It’s time for Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival! We visited the festival on opening day, heading over after the opening of Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. We spent two days at Epcot and it still wasn’t long enough to try all the foods. Despite that, some dishes were still standouts.
Our Favorite Dishes
Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing
Found at Hops & Barley (The American Adventure), this tasty treat will cost you $4.25. It’s definitely worth it! The fruit-packed carrot cake was fresh and moist, full of carrots, and even had bits of pineapple in it.
I actually received this dish for free! It was part of the birthday magic I experienced while in the parks.
Mala Chicken and Shrimp Bao Bun
Chicken and Dumplings with Chinese Slaw
I’ve only ever had stuffed bao buns, but the deconstructed feel of this presentation is definitely more attractive! (It also allows them to customize ingredients or remove allergens.) It was also delicious!
The dumplings were good, too, but they didn’t compare to the bao bun.
Find both at the booth in the China Pavilion.
Canadian Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Soup
Served with a pretzel roll, this soup is definitely worth $5.25. If you can’t make it to Food & Wine, it is a mainstay at Le Cellier.
Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce
Also from Le Cellier… and no reservations needed!
Black Pepper Boursin Soufflé with Fig Marmalade
The name is a mouthful! But the dish really was delicious.
The soufflé was almost muffin-like in its consistency. The cheese inside paired perfectly with the marmalade.
Find it for $5.00 at The Cheese Studio in Future World West.
Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce
This tasty version of the German classic was a particularly crusty and delicious piece from the end. (See how much brown sugar is crammed into this thing?! )
Blind Favorites at the Food & Wine Festival
We missed photos of some of our other favorite dishes.
Schinkennudeln
Ham, onions, cheese, and pasta in a savory casserole. This is the food of my people!
My kids love it, too. We’ve already made it at home with great success!
Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)
Available in Brazil (between Morocco and France), it’s reminiscent of Chēbe breads we’ve made at home.
It’s naturally gluten-free as it has always been made from tapioca flour, but gluten lovers won’t be disappointed!
The Crowds at the Food & Wine Festival
Maybe you’ve noticed from the photos that we spent most of our Food & Wine time at tables. Yes, eating at the tables! I’m not above eating over a trashcan, but I did want to rest my feet after a long day.
The strategy? There was no strategy. This was all luck. It was opening day, Galaxy’s Edge opened that morning, and a hurricane was predicted to hit Florida within 48 hours. The crowds just weren’t there.
Hopefully we’ll be back next year and our luck will hold out!
Plan Your Visit
Epcot
200 Epcot Center Drive
Orlando, Florida 32821
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