Was all happy about Boma, then... *help*

[pthomasr]

Okay, so we have this reservation for Boma (never been there) and then my uncle tells me that the smell of the food is always enough to drive him out of AKL. He seems to believe the food is like Indian food or something (which I hate) and that it would be awful.

So, could people who have been there tell me what kinds of food they actually have. I have read a lot of good things about Boma on this board, but never what the actual food is.

What did you guys eat? How was it?

 

[vicki_c]

They have your standard buffet fare along with African-type dishes. The African dishes use a lot of spices (not spicy, but things like cinnamon) which are different from what most Americans are used to. They have a lot of great things to eat, not just African foods. But if the smell puts him off that much, it might not matter what the food is.

PS - here's the menu:
http://allears.net/menu/menu_bomadin.htm

 

[katieam1]

Okay, so we have this reservation for Boma (never been there) and then my uncle tells me that the smell of the food is always enough to drive him out of AKL. He seems to believe the food is like Indian food or something (which I hate) and that it would be awful.

So, could people who have been there tell me what kinds of food they actually have. I have read a lot of good things about Boma on this board, but never what the actual food is.

What did you guys eat? How was it?

There are some pictures on my food links on my signature. It is african food. I am not a big fan of Boma because after trying it I couldn't say it was a Must for me when there are so many others I LOVE and must make ADRs for. That being said they had some good options. Breakfast was for the most part traditional with a few african options. They have a carving station at breakfast with ham and turkey. Dinner again has african options combined with traditional options with a carving station as well, some great soups and some really great desserts.

As far as a smell I am not sure I can help there because I did not notice any off smell or even a strong food smell there and I notice smells as well. We love to stop by the Animal Kingdom Lodge because it is very pretty and the animals are great. Each person likes different things so I always think trying something is the best way to decide what is best for your family.

Hope that helps a little!

 

[asdfghjkl13]

Hmm I don't remember there being a "smell" there. But there is a very large selection of food, you will definitely find something you like!

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Boma is a must for me - I love the food there! They have interesting soups and salads, two weeks ago I had a terrific butternut squash soup, apple and blue cheese salad, and sun-dried tomato hummus. I also really liked the side dishes there, fufu (mashed sweet potatoes,) falafel, macaroni and cheese, which I topped with chakalaka (stewed tomatoes,) and roasted vegetables. They also have strip loin carved to order, and pork, chicken, and fish, that looked pretty good. And all the desserts were good too, chocolate-cinnamon mousse, peanut butter tart with peanut brittle crust, caramel cheesecake, and espresso tart.

 

[GovieMom]

What did you guys eat? How was it?

Okay, just being honest about my family's experience. The meat section contained several seafood/chicken dishes, none of which looked familiar (or very appetizing) to me. There was a beef roast being carved; I was hoping it would be prime rib or similar, which I'm sure it was ... it just didn't have the flavor I was expecting. There were several salad/pasta-type dishes; again none of which appealed to salad-loving me ... go figure. And several "unique" soups. So I ate basically what was at the children's bar, and still cannot believe I had to do that. lol The rest of my family are adventurous eaters, but my DD was the only one who actually enjoyed the food. So I say ... good luck to your uncle!

 

[koolaidmoms]

We went to Boma for the first time this past trip. I noticed a strong smell of cinnamon, corriander and some curry.

I am NOT an adventurous eater but I found things I still liked. Sausage with peppers, salad, corn bread like muffins, pita breads and hummus. The most daring things I tried Bobotie - meat with spices and raisins covered with a corn bread like topping and Seafood Stew I ended up really liking.

If the smells are going to absolutely get to him you may wish to try Tusker House which has some similar food as a start to see how he does and go to Boma next trip?

 

[Pakey]

We are adventurous eaters and enjoy Boma but we took some friends who prefer food that is plain. They did not like it at all. Unless you want to stick with fresh fruit, green salad or eat off the children's pod, most of the dishes will have some sort of spice to it (not hot but unique tasting). Even the meats at the carving station will have a unique taste to it.

It's a lot to pay to have adults eat from the children's pod.

 

[SarahKate]

Boma is a MUST for us. Last trip, we ate there 2x, once for dinner and once for breakfast. I could see where someone unfamiliar would think it smells like Indian food - they use spices that are prevalent in that kind of cooking, but the food is definitely African inspired.

If you enjoy trying ethnic foods, don't let your uncle's opinion sway you (especially if he won't be with you for the dinner!). If you are a picky eater and tend to steer clear of new types of food, it may not be the right choice for you and your family.

We totally love the place. There's always yummy things for us to try. And there are your traditional food items as well, mac n cheese, chicken tenders, etc. The desserts are wonderful!

 

[mainegal]

If the smells are going to absolutely get to him you may wish to try Tusker House which has some similar food as a start to see how he does and go to Boma next trip?

I enjoyed Boma very much four years ago.
Two years ago we went to Tusker House, but not Boma. I remember walking in and the smell made me immediately say to my companion that I thought I died and went to heaven. The spicy smell was heavenly to me. Your uncle might not like it.

Boma and Tusker have strong similarities.
My friend is a very picky and plain eater. She was happy with Tusker House. I hope the adventurous out there and the non-so-adventurous will give Boma and Tusker House a try.

 

[p1n0ijigga]

I love BOMA. my fav buffet in WDW

 

[2Tiggers]

The only smell I notice, and I happened to like, was in the sitting area in front of Boma. I loved that smell! Air freshner for sure... Anyway, Even though we are happy we tried Boma, we won't go back. Not a bad won't though. The food is not for everyone. There is some safe stuff though but not enough to feel like it was worth the cost. That is just my opinion. I am adventurous when I eat but my family is not. With that said and given the fact that I like to try new things, I wasn't crazy about it. But, I am glad I made my own mind up on that one and tried it. So, now I know. I like to try new things even if it doesn't make the must do list.

Try it. It's a friend of mine must do. Just not ours

 

[Eddie]

Best Buffet we have been to at DIS. Always do dinner and this year did the breakfast as well and that was great to.

Selection for both is huge and yeah you can smell some different spices being used but do not find it offensive.

As noted Dinner buffet is huge but make sure to save room for dessert!!!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Breakfast at Boma is fantastic, dinner not so much....all the food (even the soups and salad dressings) were overly sweet with lots of vanilla and cinnamon flavors...maybe even nutmeg and clove. We didnt enjoy anything other than the fruit, the falafel and the bread pudding dessert.

 

[The Hendies]

Boma is a must for our family which consists of 3 adventurous eaters, one very conservative/picky eater and a vegetarian. And all 5 of us are stuffed when we leave! I would say try it once. You'll find some more common foods, but try some of the African foods too. It might surprise you!

 

[Cat0727]

If you like food with flavor then Boma is a must for you

 

[cjb-nc]

You say you hate Indian food, then yes, you'll probably have a problem with Boma. The spices in the African food there are very similar, although its not generally hot-spicy like some curries can be.

I love Indian food, and Boma as well. (And now that it's open, Sanaa is even better!) My favorites at Boma are the hummuses and homemade crackers to start and the bobotie (ground meat spiced with cinnamon and baked with eggs kind of like a quiche).

If you want basic American buffet fare I love Trail's End in Ft. Wilderness for Fried Chicken and BBQ Ribs. If you want a little adventure, Cat Cora's place Kouzzina on the Boardwalk is quite good Greek-influenced food.

 

[Nadjalu]

I agree with the posters who say Boma's flavors are heavily sweet.

When we went I was looking so forward to being at this place, but while the food was ok, it sure wasn't my cup of tea.

I like spicey things, the hot, peppery spices, but African flavors are more sweet in nature, like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and fruits.

In all honesty everything was sweet from the mashed potatoes to the beef. It was rubbed with flavors of cinnamon. It was like eating dessert WITH my meat.
Even the soups were all sweet. I couldn't get over everything tasting like a Christmas dessert.
I was so disappointed with all the dishes, after sampling everything on the buffet I ended up eating a small plate of "kids" mac and cheese and nuggets.

And as far as the lodge having a smell, yes it does, as soon as you enter the lobby it smells a bit smokey/musky smell. I didn't like it either.

Was so glad I visited AKL before staying there, as it was my dream resort, but after experiencing it.......nope not for me.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Dinner at Boma is a favorite for us. Most of us are adventurous eaters thought. My DS is lactose intolerant. He cannot break down the enzyemes in the milk. DFIL is diabetic. The first time we ate there when the cast member came and took our drink orders the first she ask was if there were any special dieting concerns among us. We told her what they were. She took our drink orders and told us the chef would be out shortly. He cam out almost imediatley. Spoke first to FIL and made something special for him. He then took DS17 at the time and special needs, to the buffet line and told him what things to stay away from. FIL said it was one of the best meals he had ever had. So don't be afraid to go if there is someone in your group who cannot eat something. They will accomodate you.

 

[pthomasr]

After reading all of this we have decided to drop Boma. I hate curry and hummus. I really didn't know there was so much of that... Also, I love flavorful foods, but not "sweet" I prefer spicy or salty even, but no so much sweet.

After checking a bit more into the menu we have decided to go another route. Thank you guys for all the great info.