Wicked themed foods at Universal Orlando Resort continue this key concept, interview

While Butterbeer always flows and colorful treats delight younger guests, the special Wicked themed foods at Universal Orlando Resort are set to become quite popular. Inspired by the highly anticipated Universal Pictures movie, this limited-edition menu brings a taste of movie magic with a hint of nostalgia.

Universal Orlando Resort understands that food and beverages are just as vital to the overall guest experience as the thrill rides and immersive experiences. Those flavors make meaningful memories that have guests longing to satisfy that craving time and again.

When it was announced that a Wicked themed pop-up would be coming to Universal Studies, many people anticipated the first time that they would walk the yellow brick road into the vibrant, magical world. Even though the story of two unlikely friends is known by many, the beloved musical resonates time and again.

Given that the story is precious to many people, Chef Jens Dahlmann, VP Executive Chef at Universal Orlando Resort, and his culinary team appreciate that they had a keen responsibility to the staying true to the beloved storyline and characters. As seen on the menu, the special offerings are whimsical yet approachable.

Universal Orlando Resort’s Emerald City Eats menu includes:

Ozvocado Toast – artisan style black bread with smashed avocado, sweety drop peppers, pickled onions, feta cheese

Pink Goes Well With Green Scroll – matcha cake with a vanilla whipped ganache

Strawberriful Waffle – pearled sugar waffle with strawberry whipped topping, strawberry cream crumbs & sparkle dust

Breakfiz Croissant – black forest ham with cheddar cheese & a poppy see croissant

Ozdust Punch Cocktail – olmeca altos plata tequila, bols blue curazao, lime juice & pineapple juice topped with fresca

The Sparkling Emerald – sparkling green lemoncello spritz

Shimmering Spritz – sparkling pink blueberry spritz

Recently, Chef Jens Dahlmann, VP, Executive Chef at Universal Orlando Resort graciously answered some questions about how the culinary team created the menu and how the offerings capture that magical world of Oz.

Cristine Struble: How did you choose ingredients that captured the two signature colors from the story?

Chef Dahlmann: “At Universal Orlando Resort, storytelling through food has become one of our major focus areas because it enhances the guest experience, and it makes our food program uniquely special. We are fortunate to have a creative team of chefs across our campus, and we leaned into their passion and knowledge of Wicked to inspire some of these creations. We tried to be playful and whimsical while remaining true to the story and the characters of Glinda and Elphaba. Ingredients like Sour Apple and Strawberry are easy ones to leverage since the colors and the flavors play to the characters of Glinda and Elphaba as well – sweet and a little sour.”

Struble: Did you want something "magical" or "wicked" to bring a taste of the storyline to the offerings?

Chef Dahlmann: “We leaned into the story and imagined menu items that could be served at Shiz University or in the Emerald City. We did play up with contrasting colors and flavors, like sweet and sour and, of course, pink vs. green.

Struble: How does Universal see these types of food and beverage crossovers with large scale movie releases happening in the future? 

Chef Dahlmann: “We are always excited to partner with IPs that can help us to tell a deeper or richer story. With Wicked, the story and tie into merchandise truly makes it unique.”

For anyone who would like a taste of these deliciously wicked menu items, they are available on the Emerald City Eats menu. Admission to Universal Studios is required. Check with Universal Orlando Resort’s website for ticket prices, operating hours and more.