Boma or Jiko?

[jenna77]

Which is better for a vegetarian?

 

[Pakey]

Which is better for a vegetarian?

Boma is a buffet and will have more vegetarian selections than Jiko, strictly because it's a buffet.

Disclaimer: Boma is pretty loud, not a relaxing dining experience. Love the food, but Jiko's atmosphere is definitely quieter and one of the few places where diners could possibly have a very quiet meal. It's a guarantee that you would not have a quiet meal at Boma.

 

[Cruz Family]

I can't comment on the vegetarian part...but Jiko is our favorite restaurant on property. Everything we have eaten there has been amazing, I assume the vegetarian options would be no different.

 

[nytimez]

The menu at Jiko can change over time. You should check the menus here at wdwinfo or allears.net and see what (if any) vegetarian options there are.

 

[TillyMarigold]

I'd guess it comes down to whether the vegetarian prefers buffets or table service. Boma has tons of options and Jiko has a separate (smaller) vegetarian menu (as does Sanaa). All I remember off the top of my head are the stuffed peppers (which are also on the regular menu) and a version of the Swahili Curry Shrimp made with tofu.

http://allears.net/menu/menu_jikoveg.htm
http://allears.net/menu/menu_bomadin.htm

All the vegetarian reviews of both that I've seen have been positive.

 

[itchin2go]

I am vegetarian and have been to both. They both have good vegetarian options. In fact, it's short-changing Boma to say there are just "options". I felt like I could eat half or more of what was offered at Boma - and the offerings are extensive.

While there are unique vegetarian items on the menu at Jiko, and it receives RAVE reviews, I have been disappointed with my entrees both times I have dined there. The first time I had the peas and grains dish. It was fine, but not the tastiest thing I've ever eaten. I would characterize it as a big, colorful portion of kind of blah stuff. The last time I ate there I had the stuffed piquillo peppers. This came with beans that were "al dente" to say the least. It was not a generous portion at all, and for me, the beans were very unappetizing. I understand al dente pasta, and risotto not cooked to mush, but al dente beans? I like my beans cooked through. The appetizers at Jiko are mostly outstanding, though. I've just never had an entree there that I would order again.

Now, Boma is a different story. The soups there are outstanding. I liked the squash soup and the mushroom soup. The sides and salads are varied and fresh. I really liked the pasta salad (really different!), the falafel, and one of the squash dishes. I liked a lot of other stuff too -- there's just so much, I can't remember it all! The menu posted on allears is really just a fraction of what they offer. P.S. The desserts are delicious, too.

Long story short (too late), my suggestion would be Boma. It's certainly the less expensive choice! The only con is that the buffet experience is less than satisfying sometimes. You feel like you tasted a lot, but didn't eat much of anything. Even so, we're planning on doing Boma on our next trip, but Jiko didn't make the cut.

 

[jessbarbo]

I was curious about these two restaurants. Thanks for the insightful information. We have small children so Boma sounds like a great choice while staying at AKL.

 

[jeremyluvsdisney]

Boma has so many option for a vegetarian. It's the best buffet I think I've ever been to. Both times I've been to Boma I was extremely happy and could eat vegetarian and still be extremely happy. I had meat at Jiko so I can't speak to their veg options, but the wife and I agree Jiko was overrated and a beyond disappointing dining experience. I don't see how you can go wrong with Boma.

 

[llqool]

I am (mostly) a vegetarian. We have tried Jiko and Sanaa (once), but Boma is the *only* restaurant at Disney that we would gladly go to each and every time we visit, which is about 4 or 5 times a year. Boma can be loud, but the time we went to Jiko, it had several parties with small children that were fairly rowdy. We had gone on our date night, and I didn't find the atmosphere as wonderful as it was cracked up to be. I actually thought the food was better at Boma, too.

 

[FireDancer]

I am not a vegetarian but eat pretty healthy and that includes a lot of vegetable dishes. Boma is my favorite restaurant at WDW and is usually my only ADR. There are a lot of vegetarian choices and as a PP stated, you can eat well without eating any meat. If you eat fish (which I guess would make you a pescetarian) one of the main courses is almost always a salmon dish.

The food isn't as exotic as it sounds. I describe it as African-lite and much of the food has a lot in common with Lebanese cuisine. I eat at African restaurants in my home town and the spices are a bit toned down at Boma to please a wider pallet. There are also plenty of "normal" choices for picky eaters though everyone I have taken to Boma has loved it even if they were skeptical going in.

Lastly, if you are a coffee drinker get the press pot, it is outstanding.

 

[SnowWtch]

My SIL is a vegetarian and she loves Boma b/c there are so many options for her to try at once. She and my brother did Jiko once but prefer Boma b/c they can try a lot of different things at once.