Boma, am I alone here?

[IHEARTNY]

Am I the only one here who doesn't like Boma. It's a terrible TERRIBLE place for a picky eater and the things I would actually eat were in no way worth the money paid.

IMO, I'd definitely rather spend the extra money and eat at Jiko where I can order what I want, still have a beyond the typical American fare and not worry about germs!


I wanted to add that I tried Boma twice and just won't go again. Nothing to do with anything else but the food in that I ended up basically eating off the kids menu both times. And the little zebra cakes are not even close to deserving all the praise they had received, IMO.

Second, I had been to Jiko SO many times I cannot tell you the exact number. I realize it has different flavors which I do enjoy but I can still tweek anything I don't like if I need to but placing an order opposed to food for the masses. For example, when food runs together I can't stand it so I had the mac n cheese on the side while the oak-fired filet mignon and red wine sauce stood on itself... My favorite restaurants (in order): Jiko, Narcoossee's, Yachtsman SH

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I took a group of my family there, with two very picky eaters included. They found very little that they were happy with at Boma. I love the place, but felt bad that they had such a poor experience.

It's not for everyone, that's for sure. One of the many good things about, Disney! They have something for everyone, although one thing/place may not be for everyone!

 

[maggs]

Im not even a picky eater. In fact Im very very adventurous and I hated just about everything about this restaurant. I went a second time in case I had got it wrong but I hadnt . It was noisy and chaotic and we had the server from hell. He was so surly and non communicative - worse even than the first time. Im always willing to give a restaurant a second chance but I know for sure I wont be back.
The food was bland and being used to cooking African dishes, I could find nothing authentic about it. Everything seemed to be full of courgettes (zucchini) . The boboti was nothing exciting and my prime rib was a plate of fat and gristle. I have no idea why people rave about it. I find the quality of food poor and although we might have been unlucky, we have had poor service twice.

Maggs

 

[CoolDisneyKitten]

Why didn't you go back and ask for another cut of prime rib?

Boma is quite loud and chaotic, and it bugs me that ppl (general ppl, not... *you*... ppl...) don't seem to get the "pod" concept - ie, you're not really supposed to stand in a big line like a traditional buffet, but instead wander from pod to pod like a grazing giraffe. I get dirty looks a lot for, er, grazing.

The food isn't super-duper, knock-you-out-of-your-seat exotic, but it's Disney. It's food for the masses. I've always found it to be hot, good quality, and very tasty. I consider a place like Boma a sort of "primer" for more authentic African cuisine.

But, you know, it's not for everyone, and it probably *isn't* the best choice for a picky eater. Just because lots of ppl love it doesn't mean it's for you.

Snaps to you for trying it though!

Note: need "snaps" emoticon...

 

[daisyduck123]

No, you're not alone.

We ate dinner there once, but have not returned....even during Christmas week when we were staying right at AKV.

 

[mykidsrock76]

Now I am really confused. I have posted threads about Boma for picky eaters and have been told that I would have no problem finidng something.. but I am scared that I will hate it!!! I am extremely picky: I do not eat onions, tomatoes, celery, any raw veggies, no salads.. do I need to go on? So, will I be grossed out when I see the food and not be able to eat anything? My DH wants to try Boma based on reviews, but he will understand if we do not go. What do you guys think? If not Boma, what do you recommend for 1 TS credit? Thanks.

 

[centurythree]

Now I am really confused. I have posted threads about Boma for picky eaters and have been told that I would have no problem finidng something.. but I am scared that I will hate it!!! I am extremely picky: I do not eat onions, tomatoes, celery, any raw veggies, no salads.. do I need to go on? So, will I be grossed out when I see the food and not be able to eat anything? My DH wants to try Boma based on reviews, but he will understand if we do not go. What do you guys think? If not Boma, what do you recommend for 1 TS credit? Thanks.

Me too! Should I have gone for Jiko instead? Can someone point me to some buffet pictures? Nothing puts me in a bad mood faster than being stuck with food I don't like.

 

[mykidsrock76]

I have seen pics and they do not really show anything. But if you find any.. let me know

 

[PlainJane]

OP,

You're not alone. I don't really have anything nice to say about Boma, on the other hand, I love Jiko. I also didn't think zebra domes were anything to write home about.

 

[Laura]

The food isn't super-duper, knock-you-out-of-your-seat exotic, but it's Disney. It's food for the masses.

I agree. If you want truly authentic ethnic food, don't go to WDW!

To the OP--I can't tell you if you'll hate it or not. There are too many different kinds of "picky eaters" for me to know which ones will like it or not. If you're really on the fence, try it. If you're second-guessing yourself, maybe you should go elsewhere.

 

[Katiebell]

Now I am really confused. I have posted threads about Boma for picky eaters and have been told that I would have no problem finidng something.. but I am scared that I will hate it!!! I am extremely picky: I do not eat onions, tomatoes, celery, any raw veggies, no salads.. do I need to go on? So, will I be grossed out when I see the food and not be able to eat anything? My DH wants to try Boma based on reviews, but he will understand if we do not go. What do you guys think? If not Boma, what do you recommend for 1 TS credit? Thanks.

Me too! Should I have gone for Jiko instead? Can someone point me to some buffet pictures? Nothing puts me in a bad mood faster than being stuck with food I don't like.

We loved Boma, but it's not for everyone. It's traditional buffet food (salads, roast meats, desserts) but with an African influence. Some of the ingredients and spices are less familiar, but they were delicious. If you are a really picky eater, I don't think Jiko is a better option -- the menu sounds interesting and it's won awards, but it might not be to your liking:

Broiled Filet of Arctic Char - with eggplant kottu, chickpeas and crisp okra julianne
Swahili Curry Shrimp - shrimp ragout with East African curry sauce, artichokes, piquillo peppers, sweet peas, and coconut rice pilaf
Pan-roasted Jumbo Scallops with golden brown mealie pap and spicy tomato-onion ChakaLaka

I'd be willing to try Jiko since it gets such fabulous reviews, but I don't eat shellfish, so it certainly limits my options.

Hard to recommend a place because "picky eater" can mean many different things mykidsrock, you've listed several things you don't like, but not anything you do like...If you are really worried you won't be able to find anything to eat at Boma, you might try a buffet with more familiar food that you know you'll like -- Trail's End, maybe Cape May (if you like seafood, it's a "clam bake" theme), or a family-style service like Garden Grill or Liberty Tree Tavern. Or maybe try Boma at breakfast instead, if you like breakfast food -- sounds like more of the choices are less "exotic". Read the menus online, here or at allears...

 

[dishm12/08]

For us, Boma is not an option for dinner. We're not picky eaters, at least we don't think so, and there wasn't anything appealing on the dinner menu. But we planning on making a breakfast ADR.

 

[REL1203]

My wife and I did not like Boma either. Some of the food was good, but a bunch of it wasnt good. I had really high hopes going into it, but just wasnt happy enough. I am not that picky of an eater, just didnt care for alot of the food

 

[maggs]

Why didn't you go back and ask for another cut of prime rib.

I did!! Heres the offering of prime rib second time around. Not nice!

There was nothing appetising about the meal.
Maggs

 

[CoolDisneyKitten]

I am extremely picky: I do not eat onions, tomatoes, celery, any raw veggies, no salads.. do I need to go on? .

My mom and I don't eat any of those things, either. My mom doesn't eat fruit, except... um... apple pie.

Do you like spices that may be a bit different than what you're used to at home? Do you like soup with ingredients other than chicken and noodles? Do you like trying new flavors?

If you answered "yes" to at least two of those questions, then try Boma. If you answered "no" to two or more, then you probably shouldn't.

PS: I hope I don't sound snarky in this post, b/c that's not my intention in the least. I'm trying to help, b/c, honestly, who wants to waste time and money in a restaurant you won't enjoy?! It's vacation; it's supposed to be fun!! My mom and I could be called picky b/c we don't like a lot of things ppl typically do; ie, we order our burgers plain and don't like salad-type stuff; but we *do* like trying new foods and flavors. If that's you, then go for Boma!

 

[Cruz Family]

Am I the only one here who doesn't like Boma. It's a terrible TERRIBLE place for a picky eater and the things I would actually eat were in no way worth the money paid.

IMO, I'd definitely rather spend the extra money and eat at Jiko where I can order what I want, still have a beyond the typical American fare and not worry about germs!

We also hated Boma, but LOVED Jiko.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I love Boma. I think the food there is usually excellant, though there are one or two dishes I don't really care for, but the good definatly out weighs the bad for me.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

We also hated Boma, but LOVED Jiko.

And I'm exactly the opposite. (Though hate is an exaggeration, since I am eating at Jiko again.) That's what's so great about Disney, so many choices.

 

[DVCJEN]

Now I am really confused. I have posted threads about Boma for picky eaters and have been told that I would have no problem finidng something.. but I am scared that I will hate it!!! I am extremely picky: I do not eat onions, tomatoes, celery, any raw veggies, no salads.. do I need to go on? So, will I be grossed out when I see the food and not be able to eat anything? My DH wants to try Boma based on reviews, but he will understand if we do not go. What do you guys think? If not Boma, what do you recommend for 1 TS credit? Thanks.

With that list of things you don't eat I would switch. I don't think you will find much at all.

 

[Desnik]

We are picky eaters and we didn't like Boma. I would never recommend it to a picky eater!