Taste of Epcot celebrates the favorite flavors that foodies love

Celebrating 25 years of Food and Wine deliciousness, Taste of Epcot delivers dishes people crave.

At this year’s Taste of Epcot, guests at Walt Disney World will have even more time to sip and savor the culinary delights at the Food and Wine festival marketplaces. Offering the longest duration in the festival’s history, this annual celebration of food entices guests to sample both familiar favorites and tasty new treats.

While this festival annual food and wine festival might look different from previous years, guests have plenty of reasons to enjoy the culinary creativity around World Showcase. With many places to stop and enjoy the food options in a socially distant setting, guests might find a better appreciation for the culinary creativity behind the food. Instead of hurrying from marketplace to marketplace, the new format encourages more moments to savor each forkful.

Recently, I had an opportunity to enjoy Taste of Epcot. While I did not make it through the entire expansive menu, a few dishes, beverages and festival marketplaces delighted on my visit.

More importantly, this first taste left a lasting impression where it entices me to visit again. Given that the festival will be happening for several months, there are plenty of opportunities to discover a new dish and to enjoy another taste of a returning favorite.

Here are some of my recommendations from Taste of Epcot.

Mac & Cheese Hosted by Boursin Cheese

For many people macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. With four dishes on the menu, it makes foodies wish for a sampler plate. From a lobster mac and cheese to even a plant-based option, this marketplace is an must stop. Plus, the location is inside which makes for a nice respite on a hot Florida day.

Hops & Barley

While the classic lobster roll is tempting, the Southern Seafood Boil is a must try. For people who did not get a taste of this dish at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, the Southern Seafood Boil is a new experience.

The Southern Seafood Boil is filled with shrimp, crawfish, mussels, potatoes and corn. With a beer broth, this dish is perfectly paired with the Heavy Seas AmeriCannon APA. One bite will transport you to the shore.

Wine & Dine Featuring Festival Favorites

This new marketplace offers some festival favorite dishes that are making a special return this year. While some people opt for the Kielbasa and Potato Pierogi, the Seafood Fisherman’s Pie is a must try.

Topped with mashed potatoes, the hearty stew is filled with huge pieces of fish. Plus, don’t forget to finish the meal with the Baileys Milkshake for dessert.

Africa

Walt Disney World has done a tremendous job of showcasing the creativity and flavors that vegan food can offer. In the Africa marketplace, that idea is on display with the Spicy Kenyan.

Filled with white beans, pigeon peas and ancient grains, this dish is bursting with bold flavors. After enjoying this African dish, you might want to try more vegan forward dishes.

Japan

For many guests, the dishes at Japan’s marketplace are probably the most photogenic. From the return of the Frothy Ramen to the Chirashi Sushi Flowerpot, these dishes prove that you eat with your eyes and your tastebuds.

Mexico

Any trip to Taste of Epcot requires a stop in Mexico. From the variations on the classic margarita to the tacos, these dishes always delight.

Definitely try the ribeye taco with the Mango Smoky Margarita. The combination of the rich taco with the slightly spicy Tajin on the margarita is a flavor pairing that is quite memorable.

Desserts & Champagne

Of course, any visit to Taste of Epcot must end on a sweet note. The Liquid Nitro Chocolate Cake Pops are probably one of the most talked about food options at this year’s event. The fudgy cake is dipped in chocolate and covered in your choice of Twix or M&Ms. Then, the whole cake pop is immersed into liquid nitrogen to slightly freeze.

Besides being a great visual and a fun food, the cake pop is quite delicious. Since it is on a stick, make sure to take one of the serving containers and some napkins. No one wants to be like that little kid who drops her Mickey ice cream off the stick.

The Taste of Epcot Food and Wine festival is currently running at Walt Disney World. The festival is included with theme park admission. Theme park reservations are required. For more information on theme park guidelines, please visit the Walt Disney World website.

What are your favorite foods at Epcot?