INTERVIEW – Casa Maria Saigon
1. Kindly tell us something about your work profile/business including yourself.
I’m Ignacio de Grado, a Spanish chef, artist, and entrepreneur based in Ho Chi Minh City. I founded Casa María – Vinos & Tapas, a restaurant in Thảo Điền that brings authentic Spanish tapas culture to Vietnam. My work blends creativity and precision, focusing on genuine flavors, quality ingredients, and the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality.
2. What made your company decide to develop in the Asian market, especially in Vietnam?
I first came to Vietnam in 2011 and established an art studio and teaching company, which allowed me to connect deeply with the local creative community. I saw in Vietnam an open, curious market with growing appreciation for art, design, and quality experiences.
Later, I expanded into the import and retail of Artiteq hanging systems, representing a Dutch brand that provides professional solutions for displaying artworks. This business line developed naturally as part of my connection with artists, designers, and architects in the region.
Vietnam’s energy and openness to new ideas made it the perfect environment to grow creatively and professionally.
3. How has your professional career or your company’s career developed since then?
Alongside my business ventures, I have continued my career as an artist, with mixed-media paintings collected internationally. After many years of planning, I finally brought to life a long-delayed dream — Casa María, a restaurant that reflects my Spanish roots and passion for gastronomy.
Since opening, Casa María has become a warm meeting point for lovers of Spanish food and culture in Ho Chi Minh City. It combines creativity, authenticity, and hospitality, and continues to inspire me every day..
4. As far as your sector stands today, what services does Casa Maria offer to their clients?
Casa María offers an authentic Spanish dining experience through tapas, paellas, and traditional dishes prepared with Spanish ingredients and Mediterranean care. We also host private events and wine tastings, and are developing Casa María at Home, a new line of ready-to-enjoy Spanish dishes for home delivery.
5. What do you think are the biggest challenges for this sector in the future?
The culinary scene in Vietnam is dynamic, with growing competition but also great opportunity. The wider availability of Spanish products and the improved quality of local ingredients make this a promising time. Our challenge is to remain creative and consistent while keeping our identity genuine.
6. What type of promotional and communication campaigns do you work on?
We focus mainly on social media and word of mouth. More than advertising, we believe that satisfied guests are our best ambassadors.
7. What is your advice to companies interested in your services?
Focus on quality and integrity. Strong partnerships come from trust and shared passion, whether in gastronomy, design, or art.
8. Please tell us a little about the future plans of your company in Vietnam.
Our goal is to consolidate and grow both business lines — Artiteq and Casa María — while continuing to share authentic Spanish cuisine and culture with Vietnam.