Universal Orlando Mardi Gras menu celebrates big, bold flavors

Appetite don’t fail me now. Universal Orlando Mardi Gras menu brings both classic and innovative dishes to the celebration.

Grab your beads and come hungry. For its 25th anniversary, the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras menu brings a huge feast that has everyone ready to celebrate. From classic creole flavors to traveling through carnivals around the world, this year’s food offerings will have you coming back time and again.

From February 1 through April 2, Universal Studios Orlando has created its own French Quarter within the theme park. While the impressive line-up of concerts brings many fans to the park and the nightly parades get everyone excited, foodies are coming ready to eat. With so many tasty options on this year’s menu, everyone will want to plan a second, third and even more visits.

One aspect to the annual Universal Orlando Mardi Gras event is the classic French Quarter cuisine. This year, many classic menu items return to everyone’s delight.

A classic New Orleans dish is a po boy. On the menu are a couple of po boys. While the chicken and andiue sausage is a bold choice, the catfish po boy is a highlight. The remoulade is the perfect pairing to the fried catfish.

Of course, any Mardi Gras celebration must come with a plate of etouffee. The crab etouffee has the right balance of flavors. With the slight heat from the spices and the sweetness of the crab, many guests will want a second helping.

While Gator might be everyone’s favorite float in the parade, the gator bites are a must try. The tasty fried gator is served with a dipping sauce. Even if you aren’t the most adventurous eater, everyone can eat some gator.

Of course, the classic New Orleans desserts are part of the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras menu. A piece of King Cake, with its colorful icing is a must. And, don’t forget an order of beignets. While it can be difficult to keep the powdered sugar off your shirt, the sweet treat is worth any possible spillage.

New this year, the Hoodoo Cold Brew. The cold coffee cocktail is a perfect pairing to a serving of beignets. If you prefer a savory food and beverage pairing, the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras menu has several other options, too. Throughout the tasting tents, there are several food and beverage selections.

New to the Mardi Gras celebration this year, the Carnival Around The Universe Tasting Tent is a rotating menu of dishes from carnivals around the world. Bi-weekly, the menus change. From Trinidad & Tobago to Brazil, these menu items feature both innovative and traditional carnival inspired dishes. Don’t miss the Creole cuisine (February 16-29). The soft shell crab slider is a must try (at least two orders).

Later during the Mardi Gras season, Universal Orlando is bringing back the Bayou Boil. This dinner event was a huge hit last year. Giving guests a taste of a traditional crawfish boil, it is great way to sample the classic creole dish.

For a sweeter option, there will be a Mardi Gras Feast and Floats dessert party. Similar to the Sweets and Sounds Dessert party during the holiday celebration, this event will feature sweet and savory options, plus a prime view spot for the Mardi Gras parade.

While the biggest party is within Universal Studios Orlando, Universal City Walk is letting the good times roll, too. From Voodoo Doughnuts to Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Kitchen, many locations will be offering special Mardi Gras themed offerings.

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras runs from February 1 through April 2, 2020. The parades, concerts and festivities are included in park admission. Food and other special events are available for additional purchase.

If you are ready to let the good times roll? With all the delicious food on the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras menu, your appetite better not fail you now.