Holy Guacamole - Gurney — Restaurant in George Town

Mexican (vaguely Tex-Mex) restaurant with full bar, indoor & outdoor seating, attentive servers, and pretty good food and drink. Cash, credit card and probably e-wallet payments accepted. Located on the ground floor of Gurney Plaza towards the coastal side.

Service here is perhaps the most attentive (without being overbearing or annoying) I've experienced in Asia! My server was concerned and checked in whenever he thought I had an issue with something. I appreciate the personal touch.

Food is good overall with a few minor misfired.

For starters, chips and salsa here are not complimentary (which is true universally throughout Asia in my experience so far). Tragic, but true and I'm not criticizing them for that! Here they're called totopos, a Zapotecan term for corn chips that are baked, fried or toasted. A small but respectable basket served with a small saucer of salsa. I'm not a big salsa fan - I much prefer pico de gallo, for precisely the problem with this salsa. There's no real flavor to it other than kind of a sickly sweet tomato taste. Onions, garlic, cilantro - all those elements get blurred together into an essentially flavorless (though pretty!) red sauce. Definitely lacked any kind of heat (from jalapenos, habeneros, etc.). I tried to cut this with some of the hot sauces at the table but couldn't get the right blend. The chips themselves are good - very crisp and even. They could benefit from a bit more salt to balance out the sweetness of the salsa.

There is a good selection of tacos to choose from - along with plenty of other traditional standbys like burritos, fajitas, elote and quesadillas (as well as a few less-traditional standbys, like french fries!?). I opted for carne asada and a cordero (lamb) taco that doesn't appear on their menus from 2024.

Now, I'm a street taco kinda guy. Keep it simple. The carne asada taco did a pretty good job of that though the meat was definitely heavily seasoned. A pinch of mild shredded cheese and a bit of shredded cabbage and it made for a tasty experience. The chunks of meat could be a bit smaller to facilitate chewing but maybe my mouth is small. These tacos are bigger than a street taco, and the soft tortilla did a good job of containing the very moist meat.

The cordero was less enjoyable. I like lamb. Some people don't. Lamb has a very strong, distinctive taste. But if you're going to put it on your menu, trust that those who order it want to taste the lamb. This lamb was cooked in a sauce that worked hard to hide the lamb flavor and scent and almost succeeded. That's too bad. Just grill it up with some salt and pepper and let its own unique flavors lead the way!

Finally, drinks. They offer a full bar selection. Their tequilas are all low-mid range in quality - no real superstars here (unless you consider Patron to be high end, which I don't). Cuervo 1800 is represented with plata, reposado and anejo. Their Herradura doesn't indicate which aging so I'll assume plata/silver, and their Espolon is reposado. And reflective of a growing trend in Asia Mexican joints they have a couple of mezcals to choose from.

Their paloma had a lot going on and was overall tasty but much more on the sweet side rather than balancing out the citrusy-sour contributions of the grapefruit. Those were mostly overwhelmed. If it had been a little more sour they could have opted for a chili-sugar mixture to rim the mug with (very attractive mug!) but I'm glad they went with the salt/chili mix based on how sweet the drink was. Also, they serve tequila shots lined with this chili/salt mixture and a lime in a separate shot glass. Although I don't consider Cuervo 1800 anejo to be a premium tequila, it functions as such throughout Asia, and if you're paying for a premium tequila it's because you want to taste it - leave the lime and salt to the side for those who lilke the...

Holy Guacamole: A Fiesta of Flavors in Gurney

Holy Guacamole, nestled in the heart of Gurney, transported us to a vibrant Mexican fiesta with its lively atmosphere and authentic flavors. From the moment we stepped in, the vibrant colors and lively music set the mood for a fun and flavorful dining experience.

Our feast included:

Nachos Ala Bomba: This was a mountain of crispy tortilla chips generously piled high with melted cheese, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. It was a perfect starter to share, with each bite offering a satisfying explosion of textures and flavors. Loco Set Lunch: This set offered a taste of various Mexican favorites.

Baja (Fish) Tacos: The tacos were a standout. The lightly battered fish was perfectly cooked, flaky, and flavorful. Topped with fresh salsa, tangy slaw, and a drizzle of creamy sauce, these tacos were a delightful bite.

Quesadilla de Pequena Feliz: This quesadilla was filled with a generous amount of cheese and savory fillings (likely chicken or vegetables, based on the dish name). The tortilla was perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey interior.

Kids Mac and Cheese: This classic dish was a hit with the little ones. The macaroni was cooked perfectly al dente and coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Tomato Soup: The tomato soup was a comforting and flavorful side dish. It was rich and savory with a hint of sweetness. Margaritas (2 Shots): The margaritas were expertly mixed, with a perfect balance of tequila, lime, and sweetness. A refreshing and invigorating accompaniment to the meal. Overall Experience:

Holy Guacamole delivered a truly authentic Mexican dining experience. The food was flavorful, the portions were generous, and the service was friendly and attentive. The vibrant atmosphere added to the overall enjoyment of the meal. Whether you're craving a casual bite or a more substantial meal, Holy Guacamole is a fantastic option in Gurney.

Rating: 4.5...

Holy Guacamole is an absolute gem in Georgetown, Penang, and a must-visit for lovers of Mexican cuisine with a vibrant twist. From the moment you walk in, the lively atmosphere, colorful décor, and upbeat music set the perfect tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

Food: The menu is a delightful journey through classic and contemporary Mexican dishes. The tacos are perfectly crafted with fresh, flavorful ingredients—try the fish tacos for a burst of zest and spice in every bite. Their signature guacamole is a standout: creamy, perfectly seasoned, and paired with crisp tortilla chips. The burritos are generously stuffed and packed with bold flavors, while the quesadillas ooze with cheesy goodness.

Drinks: Holy Guacamole also shines with its creative cocktails and margaritas. The frozen margarita is a tropical delight, refreshing and expertly balanced. Their mojitos and sangria are equally fantastic, making it a perfect spot for a casual drink with friends.

Service: The staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, happy to recommend dishes and accommodate dietary preferences.

Ambience: The atmosphere is electric, with colorful murals, rustic wooden tables, and warm lighting. Whether you’re dining indoors or enjoying the al fresco area, the vibe is welcoming and relaxed. The live music adds a fantastic touch, enhancing the festive spirit.

Overall: Holy Guacamole delivers on every front: exceptional food, great drinks, outstanding service, and a fun, energetic ambiance. It’s a slice of Mexican magic in the heart of Penang. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, this is the place to be!

Shout out to Sohel for...