Sanaa

[Tigger7570]

Hi:
I would like to try Sanaa because DH would love to sit and watch the zebras, etc. however we have never eaten this type of food. We have eaten at Jiko's. we have done the buffet several times and like it. However we don't like spicy, I.e like Louisiana style or Mexican. Would we be able to get something that's not spicy? Can anyone tell me what the Tamoori chicken and buttered chicken are like? Also the short ribs. Thank you.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you are interested in Sanaa only because you want the option of seeing animals from your table, remember these points:

Not all the tables are windowside, and some will not have a view.

After sunset it is not possible to see out the windows.

And you can order a plain burger or steak if you want.

 

[ocalla]

Hi:
I would like to try Sanaa because DH would love to sit and watch the zebras, etc. however we have never eaten this type of food. We have eaten at Jiko's. we have done the buffet several times and like it. However we don't like spicy, I.e like Louisiana style or Mexican. Would we be able to get something that's not spicy? Can anyone tell me what the Tamoori chicken and buttered chicken are like? Also the short ribs. Thank you.

DH and DD both LOVE the buttered chicken and short ribs. They never said anything about them being spicy, so you would probably be ok. I always get the Tomato Soup (I know that sounds so boring but it's great!). The bread service is great also.

Like it was stated above, you may not be at a window, so make sure you really want to try the food. DD usually will head outside to see the animals while we wait to be seated.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I don't like spicy food either. But if you stick with the Tandoori chicken or Tandoori shrimp, those aren't spicy. However, I ate at Sanaa for lunch with an Animal Keeper and I found all the curry offerings to be way too spicy for me.

 

[minnie mum]

If you are primarily interested in seeing the wildlife, then I would recommend that you eat elsewhere and then visit the animal viewing areas at the resort. Most of the dishes offered at Sanaa are not nearly as spicy as authentic Indian cuisine, but would probably not sit well with your palate.

Tandoori chicken is not spicy. The steak would be another option. Butter chicken has a pronounced curry flavour. Not necessarily hot, but definitely spicy.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Not all the tables are windowside, and some will not have a view . . . And you can order a plain burger or steak if you want.

From our Sanaa review:
There's eight savannah window tables and six more with good views. For
lunch, try the Lamb Kefta open face sandwich; for dinner, try the beef
and lamb. Don't miss out on the Banana Kulfi Sundae. We really like the
bread appy/sampler, as well as the salad sampler with three of the salads -
either feeds two people. Be aware that items labeled as "Durban" are
highly spiced, and best washed down with cold milk!

 

[tinkerhon]

Hi:
I would like to try Sanaa because DH would love to sit and watch the zebras, etc. however we have never eaten this type of food. We have eaten at Jiko's. we have done the buffet several times and like it. However we don't like spicy, I.e like Louisiana style or Mexican. Would we be able to get something that's not spicy? Can anyone tell me what the Tamoori chicken and buttered chicken are like? Also the short ribs. Thank you.

We loved everything there, and we are not big fans of spicy food either--- The bread service was amazing--- have your server pick the spreads that arent spicy--- we had the short ribs, and buttered chicken, (along with the shrimp), and all were amazing !!!!

 

[Silver19]

I'd say Sanaa was my biggest disappointment over my last 6 visits to WDW. We took a cab over from the Boardwalk where we stay expecting an excellent Indian meal (and we eat Indian a lot). The ratings were excellent across the board so I was very excited. Yet I'd say my meal was average at best. The cauliflower appetizer was inedible, and cauliflower is my favorite vegetable. The rest of the food was acceptable.

We had a window seat but there was a fence in front of it.

The best part was the bread service appetizer. If I ever go back (and that's doubtful), I'd order only that along with a nice bottle of wine.

 

[Tigger7570]

Thank you for the replies. We actually visit the animal viewing every time we come. I just thought it would be fun for DH to eat there and see the animals. I know they wouldn't guarantee seating. I also thought we would like to try the food. I think we'll give a try. We like to try somewhere we haven't been each trip. Again thank you for all the input.

 

[jwfla422]

I'd say Sanaa was my biggest disappointment over my last 6 visits to WDW. We took a cab over from the Boardwalk where we stay expecting an excellent Indian meal (and we eat Indian a lot). The ratings were excellent across the board so I was very excited. Yet I'd say my meal was average at best. The cauliflower appetizer was inedible, and cauliflower is my favorite vegetable. The rest of the food was acceptable.

We had a window seat but there was a fence in front of it.

The best part was the bread service appetizer. If I ever go back (and that's doubtful), I'd order only that along with a nice bottle of wine.

That was the best part of our meal as well although I thought there was way too much oil on the bread (didn't need that much nor did I think any of the dips were "spectacular"... glad to know we were the only ones disappointed with this place, every time I mention this on the boards I get flamed

...we had so looked forward to going there after the rave reviews only to have a "not so good" experience. We may give it a try again for dinner (we went for lunch and had a lovely window seat which was the best part of the meal) but getting dd back there again will be a challenge and quite frankly if we go back to AKL I'd MUCH RATHER go to Boma or Jiko.

 

[LeahA]

We have been here 3 times, 2 times for lunch and 1 time for dinner. I have ordered the sustainable fish everytime. 1st time heaven, 2nd time good, 3rd time good. Service, 1st time good, 2nd time o.k., 3rd time great!

My ds who is 15 claims that this is the best burger on property. It wasn't on the dinner menu, but they let him order it anyway.

We enjoy the bread service, some of the dips that come with is can be spicy so check with your waiter if you order.

My husband does the tandori style meals and always enjoys them.

 

[HelenParr]

There are plenty of non-spicy options. Your server can help you identify which ones might work best.

If the animals are your goal, I agree wth PPs, do lunch (not dinner).

 

[P00H1010]

I love Sanaa! I had the Tandoori Chicken sandwich, it was amazing. Think of it like a flatbread version of a chicken gyro. It isn't spicy. The chicken has a very good flavor, it is on an african bread (similar to a pita) with greens, mint, cucumber, tomatoes, a cucumber sauce and a tandoori sauce. I would highly reccomend this dish

 

[Masonmj84]

I love Sanaa! I had the Tandoori Chicken sandwich, it was amazing. Think of it like a flatbread version of a chicken gyro. It isn't spicy. The chicken has a very good flavor, it is on an african bread (similar to a pita) with greens, mint, cucumber, tomatoes, a cucumber sauce and a tandoori sauce. I would highly reccomend this dish

I wish they had this on the dinner menu.

 

[TDC Nala]

Sanaa is not an Indian restaurant. It is billed as African with Indian influences. If you go expecting an Indian restaurant you will be disappointed.

 

[ParrotBill]

Just wanted to poke my nose in and say how much I appreciate these detailed explanations. We are staying at AK for the first time this summer but have always gone over to Boma as a favorite, and I thought we might give Sanaa a try this time... but we do not like spicy or curry and so I think we will leave this off our list.

 

[LeahA]

Just wanted to poke my nose in and say how much I appreciate these detailed explanations. We are staying at AK for the first time this summer but have always gone over to Boma as a favorite, and I thought we might give Sanaa a try this time... but we do not like spicy or curry and so I think we will leave this off our list.

I don't think you will have a problem at Sanaa, I didn't think anything we had was really that spicy or loaded with curry.

 

[Tigger7570]

Thanks all. It's so great to have a source to go to for info.

 

[Silver19]

That was the best part of our meal as well although I thought there was way too much oil on the bread (didn't need that much nor did I think any of the dips were "spectacular"... glad to know we were the only ones disappointed with this place, every time I mention this on the boards I get flamed

...we had so looked forward to going there after the rave reviews only to have a "not so good" experience. We may give it a try again for dinner (we went for lunch and had a lovely window seat which was the best part of the meal) but getting dd back there again will be a challenge and quite frankly if we go back to AKL I'd MUCH RATHER go to Boma or Jiko.

I would go to Boma again before Sanaa, no question. I place a lot of trust in the touringplans guidebook reviews and ratings, and Sanaa is the only four-star restaurant that I haven't loved. I didn't even like it. And again, I love Indian cuisine. I eat it all the time.

 

[tinkerhon]

I don't think you will have a problem at Sanaa, I didn't think anything we had was really that spicy or loaded with curry.

We are not big fans of spicy OR curry, and we loved Sanaa !!! None of the spices/sauces were overwhelming at all-