Ethnic or cultural cuisine that is missing in Epcot

[carmelhp]

I would wish that WDW did not try to make every culture taste equally bland and flavorless. Is the average guest really that much of a puss that they can't take any flavorful or spicy creations?

 

[hopeful4fl]

I agree, but I think it's a fact that the food has been "dumbed down" over the years since Epcot's opening to be more accepting to the "American palate" (whatever that is) and I think that's a damn shame. Akershus being the prime example but it's happened in just about every showcase.

I am sure there is some of that. Commercialization demands some sacrifices to satisfy the broader spectrum. However, we (at least at the Table Sides) have asked for food to be spiced up and they have not failed .

 

[Simon Genest]

Thanks for sharing all this.

 

[Candycane83]

Hmm, for me, i think they need to revamp China's restaurant... Maybe a dimsum place that serves Mickey shaped dimsum? (Works well in Hong Kong Disneyland) I'd love if they add an izakaya style place at Japan too (kind of like Tutto gusto)... As for new additions, I think they do it well during food and wine festival or the flower and garden festival... I don't think they would spend the money for a new pavilion right now.

 

[Lisa F]

Oh man I would hope Disney would recognize how Filipino and Thai food are absolutely nothing like Chinese. XD

that is an unrealistic expectation. They don't even recognize that nine dragons is nothing like chinese!

the vaugely asian-ish menu is pretty much it i think. you'd be lucky if you find a more or less authentic Filipino or thai dish at a place like yak & yeti - they are not going to devote a whole restaurant to that.

 

[rwdavis2]

odd......2 nations?....Have you been to Epcot?


AKK

Based on her odd posts I would guess old lady has never been to Disney World.

 

[GreatLakes]

I agree about the Ethiopian food but I see that fitting the theme of AK more than WS personally. I would love for the old Akershus to return. I really liked the old model and think it ceased being a good Scandinavian restaurant years ago.

 

[PattnFmly]

If I were going to pick, I'd pick Australian. Some of their food offerings seem amazing to me (also remembering when the Olympics were there and they would do area "spots" of their food and culture). Living in the Boston area, we do have good Brazilian and Thai restaurants here, so those I can have any day and probably would not choose while on vacation.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I would like to see a Greek pavillion!

 

[Sagginit]

Ohh good thread. I would like to see Indian. There is actually so much cuisine there that they can even split up a menu by region. Thai is another favorite and I think well received enough that the restaurants would do well. I think Greek/Turkish/Mediterranean would be a nice addition. Africa itself is huge so you can add in any number of countries. I also think more South America cuisine, including a Brazilian churrasco would be nice.

I think these cultures would also be a nice visual addition as the architecture of those regions varies and would standout. Out of all of the parks and areas I believe World Showcase is long overdue for some TLC. I like strolling in World Showcase but the gift shops are dull to me (not very authentic in some countries) and the lack of rides or shows is depressing.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

It would be nice if they get rid of "China" and replace it with something better.

Before they screw up new cuisines maybe we could get them to fix what they are trying to pass off as Chinese!

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

It would be nice if they get rid of "China" and replace it with something better.

Food-wise, I agree - Having taken the time to really explore the pavilion last year, though, it's really nice. The museum is really cool and it's one of the better themed/decorated spots.

I'd say thai, but they kind of have that'd make three Asian-influenced spots.
I personally really enjoyed the Brazilian food at F&W. I'd love to see Spain and Spanish food (different from Mexican.) - maybe just a South American area?

I do think there's so much more to offer in the American Pavilion. America isn't JUST burgers and hot dogs. How about having barbecue (south or KC, etc.)? How about Street food and all?

I always thought it'd be funny to have an "EPCOT inception" kind of thing - Maybe a mini world showcase within the American pavilion of the World Showcase. It can give a little history about EPCOT and be an opportunity to offer a few more cuisines.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would wish that WDW did not try to make every culture taste equally bland and flavorless. Is the average guest really that much of a puss that they can't take any flavorful or spicy creations?

Yes. These are the same people who complain that the kids menu at Be Our Guest is too strange.

 

[Candycane83]

Yes. These are the same people who complain that the kids menu at Be Our Guest is too strange.

Since you brought this up... I have to ask, is head on shrimp (Tiffins and Skippers) and whole fried fish (Tiffins) really that strange? I found a lot of DIS bloggers and food reviews seem to point that out... Maybe this is why Disney tries to make everything westernized?

 

[dvcdream4fld]

I think Epcot is missing island cuisine. Polynesian includes South Pacific lslands like Hawaii, Somoa, Fiji, Guam, Indonesia, etc. It would go great with the new Disney movie coming out and help to promote Aulani...and I don't know anyone who doesn't like some type of Polynesian food. Carribean food is mixture of cultures that is very unique and vibrant. I think this would also be a great addition to Epcot. Indian and African would be good too, but I think it's covered in animal kingdom. Other Asian food would be good, but they already have China and Japan.