Guzman y Gomez

Mexican fast food fiesta in Roppongi

By Lauren Shannon |
December 27, 2016 |
Food & Drink, Sponsored Post

Guzman y Gomez goes for the gusto — again — as it opens a new location in Roppongi after 100,000 burritos sold to date.

(SPONSORED)—With all of the amazing cuisine available on the Tokyo restaurant scene, you can taste something from almost every corner of the globe.

Guzman y Gomez, for example, has become renowned in the city for serving up a healthy selection of authentic Mexican burritos, tacos, fresh salsas and other flavorful fast foods to satiate your Tex-Mex cravings without emptying your wallet or making you feel calorie-guilty afterward. A run for the border this isn’t.

Now with four shops in Tokyo, the latest Guzman y Gomez opened this month in Roppongi Grand Tower, directly accessible from Roppongi Itchome station. The mini-chain was originally brought to Japan by owner Steven Marks and Transit restaurant group. Besides the regular Mexican-style finger foods, it also maintains a strict focus on fresh ingredients, lively casual interiors and great flavors.

The first Tokyo location opened in Harajuku in 2015 and it has now sold over 100,000 burritos.

[img-copyright author="Lauren Shannon"]© Photo by Lauren Shannon

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What I love about Mexican cuisine is that unlike heavy, fried, fast food dishes; Mexican flavors are bright, fresh and spicy yet still approachable. Burritos and tacos are some of the world’s best known fast food favorites and the ones at GyG are packed with loads of good stuff like beans, rice and vegetables — along with a choice of seven different fillings including chicken, pork and beef cooked in various ways.

The new location in Roppongi is spacious, colorful and fun. Tall communal tables and counter seats are mixed in among regular tables and chairs. Bright colorful signs, a festive salsa bar, rows of plants and cage lights add a sophisticated street food vibe.

To add to the easygoing ambiance, inside the latest Latin tunes — mixed by DJs from New York City — set the tone and the colorful, tile-covered, cash counter transports patrons to a world far away from the glass office towers and busy metropolitan highways and pedestrian intersections of downtown Tokyo that buzz just outside.

Guzman y Gomez spends a lot of time, effort and expense to ensure it serves the very best ingredients. The pico de gallo, guacamole and salsas are all made fresh every day. GyG never uses frozen chicken or beef products and all fillings are individually marinated on the premises with Mexican spices. Besides the usual burritos (regular ¥800, large ¥1,200), the taqueria are also quesadillas (two for ¥850 or three for ¥1,000), enchiladas (¥1,500), salads (regular ¥800, large ¥1,300) and hard or soft tacos (two for ¥850 three for ¥1,000) on offer. Picky eaters can completely customize their burritos or tacos with extra toppings and choice of salsas and hot sauces.

It’s not a fiesta without Mexican cerveza (¥500-¥900) or classic frozen margaritas (¥800). If you’re not not drinking, the GYG lemonade (¥500) provides a real kick of sweet-and-sour. From Monday to Friday between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. enjoy GyG’s happy hour, when beer and margaritas help you get even more festive for just ¥300 each.

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If you have little ones in tow, know that there is a kids menu available that includes a ¥500 “Little Guy” burrito, quesadilla or nachos. And if you still have space for something sweet give the churros (¥450) a try. You can choose spicy Mexican chocolate or the daily original flavor to wind up your meal.

In addition to the newest spot in Roppongi Ichome, you can get your el taco supremo on at three other locations: Laforet Harajuku, Ikspiari (near Tokyo Disneyland) and in the Isetan Atré at Shinagawa station. Expansion plans include more openings in Tokyo as well as Osaka. Keep your ear to the ground — every time a new location opens, Guzman y Gomez celebrates with a day of free burritos!