals & Events

Chihuahua is celebrating Mexican Independence Day (Sep 16) through September 30 with a myriad of events and deals.

Tequila and mezcal in China

First off, they’re doing a flash sale—up to 80% off nearly 40 different bottles of spirits! Get high quality spirits of mezcal, tequila, whisky, and liquors for as low as ¥80 a bottle. To-go only. Though, if you’d like to enjoy your bottle at Chihuahua, just order any five mixers.

Tequila and mezcal in China
Herencia De Plata Blanco (¥180/bottle, originally ¥580/bottle) – A lightly sweet and spicy tequila for smooth-tasting margaritas.
Tequila and mezcal in China
(L) Tekali (¥60/bottle, originally ¥320) – A tequila coffee liquor, great for those cheeky coffee-based drinks.

Chihuahua
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