One of my favorite table service restaurants is Boma – Flavors of Africa, which can be found at my favorite resort, the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Breakfast here is standard fare, but dinner time comes alive with a traditional African buffet that is full of authentic flavors and tempting varieties. To me, the dark wood and low lighting of the Animal Kingdom Lodge is so inviting and comfortable. I love the ambiance as well as the food, service and unique Disney style found here.
Boma is a non-character dining experience but you are free to explore to the savannah viewing area outside the main lobby either before or after dinner and see some beautiful animals typical to the African region. Boma and Jiko share a common area, so it can get a little crowded at check-in but they seem to have the system down and will offer you a pager to carry with you while you explore or have a seat, if available.
Once you are seated, your server will soon arrive to take your drink orders and explain how the buffet works. I always drink the Jungle Juice as it is super refreshing and tasty. The server will explain that the buffet is broken into pods: soups, salads, breads and hummus, meats – you get the idea, and there are many choices at each pod. There is a section which contains normal, American foods for the less-adventurous kids, but they are also welcome to try some new things in a nonthreatening atmosphere as the foods at Boma are not extremely exotic nor strange.
Please note that I have found that the buffet menu changes but the foods are always delicious.
A special note for anyone with food allergies: the ingredient lists of the food items are not displayed and several items, such as the salmon, contain nuts so please request a walk-through with the chef when you get there if you have allergies. They are happy to assist and we want you to be safe rather than sorry.
Oh, did you say dessert? One of my favorite WDW desserts of all time is Zebra Domes. I absolutely never turn them down. The Boma also serves warm desserts, such as a wonderful Banana and Butterscotch Pudding and a Fruit Cobbler.
Both the food quality and service are exceptional at this table service restaurant in my opinion. If you are staying at the AKL or just looking for a great dining experience, you will not be disappointed. Being a Texan, we fell in love with the Pork Ribs and delicious sauces. I asked the waiter if I could have the recipes and, true to Disney form, they were happy to accommodate. They took my name and address and within a week I was mailed the recipes on beautiful stationery. Because I love sharing, here they are. Enjoy!
Pork Ribs
Ingredients:
3 pounds Baby Back Ribs
1 quart White Vinegar
½ cup Fresh Ginger, chopped
3 T. Kosher Salt
Favorite BBQ Sauce
Method:
In a large pan, add the first four ingredients to 1 gallon of water. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and let simmer for 45 minutes. Remove from the water and cool.
Put on the grill and barbecue with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Teriyaki Sauce
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Soy Sauce, low sodium
½ cup Water
3 T. Garlic Bulbs, peeled and chopped
1 T. Ginger Root, peeled and chopped
½ bunch Scallions, white only
Method:
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a non-reactive pot (non aluminum pot) and reduce to simmer until thick. Strain and keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Boma Mustard Sauce
Yield: 1 ½ quarts
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Teriyaki Sauce*
1 T. Coleman Mustard (dry)
1 cup Brown Sugar
½ can or 3 oz. Chipotle Pepper
1 ½ cups Dijon Mustard
1 ½ cups Honey
Method:
In a blender or food processor, place the chipotle pepper and teriyaki sauce. Puree until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and continue to puree until smooth. Stop and check flavors.
* Teriyaki Sauce can be a store bought brand.
If you would like to plan your trip to Walt Disney World with a Disney Authorized Travel Agent who knows a lot about food, contact me at brenda@pixievacations.com.
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