Enjoy the "feast of the dead" at a Mexican restaurant in Saigon.

A meeting of two worlds

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos (Spanish), is one of Mexico's most important festivals, celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd. Contrary to its seemingly somber name, it is a vibrant occasion where people remember the deceased through music, food, and street festivities. For Mexicans, Día de los Muertos is not a time for mourning, but a time when two worlds meet – the living remember the dead, while spirits are believed to return home for reunion and celebration.

All paths during the festival lead to the ofrenda altar erected in each family home, where the living invite the spirits to return. On it, they display photographs of deceased loved ones, marigolds, candles, food, drinks, and even the deceased's favorites. Hand-cut colored paper (papel picado) symbolizes wind, water symbolizes purification, salt represents the soul, and Pan de Muerto—a round, sugar-covered pastry—symbolizes life and death.

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Marigolds (cempasúchil) are the symbol of the entire festival. Mexicans believe that the vibrant orange color and strong fragrance of these flowers guide souls home. Throughout Mexico—from cemeteries and town squares to small streets—people scatter marigold petals along pathways, creating a path of light to guide the souls back.

And then, amidst those colorful flowers, is the familiar image of the calavera skull – brightly decorated skulls symbolizing wit and optimism in the face of death. People paint their faces to resemble smiling skeletons, or wear flowered hats to portray La Catrina – the elegant woman in the form of a white skeleton. It's a reminder that everyone is equal before death, and the most terrifying thing is not dying, but being forgotten.

A festive atmosphere permeated the Mexican restaurant.

When Day of the Dead – Mexico's most vibrant festival – arrives, Rico Taco transforms into a colorful little corner right in the heart of Saigon. From the outside, the words "Día de los Muertos" stand out under the lights, bright orange marigolds blanket the walkways, and papel picado flags with calavera skulls hang from the ceiling, reflecting the shimmering light like a real Mexican scene. In the corner of the shop, white skull masks are laid out for customers to paint themselves – a small, fun activity in the Mexican spirit: spontaneous, enthusiastic, and full of the joy of life.

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

More than just recreating the festive atmosphere, Rico Taco offers a year-round authentic Mexican culinary experience. Established in 2013, the restaurant isn't pretentious or extravagant, but rather intimate and cozy, like a small Mexican eatery: rustic brick walls, simple and comfortable tables and chairs, vibrant calavera murals, and warm lighting throughout the room.

Couples and groups of friends enjoy tacos and quesadillas while raising glasses of Margarita amidst lively Latin music. This boisterous, carefree, and joyful atmosphere is what Rico Taco has strived to preserve for over ten years: a pure slice of Mexico, yet in harmony with the openness of Saigon, shared Huy Tran, the restaurant's Marketing Manager.

Food, drinks, and music blend together perfectly.

For Mexicans, food is always the soul of any celebration. At Rico Taco, that spirit is preserved, subtly adjusted to suit Vietnamese tastes. Mexican head chef Alejandro shared: “Mexican cuisine is rich in flavor, spicy, and layered with aromas. We maintain that spirit, only toning down the spiciness, saltiness, and sourness to make it feel more familiar to Vietnamese customers. For example, we use fresh Vietnamese chilies instead of some imported dried chilies, or reduce the amount of cheese in some dishes to maintain harmony.”

The menu at Rico Taco is a microcosm of Mexico, featuring tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas, and guacamole—essential symbols of any party. The tortillas are handmade daily from pure corn flour, resulting in a soft, pliable, and subtly fragrant texture. The pork, beef, chicken, and vegetable fillings are all carefully selected from local sources, ensuring freshness and environmental friendliness.

Each dish has its own "language," expressed through its sauces: cilantro salsa with its fragrant coriander, black salsa with its rich flavor, chipotle mayo with its creamy spiciness, or guacamole with its refreshing avocado taste. The spicy, sour, creamy, and sweet flavors blend together, creating a unique balance that Mexicans cherish. And true to Mexican spirit, tacos should be eaten with your hands, a joyful and natural experience that transforms the meal into a genuine conversation.

More than just food, Rico Taco offers a true cultural experience. A refreshing Margarita with a salted rim and the rich flavor of tequila, or a sweet and cool Horchata – a traditional rice milk drink – all provide an authentic Mexican experience. Every two weeks, on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 PM, the bar is filled with Latin music, immersing diners in vibrant melodies, laughter, and twinkling lights, as if they were in a small town square in Guadalajara, Mexico.

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

Text and photos: Quynh Mai