Boma: Flavors of Africa -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge
*This dining experience took place in March 2018.
Breakfast at Boma
Boma: Flavors of Africa is probably one of my most favorite restaurants on Disney property for breakfast. And, I've probably written more posts about Boma breakfast than any other restaurant meal here on the blog. So, when I say I'm a fan of this restaurant, it's definitely true! I recently stopped by Boma for breakfast with my family to celebrate Easter. We decided that instead of cooking a big dinner, that we would get together for a nice meal that someone else cooked. My family also wanted to go to breakfast the day before Easter, so we would avoid the crowds.
Atmosphere
Although I have to say that the atmosphere is probably the thing I pay attention the least at Boma (hello, Mickey waffles!), the restaurant is beautifully themed and decorated. The restaurant's name, Boma, means enclosure. And, the name really reflects that theme. From thatched roofing over the buffets to wooden fences, you see nods to the restaurant's name everywhere.
The seating is plentiful. And, I love getting a table with views outside. On the morning we visited, we got a great view, which also provided lots of light into the restaurant seating area.
The Food
Upon arriving at the restaurant, the hostess provided me with an allergen guide. Because Boma is an all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant, they do not have an allergy-friendly menu. But, this guide will help you navigate the buffet and determine which items might be safe for you. Because any type of buffet setting has an increased chance of cross-contamination, I highly recommend speaking to a Disney chef and discussing options. You can also ask the chef to bring you items from the back of the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination, which I do on any visit I make.
On this visit, I got a chance to see Chef Frank, who is always really awesome! He does a great job handling special dietary needs requests. Because I have been so many times, I actually knew exactly what I wanted to order from the kitchen. Otherwise, Chef Frank normally takes me through the buffet. You know you've been to a restaurant a lot when you know the menu practically by heart!
While Chef Frank was preparing my food, our server Tristin brought out drinks. Don't forget to try to the Jungle Juice while you're at Boma. It's a great juice option (although a little sweet) made with guava, passion fruit, and orange juices.
I did opt to go to the buffet area for the carving station, breakfast meats, and grilled asparagus. All of these are in areas where there is low chance of cross-contamination. So, I feel comfortable getting those few items there.
While I was chowing down on my plate from the buffet, Chef Frank brought out a bounty of food. First up, a ham and onion omelet and tater tots. Both of these are gluten free and dairy free. The omelet was perfectly cooked. But, the tater tots. Omigoodness. These were so good. Honestly, every breakfast should include tots.One important note about the tater tots. These are not safe on the buffet. And, the team actually has to make these in the Mara side of the kitchen. So, there is always a chance that this might not be an option when you visit. I have had tot-free breakfasts on occasion at Boma. And, oh, how I missed them!
Chef Frank also brought me two allergy-friendly Mickey waffles and an Udi's Gluten Free blueberry muffin toasted with some Earth Balance vegan buttery spread and 100% pure maple syrup.
I have to say that my favorite way to have the waffles here were inspired by a suggestion from Chef Frank. On this visit, I got banana chips (I also usually add walnuts), along with the Earth Balance and maple syrup. It's a fantastic gluten free and dairy free combo!
As you can see, I had a huge spread that also included dairy free pap, hot quinoa with brown sugar, and fresh pineapple. I must have been enjoying way too much as I forgot to get them in the photo too.
Overall
Boma's stellar breakfast options make it a perfect place for guests with special dietary needs. The chefs here are fantastic. And, I never feel like I leave hungry. In fact, it's usually my only meal fo the day after dining here. Add in some great atmosphere, and you have a great breakfast option whenever you travel to Disney World. It's a breakfast spot that is a must-do for my family.Have you been to Boma? What did you think of the breakfast options?