Rico: A Tasty Cure to Homesickness

Posted on 10/20/2023 Last updated on 01/11/2024

When struck with homesickness, what is your go-to comfort source? Life as an expat can be exciting and adventurous, of course; but can also come with some unique experiences, such as homesickness. Personally, homesickness doesn’t necessarily mean I wish to return to my home country – but it means a strong desire to find comfort through things that were once familiar in my every day life prior to living abroad.

There are multiple senses we can tap into to find sources of comfort: through music, a familiar art craft or hobby, or even food. Finding familiar foods while living abroad can be a great source of comfort for expats – especially when feeling homesick – so that’s why I would like to share a favorite restaurant that has brought a sense of comfort and familiarity to me, in hopes that it will also bring you the same nostalgia I have felt while visiting it. At the very least, I hope it might be an appealing destination for anyone craving some delicious Mexican food while living in Japan.

Why Comfort Food Helps

Most can probably agree that we find comfort in specific foods from our childhood or home country. The nostalgia and specific memories that certain foods can bring back is an endorphin boost that many would seldom refuse. Eating Mexican food in Japan that reminds me of my mom’s home cooking, along with the nostalgia of my childhood memories connected with certain foods, helps ease the occasional homesickness encountered while living abroad.

Being predominantly of Mexican ethnicity, being from California in the USA (where is arguably the second-best only to Mexico in terms of places to find authentic Mexican food), and having an amazing mom who cooked homemade Mexican food from scratch throughout my life, I admit to being a bit harsh in judging Mexican food establishments in general. However, I think I have finally found a restaurant that may be close to authentic as you can find in Japan.

Of course, not all of us grew up with a predominantly Mexican background, and therefore may not have a strong nostalgic association or distinct memories connected to Mexican food – but I think we can all agree that we all typically enjoy a delicious meal. So whether you’re simply looking to try a new delicious restaurant, or are hoping to invoke a sense of nostalgia through Mexican food, I would like to highlight a favorite establishment of mine.

Introducing Rico

Without further ado, I introduce Rico Mexican Bar. This establishment is located in Funabashi City, in Chiba prefecture. It is only a short 5-minute walk from Funabashi Station via the Chuo-Sobu Line, or just 2 minutes from Keisei Funabashi Station via the Keisei Line. Being located in such a busy section of Funabashi City, there are a wide range of establishments nearby Ricos; but not to fret, because it’s easy to find from its street view due to its window decor on the second floor that displays “Mexican” all capitalized in green, white, and red to represent the Mexican flag.

Once you walk in, you can see various Mexico inspired decorations, including photos, Sugar Cane Skulls, and alcohol bottles that are strategically displayed around the establishment. A large projection screen is typically playing Lucha Libre fights, along with some Spanish music playing softly in the background – so whether you decide to take a window seat, grab a seat at their bar, or otherwise, the atmosphere is cosy, open, and inviting.

(Photo Credit: メキシカンバルRICO船橋店 via Google Maps)

If the atmosphere of the establishment isn’t enough to draw you into a feeling of being deported into an enclave of Mexico within Japan, then their menu definitely has a wide selection of foods that can help aid in transporting you and your tastebuds into a new world bite-by-bite. It might be a safe assumption that the selection of choices on Rico’s menu is large enough that there is something for everyone to enjoy. From appetizers, to sides, salads, tacos, main dishes, chicken rotisseries, and desserts – there are so many options that you won’t go home disappointed, but wishing you had the ability to eat even more, if your stomach allowed for it.

As a person who does not eat meat or fish, it can be difficult to eat out in Japan, due to the lack of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options in most food establishments in the country – but if that is a concern, there are some meatless options, and the staff are very accommodating if you ask for a dish without meat in it.

(Photo credit: Jessica Takeuchi)

So How About That Food?

To start, you will be given a serving of chips and guacamole as ‘service’ – or a complimentary part of your meal – while the staff await your order or prepare your drinks, and will give you a chance to look over the menu.

Now, I’d like to recommend some of the foods I typically like to order when I visit Rico. For appetizers, I would suggest trying the jalapeño fritters (or Jalapeño poppers). They are usually only two per serving, so I typically order two servings because one serving is simply never enough. Additionally, nachos are on the appetizers menu; but they are so large that – even sharing amongst four people – the nachos can be quite filling. Pace yourself to keep room in your stomach for the main dish, if you ordered one. Tacos are a must at Ricos.

Whatever tacos you choose, you will not be disappointed. I personally have tried their vegetable tacos, and have eaten with others who have tried other tacos on the menu such as beef or chicken tacos. The tacos are so delicious and freshly cooked, that not one morsel or crumb is ever spared. Unfortunately, we have never ordered dessert at Ricos. By the time we finish our tacos, we are so full that we do not dare to eat another bite – so I can’t vouch for their dessert menu, but I would not be opposed to trying it in the future to recommending others to try out their desserts.

(Photo credit: Jessica Takeuchi)

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to try a new food establishment, or like me are very harsh on judging the authenticity of Mexican food, Rico Mexican Bar is a place I encourage all to visit. The atmosphere will allow you to temporarily transport yourself into a small Mexican enclave within Funabashi City. This restaurant and bar has helped me battle moments of homesickness, and brought me joy through its delicious meals – so I hope it can bring joy to others as well.

Whether you’re feeling homesick, wanting to try a new restaurant, or looking to find authentic (or close to authentic) Mexican food in Japan, Rico is a place that can lift your spirits and fill your belly to your content. Be forewarned, it is busy most weekends, so I would highly recommend to make a reservation if you would like to avoid a long waiting time. Either way, it would definitely be worth the wait! So, why not give it a try? If you do go to Rico, I’d love to know what you think.

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