Day of the Dead celebrations
This month sees Wahaca turn up the heat and bring some much-needed rays of Mexican sunshine to help cut through the winter gloom. From joyful Día de los Muertos celebrations to a brand new tequila tasting experience and the launch of a delicious Winter menu, guests at its restaurants in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Brighton can expect a season bursting with bold tastes, spirited moments and plenty of fiesta flair.
Marking one of Mexico’s most iconic traditions, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) will be celebrated across all Wahaca locations throughout October and into November. Each restaurant will be transformed with themed decorations and striking altars inspired by traditional ofrendas – colourful displays created in homes across Mexico to honour and remember loved ones. To toast the occasion, a limited-edition Blood Orange & Hibiscus Margarita (£9.95) will be available throughout the festivities, shaken with fresh lime, aquafaba and blanco tequila for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Adding even more spirit to the season, October also sees Wahaca bringing a brand new Tequila Experience (£14.95) to the table. Taste your way through a curated flight of three tequilas – blanco, reposado and añejo – each paired with complementary flavours designed to enhance the notes of the spirit. Guided tasting notes will help guests discover the depth and diversity of Mexico’s most celebrated spirit.
For one night only on 30th October, Wahaca will open the doors of its Shoreditch restaurant for a special Day of the Dead Supper Club. Hosted by Wahaca co-founder Thomasina Miers in partnership with online food marketplace DELLI, the candlelit evening will celebrate the art of remembrance with a menu that quite literally brings dishes “back from the dead” — reviving a selection of much-loved favourites from Wahaca’s past. A live DJ will provide the soundtrack to the evening, and attendees can get the Day of the Dead look themselves with a face painter on hand to deliver some truly tantalising transformations! Tickets are available now, priced at £65 and also include a goodie bag and welcome cocktail on arrival.
Brand new menu
Alongside the festivities, Wahaca also unveils its Winter menu, featuring a collection of comforting dishes that showcase the best of the season’s ingredients while celebrating the vibrant tastes and flavours of Mexican cuisine.
The creamy new Butter Bean & Confit Garlic Dip blends slow-poached garlic, olive oil and rosemary with tender butter beans from Bold Bean Co. Served warm, it’s finished with a punchy charred jalapeño oil infused with lemon and more confit garlic (£6.50) or Trealy Farm sobrasada (£6.95). Packed with protein and fibre, it’s finished with crispy chickpeas and fried rosemary and served with tortilla chips.
Roast Ancho Mushroom Tacos (£7.50) bring together marinated ancho mushrooms with layers of umami and spice. Served on a bed of warm white bean allioli and topped with jalapeño mayo and salsa macha, it’s a bold, flavour-packed dish that’s set to become a new favourite.
Layering smoky frijoles with a warming mix of esquites, chickpeas and Carlin peas, the Corn, Bean & Feta Tostadas (£6.50) are topped with charred jalapeño oil, zesty lime, pico de gallo, feta and herbs, and a drizzle of salsa macha – a crunchy, satisfying bite that’s full of depth and colour.
Succulent Sautéed Guajillo Prawns (£8.95) are cooked with caramelised onions, garlic and ajillo oil for a rich, smoky dish infused with chipotle and guajillo chillies. Served gringa-style with warm tortillas, avocado, coriander, red onion and lime, this is Mexican comfort food at its most indulgent.
Sweet, caramelised Roast Butternut Squash (£7.50) from Riverford Organic is roasted to perfection and served on a velvety, lightly spiced cashew nut mole. Finished with a fresh herb salad and salsa macha, it’s a celebration of seasonal produce with a Mexican twist.
Inspired by the traditional flavours of Mexican mole, the indulgent new Chocolate Mole Cake (£7.50) blends cinnamon, ancho chilli, sesame and chocolate into a rich, spiced cake. Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and ancho chilli, and served with a lightly whipped tequila cream, it’s the perfect finale to a winter feast.
A playful new addition to Wahaca’s dessert menu, the Frozen Flight (£9.95) is a tasty trio of icy delights. Indulge in three sumptuous scoops – smooth vanilla ice cream with a pour-over of rich Cazcabel coffee tequila, a zesty agave and lime sorbet served with a splash of Gran Centenario tequila and a vibrant mango sorbet dusted with Tajín – the perfect pairing of citrus and spice. Designed to share or enjoy solo, it’s a refreshing, grown-up twist on the classic dessert – part sweet treat, part spirited indulgence.
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