Enjoy the “party of the dead” at a Mexican restaurant in Saigon

The meeting of two worlds

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos (Spanish), is one of the most important Mexican holidays, held annually on November 1 and 2. Despite its seemingly sad name, it is a colorful occasion when people remember the dead with music, food, and street festivals. For Mexicans, Día de los Muertos is not a time for mourning, but a time when two worlds meet - when the living remember the dead, and the souls are believed to return to visit their homes, reunite, and celebrate.

All roads during the festival lead to the ofrenda altar set up in each home, where the living invite the spirit back. On it, people display photos of deceased loved ones, marigolds, candles, food, drink, and the deceased’s favorite dishes. Hand-cut colored paper (papel picado) represents wind, water represents purification, salt represents the soul, and Pan de Muerto – a round pastry covered in sugar – represents life and death.

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The marigold flower (cempasúchil) is the symbol of the entire festival. Mexicans believe that the bright orange color and strong scent of this flower will guide the soul back home. All over Mexico - from cemeteries, squares to small streets, people spread petals along the paths, creating a path of light to guide the soul back home.

And then, among the flowers, is the familiar image of calaveras - colorfully decorated skulls that symbolize humor and optimism in the face of death. People dress up as smiling skeletons, or wear flowered hats to represent La Catrina - an elegant woman in the form of a white skeleton. It is a reminder that everyone is equal before death, and the scariest thing is not to die, but to be forgotten.

Festive atmosphere filled the Mexican restaurant

When the Day of the Dead season - the most brilliant Mexican festival - knocks on the door, Rico Taco becomes a colorful corner in the heart of Saigon. From the outside, the words "Día de los Muertos" stand out under the lights, bright orange marigolds cover the walkway, papel picado flags printed with calavera skulls hang across the ceiling, reflecting the shimmering light like a real Mexican scene. In the corner of the shop, white skull masks are displayed for customers to paint - a small fun with the Mexican spirit: spontaneous, passionate and full of joy of life.

At the end of the room, the ofrenda is recreated with daisies, candles, and traditional motifs. There is no solemnity of ceremony, but rather the vibrancy of memory and the joy of reunion. Every detail is carefully arranged to evoke the spirit of Día de los Muertos – where death is not a sorrow, but an occasion to remember, to tell, and to live more fully.

Not only does Rico Taco recreate the festive atmosphere, it also offers a rich Mexican culinary experience all year round. Established in 2013, the restaurant is not fancy or luxurious, but is as close and intimate as a small restaurant in Mexico: rough brick walls, simple and comfortable tables and chairs, colorful calavera murals and warm lighting throughout the room.

Couples and groups of friends enjoy tacos, quesadillas, and raise their glasses of Margarita to the vibrant Latin music. That noisy, liberal, and joyful atmosphere is exactly what Rico Taco has wanted to maintain for more than ten years: a pure slice of Mexico, but in harmony with the openness of Saigon, said Huy Tran, the restaurant's Marketing Manager.

Food, drinks and music all in one

For Mexicans, cuisine is always the soul of every festival. At Rico Taco, that spirit is kept intact, only cleverly adjusted to suit Vietnamese tastes. Mexican chef Alejandro shared: “Mexican cuisine is rich in flavor, spicy and has many layers of flavor. We keep that spirit intact, only moderate the spicy, salty and sour levels so that Vietnamese customers feel closer. For example, we use fresh Vietnamese chili instead of some imported dried chili, or reduce the amount of cheese in some dishes to maintain harmony.”

Rico Taco’s menu is a miniature picture of Mexico with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas and guacamole - indispensable symbols of every party. The tortillas are handmade every day from pure corn flour, soft and fragrant. The pork, beef, chicken or vegetables are all carefully selected from local sources, both fresh and environmentally friendly.

Each dish has its own “language”, expressed through the sauces: fragrant cilantro salsa, flavorful black salsa, spicy chipotle mayo, or refreshing avocado guacamole. Spicy, sour, fatty and sweet flavors blend together, creating a unique balance that Mexicans always cherish. And in true Mexican spirit, tacos must be eaten with hands, both fun and natural, so that the meal becomes a real conversation.

More than just food, Rico Taco also offers a true cultural feast. A cold Margarita with a salt rim, a strong tequila, or a sweet and refreshing Horchata - a traditional drink made from rice milk - all bring a pure Mexican feel. Every two weeks, on Thursday nights, the bar bustles with Latin music from 7:30 to 9:30 pm, bringing diners into the vibrant rhythms, laughter and sparkling lights as if standing in the middle of a small square in Guadalajara, Mexico.

During Day of the Dead, the space becomes even more vibrant. In the middle of modern Saigon, Rico Taco not only serves food, but also tells the story of faith, memory and joy of a people who cherish both life and death.

Article and photos: Quynh Mai