The Ultimate 2026 Universal Mardi Gras Foodie Guide

Everything You Need to Eat at Universal’s Mardi Gras 2026

It isn’t a party unless there’s tons of food (and drinks!), and it isn’t a Mardi Gras party unless there’s a plethora of New Orleans-style food and spirits.” That’s why Universal Studios Orlando has been steadily increasing the size, scope, and quality of its annual bayou bash.

Running from February 7 through April 4, 2026, the International Flavors of Carnaval expands the celebration far beyond the French Quarter. While the traditional food tents in the New York backlot remain the heart of the event, the culinary journey now spans the entire park, offering global bites from Brazil to Belgium.

Related-Universal Orlando Brings Back Discounted Mardi Gras Gift Card

The New Orleans Classics: Taste of the Quarter

You can’t have Mardi Gras without the staples. Head to the French Quarter Courtyard for the quintessential NOLA experience.

• Beignets ($7.99): Traditional New Orleans pillowy pastry bites, fried and dredged in a mountain of powdered sugar.

Related-Universal Orlando Debuts New Merchandise for Mardi Gras 2026

• King Cake ($7.49): Mardi Gras cake with cinnamon swirl icing, festive sprinkles, and the iconic Mardi Gras baby.
• King Cake Espresso Martini ($18.00): A sophisticated buzz featuring New Amsterdam vodka, espresso liqueur, king cake syrup, and fresh brewed coffee.

Bites of the Bayou

For those seeking that spicy, savory kick, these Cajun-inspired dishes are a must-try.

• Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese ($11.49): Cavatappi pasta with andouille sausage and “holy trinity” (onions, bell peppers, celery), tossed in a spicy Cajun cream sauce.

• Fried Oyster Po’Boy ($12.99): Flash-fried oysters with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, and a tangy Cajun remoulade.
• Fried Green Tomato Po’Boy ($12.49): A vegetarian twist on the classic, featuring crispy fried green tomatoes and remoulade.

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International Flavors of Carnaval

Universal 2026 takes you on a world tour with these standout international booths:

Brazil

• Picanha ($13.49): Char-grilled beef sirloin cap steak, thickly sliced and served with farofa and vinaigrette.
• Pão de Queijo ($6.99): Warm, cheesy Brazilian bread bites that are dangerously addictive.
• Frozen Maracujá Caipirinha ($16.00): A refreshing blend of Leblon Cachaça, lime, and passion fruit.

Chile Patagonia

• Verlasso “Fire” Salmon ($13.99): Fire-roasted Verlasso salmon served with crispy potatoes and a bright, fresh herb salsa.
• Pastel de Choclo ($9.99): A traditional Chilean comfort dish—baked ground beef pie with raisins, olives, and egg, topped with a sweet, creamy corn pudding.
• Teremoto ($15.00): Named after the Spanish word for “earthquake,” this potent cocktail features Veramonte sauvignon blanc, house-made pineapple sorbet, and a splash of grenadine.

Mexico

• Mazatlán Street Ceviche ($13.99): Shrimp ceviche served over Tostitos® Salsa Verde chips with cucumber and carrot salsa.
• Cielo Rosado ($16.00): A smoky-sweet cocktail with tequila, mezcal, grapefruit, and a hint of smoked sea salt.

Puerto Rico

• Pinchos de Lechon ($12.99): Char-grilled pork shoulder skewers glazed with a guava BBQ sauce.
• Pastelón Fritters ($9.49): Crispy sweet plantain and picadillo beef fritters served with mayo ketchup.

Greece

• Chicken Souvlaki ($11.99): Marinated chicken skewer with feta, tomato, and cucumber salad tucked in a warm pita.
• Spanakopita ($7.99): Savory spinach and feta pastry in crispy phyllo layers.
• Ouzo Coolermoto ($16.00): A refreshing blend of Metaxa Ouzo, lemon, and cucumber-mint essence.

Italy

• Burrata Focaccia ($9.99): House-made focaccia filled with mortadella, fresh burrata, and pistachio pesto.
• Sfogliatella “Lobster Tail” ($6.49): Sweet, flaky pastry layers filled with rich vanilla ricotta cream.
• Bergamot Spritz ($21.00): A premium blend of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and Prosecco.

Ireland

• Fish & Chips ($16.99): Beer-battered fresh cod served with chips and tartar sauce.
• Beer & Cheese Soup ($7.99): A hearty soup served with a warm pretzel stick.
• Green Tea Clover ($16.00): A potent mix of Jameson Irish Whiskey and Midori.

Austria

• Vienna-Style Pork Schnitzel ($11.99): A crispy pork cutlet served with traditional potato salad, tart lingonberry jam, and lemon.
• Goulash ($7.99): Slow-cooked tender beef with tomatoes, peppers, and paprika; served with artisan bread and a dollop of sour cream.
• Kaiserschmarrn ($7.99): Fluffy, “torn” pancake pieces dusted with powdered sugar, served with apple sauce and lingonberry jam.
• Eiskaffe ($9.00): A refreshing iced Vienna coffee with simple syrup, thick cold foam, and a cocoa powder top.

France

• Ham, Cheese & Berry Crepe ($14.99): Sliced ham, Brie, and mustard cream sauce, balanced with a berry gastrique.
• French Blonde ($16.00): A sophisticated cocktail with Gin, Lillet Blanc, and St-Germaine.

China

• Mala Beef Skewer ($12.99): Marinated beef topped with a spicy Szechuan blend and scallions.
• Luck and Prosperity Milk Tea ($9.00): Hokkaido milk tea with ginger purée and brown sugar boba

Specialty Spirits & Souvenir Drinks

Universal’s beverage program is “wild” this year—literally.

• Bloody Mary Wild ($16.00): This over-the-top drink features a Jack Link’s Original Beef Stick garnish and a Flamin’ Hot Cheetos rim. (A “Mild” version is also available for the less daring).
• Category 5 Punch ($16.00): A potent mix of Cruzan and Myers’s dark rums, passion fruit, and citrus.
• Colors of Carnival ($16.00): A vibrant, layered showstopper combining the King Gator Margarita, Canal Street Colada, and Bourbon Street Blast.
• Kingston Rum Punch ($14.00): High-proof Jamaican rums & guava nectar

Pro Tip: Purchase the Universal Orlando Resort Food & Beverage Card. You can pay $65 for a $75 card, essentially giving you $10 of free food. Annual Passholders get an even better deal: $120 for a $150 card.

How to Make the Most of Your Meal

1. Arrive Early: Food booths typically open at 11:00 AM. Beat the dinner rush and hit the most popular tents (like France and Brazil) before the parade crowds arrive.

1. Use the Souvenir Cup: Many specialty drinks come in a souvenir “Krewe Cup” ($16.00), which allows for discounted refills ($13.00) throughout the event.
2. Check the Tribute Store: The 2026 Tribute Store in the Hollywood section often carries exclusive pre-packaged treats and unique themed snacks you won’t find at the outdoor kiosks.

The 2026 International Flavors of Carnaval ensures that every guest leaves Universal Orlando with a full heart and an even fuller stomach.