Top Tens for Foodies

So after a very busy week of work, essays, exams, and a visit from V, we're back with more top tens!

Here's my top list of tasty snacks and meals for people who love to eat (without resorting to signature dining spots because that's just too easy) :

10. This is probably the most obvious stop for foodies if you're at Disney World between September and November. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is the place to go for samples of food and drink from around the world. There are nearly 25 different countries offering up appetizer-sized portions all around the lagoon. Definitely wear your stretchy pants. (Tip: If you're booking a trip from Sept 30 - Nov 13 this year, check out the festival's official webpage and make sure to book tickets for some of the bands playing or a cooking seminar before they fill up!)

Source: wyscan (flickr)

9. I don't usually plug trekking all the way out to a resort for a snack, but the beignets at Sassagoula Float Works (found in Port Orleans French Quarter) are really worth the trip. When V and I stayed there, I think we ate at least two a day each. It's a fairly quick bus ride from EPCOT or a lovely ferry ride from Downtown Disney to grab some deep fried little dough puffs smothered in powdered sugar. Yum.

8. Raglan Road is a fun little stop on Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney if you're looking for an obscenely delicious dessert. Their entrees are okay, the atmosphere is super fun, but their bread and butter pudding will probably send you into a fit of amazement.

7. Pretty much everything else on here is for food-food, so I thought I should include something sweet. Goofy's Candy Company in the Marketplace of Downtown Disney is definitely number one on the list of ways to give yourself diabetes, but oh is it worth it! Among other things, they sell HUGE red velvet cupcakes with insanely creamy frosting and boast a make-your-own-treat stand where you can customize your own candy apple, pretzel, marshmallow, crispy rice treat, or cookie.

Source: disneyandy (flickr)

6. Teppan Edo in the Japanese Pavilion in EPCOT is a bit of a gem in the Disney parks. It's a Benihana-style restaurant with both grill and sushi options. The chefs they have there are hilarious and wildly talented. Not only will your food be served up perfectly, but the show is tons of fun too.

5. Have an hour left to wait on your fastpass for Soarin'? Head over to the Land pavilion early and grab lunch at the Sunshine Seasons. Although it's set up like your typical high school cafeteria, the food is anything but. You can choose from Asian-styled entrees, soups and salads, handmade sandwiches, oak-grilled meats, and tasty quick services desserts. It's quick and easy, very well priced, and oh so tasty.

4. If you're in EPCOT, grab a mint tea and some baklava in the Moroccan pavilion at Tangierine Cafe. As a bit of a tea hound and a great lover of baklava, I can safely say this is, by far, the best I've had of either. The cafe is right on your way into the Moroccan pavilion so you can't miss it.

3. So my only problem with Animal Kingdom is finding a place to eat. Nothing has ever really stuck out. But last time I was there, we just happened to sit down at the Yak and Yeti Local Foods Cafe (the quick service, not the restaurant), cuddled up right across the street from Kali River Rapids, and I really was pleasantly surprised. Their honey chicken rice bucket is fantastic and it will really fill you up, especially considering this is more of a lunch-y place.

2. If you're a fan of chicken that falls of the bone or lamb done to perfection you should probably check out Restaurant Marrakesh in the Moroccan Pavilion in EPCOT. This is one of my favourite places to go when I'm at WDW and it never disappoints.

Source: disneyworldsecets (flickr)

1. Now I know I promised no signature dining, but just standing outside of Jiko, hiding in Jambo House - Animal Kingdom Lodge, had me salivating. Officially, it's billed as an African-Indian-Mediterranean fusion but really, it's just a fusion of awesome. Not for those afraid of spices and spicy, but totally up your alley if you're looking for something different and full of flavour.

... I realize there's A LOT of EPCOT dining on this list and I swear there's other really tasty places to explore and eat while you're at WDW. My favourites just tend to be in EPCOT. This is why I'd never survive without adding Park Hopper to my park tickets.

♥ Rhys