Marking 30 years of artistic parade floats, delicious food, and good times, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is a vibrant celebration that fills sunny days and star filled nights. While the parades and music have guests lining up to catch some beads and dance the night away, the food and beverages on the International Flavors of Carnaval menu traverse the globe. On opening night, VP of Culinary Operations at Universal Orlando Resort Jens Dahlmann shared his five must eat food and drink items from this year’s event.
Over the past several years Universal Orlando’s culinary team has elevated the theme park food and beverage items. It is more than a frothy serving of Butterbeer or the colorful treats in the DreamWorks Land. The chefs are bringing stories to life through the food on the plate.
That storytelling is evident through the International Flavors of Carnaval menu. During the opening night media event, Chef Dahlmann shared, “we want to present authentic flavors and transport our guests to these countries. I think in the theme parks we have a very unique facility to create those immersive experiences. For example, in our San Fransisco area we have the China menu, because it adds to the story of the area. The same can be said of our Italian offering in front of our Italian restaurant.”
For Chef Dahlmann, that ability to create connections between locales, experiences, and flavor is key to a successful menu, as well as guest experience. As seen with this year’s dishes, it is a blend of familiar, new, and reinvented.
Granted, the classic Universal Orlando's Beignets will always be on the menu, but the red beans and rice dish has a new approach. From vegan to spicy and familiar to unusual, there is something for everyone on this year’s food and beverage menu.
Chef Jens Dahlmann picks his five must eat items at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras event.
Whether it is a new interpretation of the German curry wurst to the Caribbean Pinchos, eating through the Universal Orlando’s International Flavors of Carnaval takes several visits. Savory dishes, sweet treats, and potent potables are bountiful.
During the opening day’s media event. Chef Dahlmann shared his five must try food and beverages. One or two of them might surprise guests.
Of course, the beignets are always a must order. Using Universal’s special recipe and authentic technique, the pillowy dough smothered in powdered sugar is irresistible. Even if a little of that sweetness dusts the shirt, the taste is worth the spill.
Second, Chef recommends the Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites. Served over rice, the chicken has a good amount of kick, but it is not overpowering. Additionally, the batter is light and crispy. Even the person who might not necessarily be pro-spice should try this chicken. Could this dish be a glimpse into an offering at one of the Epic Universe restaurants? Only time will tell.
Third, the Cajun Mac and Cheese is highly regarded from everyone on Universal’s team. The luscious pasta is comforting, but has flare. This dish is a great example of transforming nostalgic comfort food into something exciting.
Another authentic, comfort food dish that made the list is the Leberkase. The German meatloaf served on a pretzel bun with sauerkraut and mustard is a hearty dish. The meatloaf is more sausage like than a traditional American beef recipe. For anyone who might have enjoyed the German beer flight, this hearty dish is a perfect companion food.
Lastly, the one cocktail that Chef Dahlmann recommended is a drink that could be found at a sophisticated bar or speakeasy. Available at the Mexico both, the Elote Old Fashioned is made with Sotol, Mezcal, and Nixta (a corn liqueur).
The cocktail is strong and lightweights should sip cautiously. For anyone who enjoys an Old Fashioned, this version delivers on flavor. It is smoot, nuanced, and definitely one to remember. When your feet need a break from all the good times, grab this cocktail, a place to sit, and take some to slowly enjoy this special experience.
Chef Dahlmann’s suggestions not only showcase the diversity of the food and beverage offerings, but the culinary team’s willingness to elevate the theme park experience. Personally, the Elote Old Fashioned Cocktail is something that I never expected to find at a theme park.
That breath and depth of options is what makes going to Universal Orlando theme parks exciting. From the person who wants traditional, classic dishes to the culinary adventurous hungry to travel the globe, this year’s menu has a little bit of everything for everyone. Enjoying each menu item would have people rolling out under the arch after a long day of feasting. It is better to come back multiple times during the event's run.
Universal Orlando’s 2025 Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs through March 30. Parades, concerts, and other entertainment are included in theme park admission. Food and beverages are a separate cost with tasting lanyards available for purchase.