The food scene at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City just got more vibrant as Filipino-Mexican restaurant Los Chachos opened its doors to diners from the south of the metro.

On Friday, August 29, 2026, the restaurant officially celebrated its grand opening at the mall’s North Entertainment Wing.

LOS CHACHOS: FILIPINO AND MEXICAN FUSION

Los Chachos began in 2024, born from CEO Cibbie Gonzales’s passion for Mexican tacos and Filipino comfort food.

Cibbie is also the man behind Go! Salads.

For his new venture, he aims to marry Mexico’s zesty and spicy kick with the savory-sweet layers of Filipino flavors, offering a fresh and exciting option for the Filipino palate—especially in a market that’s already crowded and competitive within the Asian cuisine category.

“We chose the Fil-Mex cuisine because we felt like it was a little bit crowded in the Asian cuisines,” he said.

“There are a lot of competitors and we wanted to bring something new to Filipinos where you can have a rice meal or a taco, depending on your appetite.

“It can be filling or it can be light. So, we wanted to give variety to the Filipinos who enjoy this type of cuisine.”

Currently, Los Chachos has branches in Legazpi Village (Makati), Ortigas Center (Pasig), SM Fairview, and SM North EDSA.

The choice of SM Mall of Asia for the fifth branch was strategic given its high foot traffic, a diverse customer mix, and a family-friendly mall atmosphere.

“We chose MOA because this is the biggest mall in the Philippines and we wanted to have our brand’s presence become more known across the SM brands, and across the Philippines, and hopefully open more in the future.”

Flavor development came from hands-on testing: Los Chachos’ chefs cross-tested Filipino condiments and cooking techniques against classic Mexican preparations

Cibbie shared: “We decided on familiar flavors. For example, we have sinigang but as fries. We have pares as a burrito.

“But we also have the traditional flavors that you find in other Mexican restaurants like birria, beef picadillo for carnitas, and other flavors as well.”

LOS CHACHOS: MUST-TRIES

Los Chachos’ Frozen Classic Horchata (PHP165) and Frozen Ube Horchata (PHP180) are cool, refreshing takes on the Mexican favorite. The Classic is creamy and cinnamon sweet, while the Ube adds a bright purple color and earthy ube flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon.

The Sinigang Fries (Regular: PHP145 / Grande: PHP420) are a bold Filipino-Mexican fusion: crispy fries dusted with tangy sinigang-inspired seasoning and served with a mayo dip.

Los Chachos’ Birria Chacos (PHP470 for 2 / PHP520 for 3) at SM Mall of Asia are smoky and savory—tender smoked beef, pickled onions, cilantro, and a cheese-crusted tortilla, served with rich consomé for dipping. Portions are generous, and birria fans should give it a try.

The Yema Cheesecake (PHP225) is the perfect ending.

It’s creamy infused with sweet, custardy yema for a rich, caramel-like flavor balanced by a smooth, tangy cream cheese base.

A caramelized sugar and graham crust add a satisfying crunch.

Another must-try dessert is the Churros (PHP145), served with a rich chocolate dip.

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