Guzman y Gomez (GYG ), a Mexican diner from Australia, has landed in Japan, opening its first store at Laforet Harajuku (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) on April 29. The main menu features burritos and tacos. The burritos, in particular, are said to be so popular that there is a long line of customers waiting in line for lunch.

The "Taco Bell" that opened in Shibuya had a long line, and I am curious about this new Mexican fast food. The En-Eat editorial staff had a chance to try a "queue burrito" at a preview event for the media!


GYG is located on the 2nd floor of Laforet Harajuku in the newly opened "GOOD MEAL MARKET" food area. This food area features " AND THE FRIT," a French fry specialty restaurant, and "MILKCOW," which is very popular for its cup sweets made from natural beehive (com honey).


GYG is located at the far end, marked by a yellow and black sign.


How do I order?

To order, first choose a base item from 8 types and then select a filling from 7 types. The base items (regular size/large size) and fillings are as follows

[Base items
Burrito (750 yen/1,300 yen)
Burrito Bowl (750 yen/1,200 yen)
Quesadillas (2 for 850 yen/3 for 1,000 yen)
Nachos (800 yen/1,350 yen)
Salad bowls (800 yen/1,350 yen)
Enchiladas (1,500 yen)
Soft shell tacos (850 yen for 2 tacos/1,000 yen for 3 tacos)
Hard Shell Tacos (2 for 850 yen/3 for 1,000 yen)

＜Fillings
1. GRILLED CNHIKCKEN (chicken)
SLOW COOKED BEEF (beef)
PAN SEARED FISH
SAUTEED VEGETABLES (Vegetables w/guacamole)
SPICY GRILLED CHICKEN
PULLED PORK CHIPOTLE (spicy pork)
7. GRILLED FLANK STEAK (spicy beef steak)
Beef (2 and 7) requires an additional charge. Also 5-7 are spicy flavors.

This, plus a menu of extras for customization: guacamole (a type of salsa. You can also add avocado, tomato, onion, etc.), change to brown rice, or switch to whole grain tortillas. Some of the menu names may not be familiar to you, but refer to the pictures on the overhead panel to help you choose.

In addition, there is a full lineup of five kinds of GYG CHIPS & SALSA (GYG original chips and salsa) (500 yen/750 yen), churros (450 yen), and a kids' menu (500 yen). However, like other fast food restaurants, there does not seem to be a set menu such as a "potato set," so although it looks complicated, it is surprisingly simple.

On the left side of the cash register counter, there are toppings such as hot and spicy sauces that you can add to your own fries. The sauces, from the least spicy to the most spicy, are Roasted Jalapeño, Smoky Chipotle, and Habanero. The three condiments are onion, pickled jalapeño (green pepper), and cilantro (pak choi). Put them in a small cup and take it to your seat with the number tag you received when you ordered.



The satisfaction of a burrito does not belie its price!

The restaurant's price range is a little high because it is a "Mexican premium fast food" that focuses on fresh ingredients and handmade products. This is why expectations for the taste were high. The tasting menu for this day consisted of burritos (chicken), hard shell tacos (spicy pork), and nachos (beef). How did they taste?

First, we started with the burrito, a tortilla wrapped with ingredients. The cylindrical object wrapped in aluminum is very heavy.


I tore the wrapper from the edge and took a bite. Inside is a hefty portion of chicken with an exquisite flavor of tomatoes and other vegetables, beans, and spices, as well as coriander-scented rice. Carbs in carbs!


The seasoning, including the chicken, is not very spicy, so it is easier to eat than one might think. In fact, it's not enough. The sauces that were next to the cash register are very useful in such cases. You eat it while putting it on the bites. Personally, I recommend the Smoky Chipotle (the one in the middle), which is not only spicy but also has depth. Take a bite and gobble it up with one hand!

For 750 yen, you can have two beef bowls, a set meal, or lunch at a chic cafe...but I felt strangely satisfied when I finished it. One burrito could be said to cover a set meal with vegetables (salad), main meat, and carbohydrates. The solid flavors of the ingredients, which could be eaten on their own, and the exquisite balance of the ingredients when combined together, is no wonder there are lines of people waiting to get in.


Next is the taco, which is more suitable for snacking than a staple meal. The crispy tortilla dough was delicious. Underneath the tomatoes, onions, and cheese, the taco was stuffed with tender, tender pork. The "SPISY" labeled seasoning made me sweat. This spiciness is irresistible!


The nachos were snack-like but hearty, consisting of corn chips topped with guacamole, pico de gayo (a salsa made with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lemon), beans, and meat. The beef we sampled was cooked just as tender as the pork, and was in perfect balance with the texture of the chips and beans. With plenty of hot sauce, it looks like it would be a good snack with beer....


Oh, yes, there is an alcohol menu as well. Starting with draft beer (500 yen), there is Corona, a representative brand of Mexican beer, Sol, Hugarden, and other imported beers, as well as tequila, making the lineup a solid Mexican experience despite being fast food.

Japan-only menu

In fact, there is also a Japan-original menu. The "Churros Mexican Spicy Chocolate" (450 yen). It is a sweet and spicy churro dipped in chocolate.


GYG has a simple basic seasoning system, so it was nice to be able to adjust it to our tastes as we ate. In addition, as opposed to "adding" toppings, it is also possible to "remove" ingredients. For example, you can ask to have beans or vegetables removed...just like a Subway sandwich. The only cilantro in the basic version is in the pico de gayo used in the rice for burritos, the sauce for chips, and the nachos. If you're not a fan, check! The author, who is a pachy-lover, will be pleased, though.

On the day of the opening, GYG will hold its annual "FREE BURRITO DAY" and offer one burrito for free. A chance to eat at your leisure! But I bet there will be a huge line. Taco Bell in Shibuya, GYG in Harajuku, what is the future of "burritos in Harajuku"? Personally, I'd like to try Laforet Harajuku, which closes early (at 9:00 p.m.!), as well as other stores that stay open late into the night. I would be happy if they would open other stores that are open late at night....

All prices are tax inclusive.