Originally celebrated in central and Southern Mexico, the festival of the dead, or the día de los muertos is a tradition that celebrates the life of ancestors and welcomes back the “dear departed.” Dating back to the Aztec times of Mesoamerica, the dead, as with many cultures, were considered sacred. Rather than a mourning, the occasion focusses on celebrating a person’s life and honoring them by passing their memory onto younger generations.
Fast-forward to modern day and it’s a tradition that has been kept and revered throughout Mexico. It’s now another widely-recognised autumnal festival and along with Halloween, it’s just another reason to celebrate. And of course, with the payday weekend coming up, what better way to celebrate a festival than with food? Whether you feel like something fancy, fusion or just a bit of fun, here are the best spots to celebrate around the capital.
Día De Los Muertos in London – Dine by the Thames at Chino Latino
Renowned for the panoramic views of Westminster, the delicious cocktails and of course the South-American and pan Asian food fusion, Chino Latino are going all out for Day of the Dead. With a four course bespoke tasting menu, tuck into an explosive culinary adventure featuring lobster taquitos, red snapper and an exquisite Day of the Dead passionfruit skull relic.
Chino Latino Day of the Dead Tasting Menu, £45pp, 2nd November, book here
Día De Los Muertos in London – Tuck into authentic dishes at Mestizo
If anyone knows how to do a Mexican festival properly, it’s one of London’s most authentic Mexican eateries – Mestizo. They will be hosting a stunning and unique altar, commissioned and displayed in the restaurant, to welcome back the departed. Try some of the most traditional foods for the occasion, including the pan de muertos, a sweet roll that is baked and decorated by hand.
Mestizo All Saints Day, 1-2nd November, book here
Día De Los Muertos in London – Enjoy Dracula Ramen at Shoryu
Best-known for the delectable Hakata Tonkotsu ramens, Shoryu have pulled out all the stops to create a festive menu like no other. To encompass Halloween and Día De Los Muertos, the expert ramen bar have created a special 3-course set menu including a delicious dracula garlic ramen as well as spooky pumpkin baos and char siu pork baos. As if that wasn’t enough, a green tea ice cream cone with cherry blood finishes the menu perfectly. No tricks here, only treats.
Shoryu Halloween Set Menu, Three courses for £20pp, Until 4th November, book here
Día De Los Muertos in London – Paint the town black at Ella Canta
For the second year running, Chef Martha Ortiz has created a Painted Black menu at Mayfair’s Ella Canta. The most special thing about this menu is its continuous river of black running through each dish, a line that celebrates life. The recipes combine bold, authentic flavours with contemporary culinary techniques, with dishes such as Burnt corn masa, huitlacoche, cheese and black habanero ashes and Black tamal stuffed with entomatado short rib and chicatana sauce. The eight-course menu is completed with tantalising cocktails to match. Get there before 3rd November and the staff will all be in traditional día de los muertos dress.
Ella Canta Painted Black menu, £80pp, Until 17th November, book here
