Boma Breakfast Review
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.
*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?
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?
Boma: Flavors of Africa -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge
*This dining experience took place in December 2017.
Breakfast at Boma
Boma: Flavors of Africa is one of my favorite table service restaurants on Disney property. And, their all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet breakfast is one of my favorites too. As you'll learn in this review, even though it's a buffet, there are plenty of safe options to enjoy with special dietary needs. So, much so that I always end up beyond full by the end of my meal. Recently, my family and I went to Boma for breakfast during the holidays.
Atmosphere
I love everything about Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. And, the inside of Boma is no exception. The word boma means enclosure. And, the restaurant reflects this theme with lots of thatched roofing and coverings.
I also love the dark wooden tables and chairs that make you feel super cozy and comfortable during your meal.
The Food
But, my favorite part about Boma is the food. Because it's a buffet style restaurant, you might be wondering how safe it is to eat there. Luckily, the chefs at Boma are fantastic and will work with you to not only show you safe items on the buffet but also make you food in the kitchen, to avoid cross-contamination.
When you arrive at your table, you will be presented with a breakfast allergen guide. This guide tells you what allergens are contained in the dishes typically served on the buffet. But, don't be discouraged by this list. My recommendation is to always ask for a chef to discuss additional options, as there are many dishes that can be easily modified or prepared in the back in the kitchen. If you go to Boma for breakfast chances are Chef Frank will be on duty. If so, you're in luck. He does an excellent job with special dietary needs and always makes sure I get plenty to eat.
While waiting for Chef Frank to come to the table, our server brought us Jungle Juice. This juice is a combination of Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava juices. It's super sweet but super delicious.
When Chef Frank came out, we chatted about options that would be safe for me gluten free and dairy free. While you can get custom omelets, Chef Frank said he would make mine in the back. I opted for a custom omelet with ham and onion in it. This is one of my Boma breakfast must-do's and is always really good. You can get just about anything you want in your omelet, so feel free to customize and load up on your favorite meats and veggies.Because I know Boma really well, I did opt to get a few things off the buffet line at the pods where cross-contamination is less of a risk. So, I got grilled asparagus, sausage, bacon, carved ham and carved turkey -- all of which are gluten free and dairy free.
If you check out your allergen guide, you'll see that pap (essentially grits) is made with dairy. But, if you speak to a chef, they can actually get you pap from the kitchen that is dairy free. Chef Frank also made me tater tots -- which are one of my favorites at Boma -- and are not listed as safe on the allergen guide due to a shared fryer. This is one of the biggest reasons I ask to speak to a chef. If I hadn't, I might not know these would be an option.And trust me, tater tots are ALWAYS worth asking about.
Boma also carries a selection of gluten free and dairy free breakfast pastries that are not on the regular buffet. Chef Frank brought me a Kinnikinnick vanilla glazed donut and Udi's Gluten Free Blueberry Muffin, toasted with Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread. This is one of those tips that Chef Frank turned me onto a while back. And, now I always have to get my Udi's blueberry muffin toasted. So good!
I also got a bowl of the hot quinoa with raisins and apples. You can top it with brown sugar. But, be sure to avoid the toasted quinoa that's also a side option, because it is fried in a shared fryer. I wouldn't say the hot quinoa is my favorite breakfast item at Boma. But, I always feel like I should get it to be a little "healthy."
One of the best parts about Boma are the allergy-friendly Mickey waffles. These are the stuff dreams are made of. And, the ones at Boma are some of the best at Disney World. These appear to be made currently with a combination of Bob's Red Mill Pancake & Waffle Mix and Namaste Pancake & Waffle Mix and are so good. Super crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they really are my favorite part of any breakfast.Chef Frank is always so great at making suggestions, and the one he suggested a few years ago is a version I still order. I always get allergy-friendly Mickey waffles with 100% pure maple syrup and a side of toasted banana chips and walnuts. I don't know what it is but the combination is SO good.
These waffles make for one decadent and sweet way to end your meal at Boma and a must-do on any breakfast trip to this table service restaurant.
Overall
Boma continues to be one of my favorite breakfast spots on Disney property. It may be a little pricey, but it's totally worth it. Not only is the atmosphere great, but the food is outstanding. There are so many gluten free and dairy free options to choose from, that I never worry about going hungry at Boma. Add to that amazing chefs like Chef Frank who really truly work to make sure you have safe and delicious options, well, that truly makes it even more special.Have you been to Boma? What meal do you prefer when you go there?
Boma -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
*This dining experience took place in February 2017.
Breakfast at Boma: Flavors of Africa
Boma, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House, is a buffet restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. I'm a huge fan of their breakfast options. So, when I thought about where to go at Disney for my recent birthday meal, I decided brunch at Boma was just the ticket. Boma's breakfast is African inspired but has a lot of classic American breakfast options too. This means that even though it might seem like it has some exotic dishes, there are plenty of breakfast staples you'll recognize and enjoy.
Atmosphere
Boma's interior is simple but artfully designed. The buffet area has a charming thatched roof and some nice African touches. The main dining area has beautiful mix and match wooden tables and chairs, which I love. It's a buffet, so it's meant to hold a large number of guests, so some of the seating areas can be a little too close for comfort in my opinion. The best seating is near the windows, where you can find larger tables and cozy corners. Of course, the best part about Boma is the smells from the amazing open fires and the aroma of delicious food cooking.
The Food
I had recently been to Boma in December with my family during the holidays, so I was pretty sure not much on the menu offerings had changed. Because Boma is a buffet style restaurant, there is no allergy friendly menu. But, don't be too discouraged. When you arrive, you'll meet with a Disney chef who will take you through the buffet options, noting items that are safe for your special dietary need. If you are concerned about cross-contamination, the chefs will prepare you safe items from the back.On this visit, the chef took me through the buffet line, and I opted to get many items from the kitchen and a small select amount of items from the buffet, including the carving station.Up first, I made sure to get a bowl of the hot quinoa with apples and raisins. I had this on my last visit, and with a bit of brown sugar, it makes for the perfect hot cereal. They do offer oatmeal, but it is not certified gluten free. So, if you have celiac disease, you'll want to avoid that one. I have been told in the past that they carry Bob's Red Mill certified gluten free oats that they can make for you, but you'll want to check with a chef to confirm that they have them on hand. You'll also want to watch out for the bowl of fried quinoa next to the hot quinoa. I was told that it was fried in a shared fryer.
After enjoying some hot quinoa, I made sure to get some grilled asparagus, along with some breakfast meats including the carved ham, bacon, and sausage. The asparagus was unbelievably good on this visit, and it continues to be a major favorite of mine. The ham is another favorite, and I can't not get it from the carving station on every visit.I was disappointed on this visit to hear that they didn't have turkey on the carving station, which they usually do. The chef said they are rotating it with other meats, and on the day I visited it was corned beef, which was not gluten free.Bummer.Still, there were a ton of breakfast meat options to choose from.
Though not photographed, I did also have a bowl of pap, which is a fancy word for grits. It's really hit or miss whether the ones on the buffet contain dairy, and on this visit they did. The chef brought me some from the back. They went perfectly with my custom omelet that contained ham and onion along with baked breakfast potatoes.The regular breakfast potatoes are gluten free, but are fried in a shared fryer, which means cross-contamination might occur. Because of this, the chef made me some baked ones. Sadly, she didn't really season them at all, so they were really boring and bland. I managed to salvage them by adding some salt and pepper, but still. They could have used some of Boma's signature Afritude seasoning that they use, which is gluten free and dairy free.
The chef also baked me some plantains. They had the same issue as the potatoes with a shared fryer. Again, this was another underwhelming option. They didn't have any flavoring at all, making them just really bland. My stepdad ate a ton of them, but they weren't high on my must eat list that morning.
The best part of the meal had to be my allergy friendly Mickey waffles. I was able to add a few fun toppings for something different. I got toasted coconut, walnuts, and banana chips. Note that these were all served on the side and separately, as the allergy Mickey waffles are prepared in dedicated waffle makers.
The allergy friendly Mickey waffles were served plain and with 100% pure maple syrup, along with my toppings on the side. The waffles at Boma are currently made with a combination of Bob's Red Mill Pancake & Waffle Mix and Namaste Pancake & Waffle Mix.
They were absolutely perfect with the added toppings to them. The waffles themselves were crispy but not overly chewy. Thankfully, they were really well cooked, and I could dig into them happily. If you're just gluten free, you can get a bananas foster sauce there too, which is a nice option. But, I've really become partial to adding mix and match toppings to the waffles.
I forgot to take a photo, but the chef also brought out an Udi's Gluten Free Muffin, Kinnikinnick donut, and some mini brownie cupcakes from Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC, the gluten free and allergy friendly bakery at Disney Springs. This was a nice little touch. But, it was also a ton of food. Thankfully, they gave me a small to-go box for my baked goods to take with me. Though this isn't usually allowed at buffets, I have found that if you have a special diet, they will let you take extra food home with you, which is so nice.
Overall
Boma continues to be one of my favorite brunch spots at Disney. This visit wasn't the best in terms of food quality, with some underseasoned and bland dishes, but overall, I always find the breakfast there to be delicious and filling. Plus, the amazing allergy friendly Mickey waffles there and carving station make it a must do for me.Have you been to Boma? What is your favorite meal there?
Boma -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
*This dining experience took place in December 2016.
Boma: Flavors of Africa, is a table service buffet located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House. Hands down, if someone asked me what my favorite breakfast was on Disney property, this restaurant would be it. I love everything about Boma - from the theming to the food.
On this particular visit, I was joined by my family for an early holiday celebration. We all adore Boma, and since I had booked a DVC villa for my family at Jambo House, breakfast at Boma was a no-brainer.Boma is a buffet, which can be scary for those of us with special diets. The stuff of cross-contamination nightmares, buffets outside of Disney are places I avoid. But thankfully, Disney is really amazing with handling buffets for special dietary needs guests.Typically, the chef will first walk you through the buffet, noting items free of the special dietary ingredients you need to avoid. If you're comfortable dining straight off the buffet after this tour, you can. However, I often ask for food items from the kitchen to ensure safety. Much of the Boma buffet is gluten free, so I do a bit of a mix here; I tend to get a few things off the buffet and then request the remaining items from the kitchen. Of course, you'll want to use whatever strategy you're most comfortable with. Chefs will make all of your food from the kitchen, so you don't have to get items off the buffet at all, if you prefer too!
Prior to getting to speak with a chef, our server brought us drinks. I always go for unsweetened iced tea and the signature juice -- Jungle Juice. It's a combination of orange juice, passion fruit juice and guava juice. Yum!
After my tour of the buffet with the chef, I opted to get a few things off the line. This included grilled asparagus (a favorite for me), pap (grits), turkey, ham, bacon, and sausage. I also got some hot quinoa, which is now served with apples and grapes in it. I can't say I loved that combination, but it was nice to see it served in a different way besides plain.The carving station meats (turkey and ham) are perfection. Both are super moist, tasty, and just perfect for brunch. Even better, I had grilled asparagus and pap to enjoy with it. I was not a big fan of the sausage (really greasy on this visit), and the bacon wasn't anything special.
I always always get fresh fruit at Boma. I don't know what it is, but I swear they have the best pineapple there. Pineapple is a fruit I can't get enough of, so I got a few small servings throughout my meal.
The chef also prepared me a custom omelet, which I got with ham, onions, and cheddar cheese. Because I've been adding a bit of dairy back into my diet, I decided to get the cheese, and it was a really nice addition. I've also had an omelet with goat cheese on previous visits, if you are looking for a non-cow's milk option too.The breakfast potatoes on the buffet line have a cross-contamination risk now, as they are fried in a shared fryer. Because of this, the chef made me some in the back, sauteed with olive oil. And they were super crispy and delicious.And because you need Mickey waffles, I got the allergy friendly ones. They are currently being made at Boma as a blend of Namaste mix and Bob's Red Mill pancake & waffle mix. I thought they were extra crispy on this visit. I still personally prefer the straight Bob's Red Mill Pancake & Waffle mix myself, but at least they weren't the awful ones using the new mix served at some locations like Captain's Grille.If you're feeling fancy, ask the chef for banana chips or any other kind of topping you'd like to add to the waffles and your pure maple syrup. So good!Overall, I can't say enough good things about Boma. Their breakfast is outstanding and really delicious, and they have a ton of gluten free and dairy free options!Have you been to Boma? What has your experience been when you visited?
Boma -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
*This dining experience took place in June 2016.
Boma: Flavors of Africa is a table service restaurant located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House Resort that offers breakfast and dinner options -- all buffet style.Despite the fact that it's a buffet (which are always cross contamination nightmares for those of us with many special dietary needs), Boma is the perfect spot for a wonderful meal, because the chefs there are so amazing and providing safe options and even bringing you food from the back of the kitchen to ensure safety.
Boma continues to my favorite brunch spot on Disney property because the food is amazing with lots of gluten free and dairy free options and even has some unique dishes to round out the meal. I enjoy dinner at Boma, but if I had to pick breakfast or dinner at Boma, I'd pick breakfast every time.On this particular occasion, I went to brunch with Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures. We both love Boma, so it was a great choice. You can read her full review on her blog.
After arriving and being seated, our server brought us Jungle Juice, which is a combination of passion fruit, guava, and orange juices and is really delicious. It's a lot of sugar, so I usually only drink one glass of this.Once we got our drinks, the chef came out to go through the buffet with us. We asked if she could bring most of our food from the kitchen, with the only exceptions being the fresh fruit and the carving station meats.
Every time I go to Boma, I have to get the fresh pineapple. I don't know what it is, but Boma always has the freshest best tasting pineapple. This visit was no exception!
I did also go to the carving station which has smoked ham and smoked turkey on it. The chef carves it fresh for you at the carving station, and it's always amazing. Check with a chef about any of the accompaniments at the carving station. Typically, the only sauce that is gluten free and dairy free is the sambal. Sadly, the Boma mustard contains gluten.
The chef brought out several items for me, including grilled asparagus (a Boma favorite), bacon, breakfast potatoes, and allergy friendly Mickey waffles. The Mickey waffles were made from Namaste mix, and I topped them with banana chips and warm pure maple syrup. They were extra crispy, which was great.
I also ordered a ham, onion, and goat cheese omelet. Though they do have an omelet station, I asked if the chef could make this in the kitchen. Usually I really love the omelets at Boma, but I found that the amount of goat cheese in this dish made the flavors too overpowering. It was OK, but next time I would order without it.I also ordered a side of pap, which is basically grits.You can also request a variety of breakfast pastries, but since I was going to a work conference that day, I opted to skip them. Typically, Boma has Udi's Gluten Free pastries (like muffins and bagels) and Kinnikinnick donuts.
Once Alexis and I stuffed ourselves silly with delicious breakfast offerings, we decided to take a stroll through the Jambo House grounds. I love that you can see the Savannah and check out all the amazing animals at the lodge, while you are there!Overall, I can't recommend Boma enough. It's been a consistently great option for brunch and always has amazing options that are safe and delicious. I can't wait to go back and brunch here again soon.Have you been to Boma? What do you love about this table service restaurant?
Boma: Flavors of Africa -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge
*This dining experience took place in May 2015.
Boma: Flavors of Africa has long been regarded as one of the best buffets at Disney World, and they are well-known for their delicious brunch. In fact, the Disney Food Blog ranked high on their, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate at Disney: Breakfast" list. While the options featured on the Disney Food Blog aren't exactly gluten free and dairy free friendly, there are tons of special diets friendly meal offerings at Boma brunch, which is one of the many reasons it's my personal favorite breakfast buffet on Disney property. Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando also enjoys this buffet breakfast, and you can read about her previous visits, including the gluten free Bananas Foster & Pecan Praline Mickey waffles, on her blog. On this particular occasion, my visit to Boma was a special request from my mom. We were celebrating Mother's Day, and this was her pick for brunch. My entire family loves Boma because the food is so delicious and the offerings are different than a typical breakfast buffet (though you will find a lot of common brunch options available).Usually when I dine at Boma, I see Chef Frank, Chef Chris, or Chef Vickie but on this visit Chef Norma helped me out. She was just as terrific as the other Boma chefs and really went above and beyond to make my breakfast delicious and safe. Typically, the chefs will walk the buffet line with you, pointing out safe items for your special dietary needs. Of course, it is a buffet, so cross-contamination is always a potential risk. The culinary team is terrific at bringing items from the back for you. On this visit, a good portion of my food came from the back to avoid cross-contamination. I usually get the carved meats and grilled items from the buffet but ask for the rest from the back. That includes omelets and allergy Mickey waffles. 
First up was the carving and grill station. Both the carved turkey and ham on the breakfast buffet are safe to consume and oh so delicious. Their ham is probably my most favorite on property. I also love the grilled tomatoes, grilled asparagus (which was insanely good on this visit), chakalaka (stewed tomatoes and peppers), and pap (which is now completely dairy free, only using water to make it). The breakfast meats on the buffet (sausage and bacon) are also gluten free and dairy free. Chef Norma mentioned that the tater tots are gluten free and dairy free but are placed directly next to the bread pudding and offered to bring me fresh tater tots from the back. I have to say that I loved the seasoning on the tots. The African spices along with the fried tots was the perfect combination. 
Ever since Chef Frank introduced me to the banana walnut gluten free and dairy free Mickey waffles, I've been hooked. Made with banana chips and toasted walnuts and piping hot real maple syrup, these are easily my favorite thing about Boma brunch. This time, I restrained myself and only ordered two. Chef Normal also brought out an Udi's blueberry muffin and some Enjoy Life Cookies. They also still have Kinnikinnick donuts on hand, and I should have asked for one. I haven't had them in ages, and they are always a delicious breakfast treat. Of course, I did not go hungry at this breakfast by any means. 
I also got a ham and onion omelet. I get this every time I go to Boma (for like 5+ years). I love the diced ham they have here and the finely chopped onions. Best omelets EVER! Another staple is the hot quinoa. I was told by Chef Normal that they oatmeal they use is now gluten free, but she wasn't able to tell me the brand (I know that Bob's Red Mill and Ancient Harvest are currently being used on property, as of this post). 
And lastly (as if I hadn't eaten enough at this point), I had fresh pineapple. This is another must-do when I dine at Boma. I get it every time, and I swear there pineapple is some of the best. 
Overall, I can't say enough good things about Boma. It really is one of my Disney must-do's! I usually visit several times a year because it's just that good. If you are more of a dinner person, they also have a wonderful dinner buffet as well. Have you been to Boma? Which do you prefer -- breakfast or dinner?
Boma -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
*This dining experience took place in August 2014.
Boma: Flavors of Africa, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House, is one of my favorite places for brunch on property. It's reasonably priced breakfast buffet and unique offerings make it a good value and a great dining experience. Adding to this, the restaurant is terrific at accommodating guests with special dietary needs and makes dining at a buffet meal much less stressful (and delicious!).Boma serves both breakfast and dinner, but breakfast is by far my favorite of the two meal offerings. You can read gluten free dinner reviews from my friend Alexis at Gluten Free in Orlando who is a big fan of dinner at Boma! 
The day before, I had dined at the Mara and was greeted by Chef Frank who mentioned he would be at Boma the next morning. And sure enough, Chef Frank was there to go through the options with me. Before we made our rounds through the buffet, our server also brought along some Jungle Juice (combination of passion fruit, guava, and orange juices) and unsweetened ice tea. Perfect way to start the morning! Once I had some caffeine flowing, Chef Frank and I toured the breakfast buffet. From carved meat to hot quinoa cereal, there are plenty of off the buffet items that I can enjoy. They will also bring many of these items from the back if you ask. I also opted for a custom made omelet (my favorite at Boma), some allergy Mickey waffles, and various breakfast pastries. Let's just say that I did not go hungry at this meal. 
First up were my offerings from the buffet. I always get the carved turkey and carved ham from the carving station. The sambal chili sauce is safe but their Boma mustard is not (it contains soy sauce). I also grabbed my favorite grilled asparagus which is smoky and hearty and my hands down favorite breakfast item at Boma. Some other offerings included the pap (similar to grits), chakalaka (stewed tomatoes), and tater tots. I must say that I did miss the Boma breakfast potatoes that they usually have present. Tater tots are OK but Boma breakfast potatoes are amazing! Hot quinoa is another Boma favorite, and I get it with brown sugar and raisins. If you are concerned about cross contamination (hot oats are nearby which are not certified gluten free), I recommend asking for the toppings from the back. Fruit at Boma is a must. I don't know what it is about Boma but they always have amazingly fresh fruit. 
I learned from Gluten Free in Orlando that Boma has bananas foster version of their allergy Mickey waffles. Of course, that means lots of dairy but that didn't stop Chef Frank from coming up with a terrific version that was different and unique. He made allergy Mickey waffles and served them with dried bananas and walnuts (on the side) and hot real maple syrup. 
All I have to say is "WOW!" Super delicious. I love allergy Mickey waffles, and these were cooked to perfection. Add in warmed maple syrup and the fruit & nut topping, well, let's just say it was more than divine! I started to eat my other meal offerings first but Chef Frank made sure to encourage me to eat the waffles first while they were piping hot. Good call! (and yes, I ate every last bite of them)In addition to my regular buffet plate, Chef Frank also brought me an omelet made with ham and onion (my go-to Boma combination). This was a great protein boost post the sugar coma that was my allergy Mickey waffle plate (so worth it). 
To add to all of the deliciousness, Chef Frank also brought me out a bounty of breakfast pastries that included Kinnikinnick donuts, Udi's muffins, and Enjoy Life cookies. Thankfully, he suggested that I get a to-go bag for them to take them back to my room or in the park as a snack. Typically, you cannot take to-go items from a buffet, but as a special diets diner, they will often allow you to take special diets products with you. I definitely enjoyed these later down the road as a snack!As you can tell, I did not leave Boma hungry. In fact, it's a great brunch spot that will fill you up for most of the day. The food is always terrific for breakfast, and I love how many options I have available to me. Chef Frank really went above and beyond to make my dining experience great, and the food he prepared was stellar. The allergy Mickey waffles were crisp and delicious and some of the best I've ever had on property! Overall, Boma continues to remain one of my top breakfast choices at Disney and my favorite breakfast buffet. I am looking forward to dining here again soon! (maybe for the Jingle Jungle 5K post-race meal). I give this a solid 9 out of 10. Those allergy Mickey waffles with dried bananas and walnuts blew me away! Have you been to Boma for breakfast? What is your favorite buffet item?
Boma: Flavors of Africa -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
*This dining experience took place in July 2014.
Boma: Flavors of Africa has consistently been one of my most favorite places to have brunch on Disney property. Their breakfast is outstanding, and I absolutely adore the African inspired food served at this location. However, it's been several years since I've dined at Boma for dinner. My friend Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando along with some other friends have raved about dinner at Boma, and since it's been so long I knew I needed to go again soon. And as luck would have it, I got an invite to have dinner with a friend at Boma recently, and I was so excited to go check it out.Both my friend and I are gluten free and dairy free. I have to admit, I dine out a lot with gluten free folks but having another GFDF person to dine with is kind of nice! I also don't remember the last time I dined at a buffet with another special diets person, so I loved getting to walk the buffet with a fellow special diets diner.When were seated our server took our drink orders and shortly thereafter the chef came out to greet us. Chef Brian was very nice and told us we were going to have some fun with dinner and that we'd have plenty to eat. He took us around the buffet which is set-up in an almost identical fashion to breakfast. There are pods that have certain "themes" to them (i.e. kids section, meat section, fruit section, etc.).
In the first pod, we could have the Chakalaka (also on the breakfast menu) and basmati rice. From there, we went to the carving station which included a sirloin and beef short ribs. The ribs are only served on a few nights a week - one of them being Saturday (which was the night we visited). The chef also let us know what sauces were safe or not.Moving on to the next pod, we could have Durban chicken. In the next bay, the kiddos section, we could have the chicken legs. For the veggies, we could have the broccolini as well as succotash. The chef also mentioned that we could have the peanut rice, but Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando had warned that it may contain soy sauce in it. I forgot to follow-up with him on the ingredients but ended up passing on eating it. There were also salads, fruit, and hummus that we could all. For the salads and hummus, Chef Brian brought us some from the back.One thing that I had been looking forward to (and hoping) to try was the FuFu. It's a mix of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes and I heard was amazing. Unfortunately, it contains butter, so it wasn't safe for us dairy free folks but it is gluten free. I asked if there was any chance we could have some made for us dairy free but with the busy restaurant, they weren't able to accommodate this meal. However, Chef Brian told me to ask in advance and they could probably make it happen. He also gave us the recipe for FuFu to recreate it at home (and dairy free!).
I have to say, Boma really is full of flavor. The first thing I dove into was the sausage and lentil soup. There were two soups that were gluten free and dairy free that night - this one and the vegetarian lentil soup which was also vegan. I didn't get a chance to try the vegan soup but this one was very flavorful. It was hearty and rich, and although I sometimes have a bit of problems with sausage (it's a bit of a Crohn's trigger for me), this one was fairly mild and very tasty.
The salads provided interesting textures and flavors. My favorite by far was the chicken and cilantro salad. I love cilantro, though I will say that if you are adverse to cilantro, you might like this version. It was very mild! The lentil salad with hearts of palm was just OK, in my opinion. The lentils were very "crunchy" in terms of texture though I liked the balsamic dressing on it. 
And then of course, there was the hummus. You know me. Total condiment queen! And a hummus addict to boot. I am mildly addicted to the roasted red pepper hummus from Sanaa, so I was looking forward to Boma's version. I have to say, Sanaa's version is still my favorite but the one from Boma was pretty great too. The kalamata olive hummus was outstanding. I basically had to make sure they took the plate away because I kept eating it and eating it. For the main entrees, I loved the Durban chicken. This was hands down my favorite thing. Super flavorful, well cooked and just delicious. No dry boring chicken here! I also really enjoyed the short ribs. Who knew?! I usually avoid beef, but I thought I'd try these as they had been slow cooked. The sauce was really good, and I'd love to see a pork version of these ribs. That would be amazing. The broccolini was also quite nice as an accompaniment. I liked the spices in it a lot! I think the only things I missed from breakfast were the turkey and ham at the carving stations and the grilled asparagus. Those are my Boma weaknesses! 
There's no way I can leave Boma without getting fruit. There is something about the pineapple they serve here. It's just so fresh and ripe. It's the best! 
As gluten free and dairy free diners, our dessert choices were a bit more limited than gluten free diners. We could choose from Tofutti and Rice Dream, Enjoy Life Cookies and Babycakes mini brownie cupcakes. Both my friend and I are never ones to turn down Babycakes, so we opted to share a plate of the mini brownie cupcakes. You can also get Babycakes cupcakes at the Mara too! To say we were both full was an understatement! Overall, I was really pleased with my dinner at Boma. It was filling and flavorful! Add in having wonderful company, and that's my idea of a great evening out at Disney. I would give this meal a solid 7.5 out of 10. The only points off for me were the lack of more gluten free and dairy free items, but it's a treasure trove for gluten free only guests! I'm looking forward to going back again soon! Of course, now I want to go to brunch too! Have you been to Boma? What were your favorite buffet items?
Boma -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
*This dining experience took place in November 2013.
Boma: Flavors of Afirca located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House - is probably one of my most favorite breakfast buffets on property. With African inspired cuisine, Boma offers traditional breakfast offerings and dishes with a twist. Not surprisingly, this location can also easily accommodate guests with special diets offering options like allergy Mickey waffles, custom omelets, and more.On this particular visit, I was celebrating the completion of the Jingle Jungle 5K at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This runDisney race took place early that morning, and I wanted to celebrate my race accomplishment with a nice hearty breakfast. My family happened to be staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village, and this seemed like the perfect place to celebrate! I can tell you that many other guests also decided to visit Boma too to celebrate because it was packed and also packed with fellow racers!Our server let us know that the chef would be coming out to greet me, and based on her description, I assumed it was Chef Chris whom I've met a lot at Boma; however, I was greeted by Chef Vickie who was also helping out that morning (I did see Chef Chris in the kitchen though). She took me through the buffet and showed me the items that were safe. These included: grilled asparagus (my favorite), chakalaka, grilled tomatoes (no pap this time--they used butter in it that day! boo!!), carved ham, quinoa, custom omelets, breakfast potatoes, bacon and sausage, and fruit. In addition, they can usually make whatever your heart's content is in the back, and that morning I asked for: Allergy Friendly Mickey Waffles, Custom omelet with ham & onions, and breakfast pastries that are GF/DF (they typically carry Udi's and Kinnikinnick on hand).While Chef Vickie was preparing my dishes in the back, I ran the buffet for the few safe items I was interested in. Boy, the buffet line was huge! I snagged: grilled asparagus, ham, quinoa, breakfast potatoes, bacon, and fruit. I also got to enjoy the Jungle Juice which is the fruit juice they serve at the buffet. It's pretty sweet and not something I'd normally drink every morning, but it really hit the spot post-race! It's a mix of orange juice, passion fruit juice, and mango juice! Yum!
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| View of the Boma buffet pods |
First up was the buffet options. I adore and I mean adore the grilled asparagus. It is so good. Even when it's not the most seasonal asparagus, it's still delicious. The open oak grilled fires really impart a lovely grill flavor. I always make sure to grab a bunch of the asparagus. The ham was also really good, though the piece I had was a wee bit fatty. The breakfast potatoes were really well seasoned that morning which was good because they have been a little under-seasoned in the past. The bacon was just the same old stringy Disney bacon.
I also really enjoy the hot quinoa, especially with some brown sugar and raisins. In case of cross contamination, ask for brown sugar and raisins from the back as this pod also contains oatmeal which is not gluten free.
I also really enjoy the fruit at Boma. For some reason their pineapple is some of the best on property. It's a hands down must for me whenever I visit.
Now up for the items made in the back. The first was my omelet and Mickey waffles. The omelets at Boma are always really good. I very much like the ham that they use in the omelet--it's minced extra fine and so you get ham in every bite! This time the onions were really not finely chopped at all (which they usually are), so it was a little onion heavy. Otherwise though, great as usual. Now the waffles are good here -- not as good as Kona or Kouzzina but good. I asked for Earth Balance but I did not get served Earth Balance. We tasted it (yes, the whole table test-tasted it) and determined it was some type of margarine (my guess is smart balance--which is supposed to be dairy free now). I actually skipped this one and just ate the waffles smothered in syrup. Nothing wrong with that!!
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| Kinnikinnick Donuts & Muffins - my favorites! |
Next up were my favorite breakfast pastries -- the Kinnikinnick muffins & donuts. I rarely get the chocolate chip muffins these days, and I was soooo beyond excited that they brought out the chocolate chip muffin. I also really like the cinnamon sugar donut and the glazed donut!Let's just say I totally pigged out at this breakfast! It ended up being my meal of the day! As you can see, I got a lot of great breakfast options and many of them were prepared in the back to ensure safety and minimized cross contamination risks. It was great to really celebrate my race accomplishments at this location and especially with fellow racers.Overall, I'd give this a solid 8 out of 10 for this visit. Our server was a bit non-existent which was a bit of a bummer and the crowds were higher than normal but overall, it was a terrific meal -- one I wouldn't hesitate to go back to for breakfast again. It's also a fairly reasonably priced buffet - $18.99 (character breakfast are typically around $23.99 or more!) and I definitely ate a lot of food! A great post-race choice!
Boma -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge
*This dining experience took place in July 2013.
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| Boma: Flavors of Africa |
Jambo and welcome to Boma: Flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! It feels like it's been forever since I've been to this restaurant. Recently named in U.S.A. Today as the number one Theme Park Restaurant, it's no wonder why Boma consistently has ranked high on my list of favorites and a great option for gluten free, dairy free and other special diets diners. On this particular visit, we went for breakfast to enjoy the African-themed food.Our breakfast was really more like brunch, as we had a 10 a.m. reservation. When we arrived, we were quickly seated and found the restaurant to be very quiet considering it was 4th of July. Holidays can be a mixed bag at Disney--sometimes really busy and sometimes very quiet. Boma, was the latter. (On a side note, if you are a Tables in Wonderland card holder, 4th of July is a blackout day on the card, so you can't use it for discounts. Lesson learned first-hand. Always read the fine print!)
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| Nice quiet view by the window |
Once seated our server brought over drinks including the famous Jungle Juice. From the recipe's I've seen, Jungle Juice is a combination of pineapple juice, mango juice (which is a prevalent flavor), orange juice, and lemonade. It is delicious--and very sweet! I can usually only muster a cup of it. I always get unsweetened ice tea, since I don't drink coffee anymore, but when I did, Boma was the place for coffee. The regular coffee is great, but if you want to have an extra treat, try the pressed pot coffee (it's an extra upcharge).After we got our drinks, Chef Chris (oh crazy Chef Chris!) came over to meet me. I don't go enough that he completely knows me, but I been there enough when he is that he recognizes that he's helped me before, which was the case this time. He asked if I needed him to walk the buffet with me, which of course is a no brainer, even if I have a good idea. If you ever meet Chef Chris, he's a bit of a jokester, so be prepared. Sometimes, he's kidding (like the millions of remarks about adding extra cheese to everything). I like a sense of humor, but not necessarily when it comes to my food prep!We walked the buffet, and pretty much everything was the same as usual. In terms of omelets, if you want a custom omelet the chef will make it in the back. I chose a ham and onion omelet. In addition, I asked for Allergy Mickey waffles (made on a dedicated waffle maker), donuts (Kinnikinnick) and muffins (Udi's blueberry) from the back. What can I say? I like carbs! From the buffet, the fruit station is safe, as is the carving station (except the Boma mustard--this has soy sauce in it), the veggie station is good (more on that later), the quinoa is also safe, and if you want gluten free oats, they carry Bob's Red Mill GF oats which are prepared specially in the back. The oatmeal on the buffet is not certified GF. You can have regular scrambled eggs, but I personally find that station to be heavily at risk for cross contamination and ask for eggs in the back. Potatoes, breakfast meats are also OK but do let the chef know if you are uncomfortable with any cross contamination risks.I also looked for some good vegan options, as I think Boma has a good variety for breakfast goers who are vegan or vegetarian. Here are some photos and a list of good choices that are vegan specific:
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| Completely vegan and vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, egg free & more! |
First up is the veggie station:
- Grilled asparagus
- Chakalaka
- Pap (made with water)
- Grilled tomatoes
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| Fresh fruit |
Fresh fruit station:
- Grapes
- Pineapple (my personal favorite)
- Honeydew
- Canteloupe
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| Hot Cereal Station: Vegan, Vegetarian, Not completely GF (ask for GF oats in the back) |
Hot cereal station:
- Quiona (made with water)
- Oatmeal (made with water--not certified GF oats, ask for them to be made in the back)
- Raisins
*ask for a brown sugar supplement for vegans (it might not be vegan) or for those worried about cross contamination.
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| Quinoa with brown sugar and raisins |
I also didn't ask, but I'm betting that they have tofu on hand and could make a tofu scramble or something vegan friendly.Here's what I got as a gluten free & dairy free diner:
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| Carb plate! |
First-up I got the Kinnickinick glazed donuts, the Udi's Blueberry muffin and allergy Mickey waffles. All yummy. The waffles weren't the best in terms of crispiness and texture, but hey, a Mickey waffle is a Mickey waffle, right?! I also had pure maple syrup for the waffle (no Earth Balance this time).
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| Care for some maple syrup with your omelet? |
The ham & onion omelet was very un-hammy (is that a word?). They definitely skimped on the ham. Otherwise, it was a good omelet. A little overcooked but good.
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| Fresh fruit |
The fruit was a great palate cleanser at the end of the meal and very good. Love their pineapple.
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| Buffet plate |
For my buffet plate, I grabbed some meat from the carving station which was outstanding that day. The ham and turkey were flavorful and perfectly cooked. The turkey was really moist! The pap was great as usual, as were the breakfast potatoes. The asparagus was just so-so. It's not in season in Florida, so it's the "wimpy" asparagus. You can always tell really fresh asparagus from the not so fresh stuff. Still, the grill flavor is excellent with it.Overall, I ended up really stuff at my meal. I never go hungry at Boma, and what I love is that I can really enjoy a lot of great goodies. The buffet really lends itself to a lot of special diets, which is important. Plus, it's just plain delicious! For me, this is a solid 8 out of 10 for great food and service. U.S.A. definitely picked one of my favorite choices for great Disney food!
Boma -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- AKL
*This dining experience took place in February 2013.
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| Relaxing on the balcony of my room at the AKL before breakfast |
It feels like ages since I've been to Boma for breakfast. In truth, it's probably been around 6 months I would guess. It's not often that I go to buffets for breakfast unless it's a special occasion or rare treat. With some friends visiting from out-of-town and me staying at the resort for the weekend, it was a great chance to visit one of my fav buffets on property.
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| Seating area in Boma |
I hadn't contacted anyone ahead of time, but I was wondering if Chef Chris would be working (as he is who helped out my last visit). He's a bit of a goofball, but he does a nice job at providing allergy friendly service. And sure enough, it was Chef Chris who was there. I kicked myself for not emailing him ahead of time because I could have gotten some allergy friendly Bobotie (a fav of mine), but no worries, there is PLENTY of food to eat there.
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| Grill station |
As far as changes to the buffet, there really didn't seem to be any, except the missing grilled asparagus. NOOOO! One of my favorite items there. Evidently they aren't serving it on the buffet as it is very expensive right now. However, Chef Chris made me an omelet with asparagus in it which was very nice of him. Omelets need to be prepared in the back by the chefs and he made one with ham and asparagus. In terms of other items made in the back, he also prepared the allergy friendly Mickey waffles and they also now have the Udi's toast (thank goodness!). They also have Earth Balance, so that was a nice treat. You know I love my carbs in the morning :) I also asked about muffins, hoping they'd have a Kinnikinnick muffin for me, but alas they did not. I was given some OMG It's Gluten Free brand chocolate chip cookies to take with me for the road (not my favorite). In general, the omelet was OK. I can see why asparagus isn't being used. It was very woody tasting (and I love asparagus). The omelet itself was also overcooked. The toast was good. The Mickey waffles were just OK. The taste is just fine, but I just wish they could get them a little crunchier :)
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| Ham & Asparagus omelet & Udi's Toast |
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| Mickey waffles, maple syrup, and Earth Balance |
In terms of the buffet itself, here's what I had on the buffet, I was able to get fresh fruit, breakfast meats (I went with bacon), breakfast potatoes, ham (the corned beef is not safe), quinoa, pap (aka grits) and stewed veggies. If you are GF, you can request GF certified oats now, but you have to have it prepared in the back because they don't prepare the special oats unless by request due to cost. Great to know they are now carrying them! (I believe they used Bob's Red Mill brand).
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| Bacon, ham, pap, & breakfast potatoes |
The jungle juice is also a safe option, and no trip to Boma is complete without it! (sorry I forgot to take a pic).Overall, Boma remains a consistently solid breakfast location. The chefs are always willing to help out and to make things in the back. Sure I didn't love every item this trip, but it certainly wouldn't deter me from visiting again. I think they were just really busy, hence the overcooked omelet. Otherwise, everything was fab. If you like breakfast with a unique flare, this is a great place to visit!I'd give this a 8 out of 10 for solid food & service. A must-do for my family!
Boma -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- AKL
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| Boma: Flavors of Africa! |
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| View of the seating area and buffet |
*This review is from a dining experience that took place in August 2012.Jambo! Here's an updated review from Boma--one of my favorite breakfast spots. If you've listened to my podcast on breakfasts, you'll have heard a lot about this place. Here's an update on what I got this trip, and some reports on additions to their vendor products here.First off, I was greeted by Chef Chris, who helped me when I was there in May 2012. He's a bit of a jokester, but very nice. He walked me around the buffet and pointed out things that were safe. The roasted asparagus, grilled tomatoes, chakalaka, and pap are all in the same pod and were all safe this trip (sometimes they put dairy in the pap). The carving station I was allowed to have the ham, but not the corned beef (it has gluten/wheat in it). Quinoa is ok. Breakfast potatoes and breakfast meats are also ok. Fruit is ok, unless it has yogurt in it. There are two cereals that are safe, and they have soy milk if you want that. The chef said he would also make me an omelet in the back (I chose a ham omelet), Mickey waffles, and then he was going to look for the Kinnikinnick (one of our sponsors for the dessert party!) chocolate chip muffins and donuts. He thought the muffins were not in stock that day. He also said that they didn't carry the Udi's toast (bummer!) but they had the multigrain rolls. So here's what I ended up with:
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| Ham, grilled asparagus, pap, bacon, and breakfast potatoes |
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| Fruit--grapes and pineapple |
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| View of the bounty! Along with unsweetened iced tea and Jungle Juice (yum!) |
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| Ham omelet, Kinnikinnick chocolate chip muffin and a Mickey waffle |
I really enjoyed all of the foods and definitely did not leave hungry. I would have liked to have had some more Mickey waffles, but I'm sure I could have asked for more. Chef Chris also did bring me a Udi's roll to go and an OMG I can't believe it's GF/DF chocolate chip cookie.
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| Udi's dinner roll (One of our sponsors for the Dessert Party!) |
Overall, the meal was very good as usual. If you'd like to see some past reviews, you can check out my blog by searching for Boma. You'll find several more reviews here. I'd say a solid 8 out of 10 for this experience, and I'm curious to get in touch with them before my next visit. Chef Chris gave me his email and said he could whip up something special next time (hmmm,, gluten free/dairy free Bobotie?!)
Boma -- Table Service -- Breakfast -- AKL
I hadn't been to Boma since the new special diets changes had been made, and I was curious, especially since they carry a lot of the Kinnikick products there. And I lovveeeee their chocolate chip muffins (it's a bit of an obsession). They also usually have the donuts on hand, which is very nice.
**This dining experience took place in April 2012.
Boma -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge
Ahhh, Boma. You've all read my previous reviews, so there won't be a ton to touch on here, but I do adore this place. Their breakfasts are always amazing. The food is fantastic and plentiful! I love the variety and African inspired food. The fruit is always fresh! And they are GREAT for food allergies! This trip did NOT disappoint. First off, if you get to meet Chef Jenny, you are in for a real treat! She is amazing. She was so friendly, helpful, and just great in general. She would have made me a ton of food had I let her, and if my stomach hadn't been so messed up, I sure would have.To begin with, she let me know what items were safe on the buffet, which of knew more or less. The meats are all safe (sauces not so much) and the fruit, potatoes. Eggs needed to be made in the back, and I was offered donuts, muffins, etc. Chef Jenny made me scrambled eggs in the back (Had I felt better it would have been an omelet) and Mickey waffles. She really wanted to make me more food, but I just didn't feel well. She also got me the Kinnickick donuts, which I love.
Ham, turkey, potatoes, and pineapple!
Boma -- Animal Kingdom Lodge -- Table Service
For those that haven't eaten at Boma, you are in for a real treat. This is one of my favorite restaurants on property. I love the African inspired foods served in a very accessible way. I've not met one person who hasn't like this restaurant--even the pickiest of eaters can find something good here! This breakfast was no exception. Prior to my trip, I had been in contact with Chef Trish about getting gluten free/dairy free bobotie (a fav of mine prior to food allergies), as a chef had mentioned this to me when I ate there in 2009. She said that Chef Amber would be on duty that day and that she would be able to accommodate me! How exciting. Once we got seated, I mentioned to our server that I was supposed to speak specifically to Chef Amber--and fortunately, she was already talking to a family a few tables down. She knew exactly who I was and was very excited about serving me the bobotie. First she took me around the buffet and then she said she would go make sure the bobotie was done. Overall, she was one of the most enthusiastic, friendly chefs I've encountered on Disney property--can't say enough nice things about her! I then went through the buffet line, where I was able to get an omelet made (they made mine separately with oil), ham, potatoes, pineapple, etc.
Ham, onion, and green pepper omelet and accompaniments
Gluten free and dairy free bobotie--as you can see this was a large pan!
Dining Review -- AKL Boma Breakfast
Boma is one of my favorite Disney restaurants. It evokes visions of Africa with its variety of unique foods and luscious desserts. However, this was my first visit being GF/CF, so I wasn't sure what to expect. We decided to go for breakfast. Upon arrival, I made sure that it our reservations had my dietary restrictions noted. Once seated, I mentioned this to our server (the servers did not seem very aware of the notations on the tickets, and I usually had to tell them) and she said she would get the chef. A few minutes later, the chef from my visit at the Mara (see that dining review post) and so I was a little apprehensive considering that last time he saw me he kept trying to give me things with dairy in it. When he came up, I reminded him that I am GF and CF. At first he kept saying GF only and I told "NO Dairy free too" finally he got it. The first thing he did was ask me what I wanted to eat. He said he would show me around the buffet and then make some separate things for me as well. He gave some suggestions (omelets, french toast, pancakes) and I jumped at the idea of french toast! So, we decided on french toast and an omelet with spinach, ham, and onions. Then he took me around the buffet line. I was surprised at how few options were really available on the actual buffet. This was mostly because of the dairy. They put dairy in a LOT of their items. However, I could eat the meats at the carving station (I had turkey and ham, so good!), potatoes with Afritude and that was about it. At the time I couldn't have fresh fruit, but that was plentiful if you want it. They had Quinoa as well. I was bummed about the bobotie (my fav) but the chef did mention that he could make that GF/CF with notice, but I think you would have to call at least 24 hours in advance. I missed the baked goods but the chef did say he could bring me Muffins and donuts, but I didn't really have the room. Here's a photo of my omelet and french toast:
I couldn't eat all of it! I did end up taking some of the french toast back to the room and ate it another day. It wasn't quite as tasty 2 days later, but still good. Overall, I'd give this a 8 out of 10 mostly due to the lack of items on the buffet. But, they can still accommodate dietary restrictions pretty well.