Boma Breakfast Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in June 2019. It includes information about dairy free options.
Breakfast at Boma
Boma: Flavors of Africa, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House, is a table service restaurant that serves all-you-care-to-enjoy African-inspired food. Serving breakfast and dinner, breakfast is by far my favorite of the two meal offerings. And, it's hands down one of my favorite places to eat breakfast at at Disney World. On this visit, I had breakfast with my mom and brother. None of us had been to Boma in a while, so it was definitely time for a visit.
Atmosphere
The name Boma means enclosure. And, you'll see touches of this theme all around the restaurant. From the moment you step into the Boma restaurant area, you'll be inspired by the beauty of African art and cuisine.
Boma - Sign / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Do take a moment to look around when you dine at Boma. You'll see touches of the "boma" theme from thatched roofs near the buffet to fabric coverings throughout the restaurant.
Boma - Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I absolutely love the seating area in Boma too. I love how intricate and unique the tables and chairs are. In fact, more often that not, you'll find that the chairs at your table don't actually match. I love this touch that gives Boma it's distinct theme.
Boma - Seating / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our visit, we had a table around the perimeter of the restaurant. This was nice because we were seated away from the main buffet area, which gets very busy. And, we could also see a lot of the nice views outside.
The Food
Because Boma is a buffet style restaurant, you'll be presented with an allergen guide. This guide helps you navigate what items served on the buffet are safe for your special dietary need. However, I always recommend that you speak directly with a chef who can talk to you about additional options not on the buffet or to bring you items safely from the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.
Boma - Allergen Guide / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this visit, I was greeted by Chef Frank -- who has been at Boma for several years now. He is a bit of a rockstar in my book and really goes above and beyond to accommodate guests with special dietary needs.
Boma - Buffet / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Because I've been to Boma so many times and know Chef Frank from previous visits, I knew more or less what I wanted to eat that morning. I ordered several things to be prepared in the kitchen by Chef Frank and chose to get a small plate of a few select items from an area that's almost entirely gluten free to avoid cross-contamination, while Chef Frank made the rest of my food.
Boma / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While I was chatting to Chef Frank, our server brought out Jungle Juice -- a combination of passion fruit, orange juice, and guava juice. It's a must have whenever I go to Boma -- though I can't drink too much of it. It's very sweet!
Boma / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Going up to the buffet, I chose to get a few items from the station nearest to the carving station. Everything there is gluten free, including the turkey bobotie, pap, and asparagus. I also got bacon, sausage, and a slice of the carved ham. For guests who are dairy free, the bobotie, pap, and ham all contain dairy. The pap can be made without dairy upon request, but unfortunately, the ham on the carving station is now glazed with butter. The turkey, which is only served at breakfast on select days, is gluten free and dairy free and a great option if it's available.
I have to admit that I prefer the original version of the ham. This version is a little sweeter for my taste, though it was still good. Everything else was fantastic, as always, too!
Boma / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
In an attempt to have some healthy options in my meal, I always get a small bowl of hot quinoa and fresh pineapple. The quinoa is served with grapes and apples, and it's really delicious. Do be sure to avoid the oatmeal if you're gluten free, because the restaurant does not currently use certified gluten free oats.
For fruit, don't skip the pineapple if you're a fan. Even though there's nothing special about their pineapple, for some reason I always think it tastes amazing there.
Boma / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As I was finishing up the items I got from the buffet, Chef Frank came with a mountain of food. Yep, there was no way I was leaving Boma hungry, that's for sure!
First up, was the custom omelet. I had one made with ham, onion, and cheese, but you could easily omit the cheese and add in your favorite toppings for a dairy free version.
I also got tater tots made in a dedicated fryer next door in the Mara. If you go to Boma and you can get them, do it. I was in tater tot heaven! The tots were super crispy and coated in a light dusting of African spices. They are hands down my favorite thing on the Boma brunch menu, and I'm always so happy when I can get them.
Boma / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
I also got several allergy-friendly items. This included allergy-friendly Mickey waffles, gluten free and dairy free Udi's bread toasted, and a Kinnikinnick brand cinnamon sugar donut. Boma also serves both regular butter and Earth Balance vegan buttery spread depending on your special dietary need too.
For my allergy-friendly Mickey waffles, Chef Frank made a banana foster and pecan praline combination sauce for me. I could have also had 100% pure maple syrup too (which I usually get). But, if you can have dairy and like sweets at breakfast, you're sure to love this sauce. It was super rich and sweet and perfect for breakfast. I'm glad I had this last because it was a great way to end the meal.
Overall
Boma always continues to impress for breakfast. Whether you're looking for more traditional breakfast options or something a bit more unique, you'll find Boma has it all. Add in some amazing chefs who really go above and beyond to assist guests with special dietary needs, and you have the perfect breakfast spot to visit on your next trip to Walt Disney World. For me, it's a restaurant I always go back to again and again.
Learn more about Boma breakfast in my YouTube video!
Have you been to Boma? What did you think of the breakfast options there?