There’s a certain thrill in arriving at Motel Mexicola Canggu. Even before you sit down, the colours hit you first, bold murals, neon details, hand-painted tiles, and that unmistakable Motel Mexicola energy humming beneath it all. It feels like stepping into a story with the volume turned up. And while the atmosphere grabs you, it’s the food that keeps you here.
The Seminyak original set the stage years ago, turning Mexican dining in Bali into an experience. But Canggu takes things a step further. This venue celebrates the spirit and culture of the Yucatán, and recipes that can be traced back generations. The music, the warmth, the sense that something good is about to happen, it makes the first sip of a margarita taste even sharper.
The real magic, though, sits in the kitchen, centred around a PIB oven, a traditional Mayan earth oven that’s the soul of this location. It’s what gives Canggu its edge. Hours spent slow-cooking marinated lamb, chicken, vegetables, and seafood over coals infuse each dish with depth: smoky heat, soft textures, and flavours that build with every bite. You can smell it when you walk in. You know something good is happening long before the plates land.
The menu moves between fresh, bright starters and the comforting heartiness of slow braises. Think aguachile mixto with its citrus snap; tostadas topped with prawns or fish and a hit of chilli; birria de res tacos so rich they barely need a squeeze of lime; and carne asada with that perfect balance of char and tenderness. Crisp pickled vegetables add zing, salsas land with pepper and fire, and herbs cut through the richness. It’s vibrant, layered cooking that shows the true complexity of Mexican cuisine, far from the Tex-Mex tropes many of us grew up with.
And the tacos? Soft, warm, generous, and exactly how they should be. Each one feels like its own little moment. Some come smoky, some come spicy, some come bright and green with coriander and jalapeño, but every one of them carries that Canggu signature from the PIB oven.
Then there’s dessert: sweet, creamy, or chocolatey, and never an afterthought. Motel Mexicola has always understood that the final course deserves as much attention as the first.
Of course, the drinks keep pace with the food. The margaritas, tart, icy, and strong, are iconic for a reason. Cold beers hit the spot in Bali’s heat. Cocktails arrive colourful and unapologetically fun. Everything feels like part of the same rhythm. Seminyak is the OG, the one that built the Motel Mexicola world with its late-night dancing, iconic dishes, and unmistakable vibe. But in Canggu, there’s a sense of evolution. A little more fire. A little more depth. A kitchen that’s anchored in ancient technique but confident enough to play.
Motel Mexicola may be known for its parties, but at its heart, it’s still a restaurant, one that takes flavour seriously while keeping the fun turned all the way up.
Come hungry. Come curious. And don’t snooze on the food. This is a journey worth taking, and the best stories start with smoke curling out of a pib oven in the heart of Canggu.
Must-Try Dishes at Motel Mexicola Canggu
Recommended – Ceviche Yucateco
This is one of the best ways to start. Sashimi-grade yellowfin tuna comes dressed with onion, avocado, grilled pineapple, and mango, finished with a punchy habanero dressing. It is fresh and tropical, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Recommended Taco – Carne Asada
Charred, tender, and full of flavour, this dish shows how well Mexicola balances smoke, spice, and freshness in one plate.
Recommended Tacos from the PIB oven
Borrego Tostada
Braised lamb topped with spicy herb salad, agave, salsa verde, and pickled onion delivers richness lifted by acidity and herbs. It is bold without feeling heavy.
Los Pollos Hermanos
A true Mexicola classic. Juicy chicken layered with spice, fresh herbs, and smoky notes that keep you coming back for more.
Pescado Frito
Crisp fried barramundi with coriander crema, xec, herb salad, and tortillas makes for a lighter but still deeply satisfying plate.
Tres Leches Cake
A proper Motel Mexicola classic. Vanilla sponge soaked in three milks, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, rich, soft, and unapologetically indulgent.
Drinks Worth Ordering
Margarita Milionario
Made with Herradura Selección Suprema extra añejo, roasted agave nectar, and fresh lime, it comes with a full-blown ritual that turns ordering into a show. Loud, fun, and unforgettable.
Picante Margarita
Ancho Reyes with strawberry and guava gives this one a spicy, fruity edge that works beautifully in Bali’s heat.
Watermelon Margarita Seltzer
Made with 100 percent blue agave tequila and served on tap, it is light, refreshing, and dangerously easy to keep drinking.
Motel Mexicola Canggu is about flavour, fire, and fun, and these dishes and drinks capture exactly why it remains one of the most exciting places to eat and drink in the area.
Make sure to click and book your table and have a feast at Motel Mexicola Canggu
