Who has been to Boma? Please come in!

[alicat07]

We are staying at AKL and have booked Boma during our trip. We read many fantastic reviews about it, but have a question for those who have been there. It says African type food, I think...what is that exactly?? We have some picky eaters, so I am afraid they won't like it. What is a "spit-fire" prime rib? Can anyone elaborate on what foods they have and the types of spices they use?


Thanks!!

 

[Linda67]

We ate at Boma in March and can safely say that there is such variety even the most picky eater will enjoy it
DH just ate meat and grabbed fries from the Kids selection !!
He really loved the pork but said that the prime rib was OK too

 

[kathie859]

The spices include curry, cumin, allspice, cinnamon.....I'd compare it somewhat to Indian flavorings (if that helps any).

Don't worry about not finding something worthwhile to eat since there's a wide array of foods--some just the usual buffet type offerings like salad greens, salad toppings, fresh fruits, chicken fingers & mac n' cheese for the kids--if you have a non-adventurous eater in your party.

For me, I could (and usually do) sample all the wonderful soups, try all the unusual salads and then hit the dessert bar full force I figure I can eat chicken and beef and salmon anytime so I go the the things that I know I can't get anywhere else.

 

[dzneelvr]

although we're veteran WDW travelers, we did BOMA for the first time last summer and REALLY enjoyed it DS 22 and DD 20 requested a repeat this July and we'll head there again on our first night. As with any buffet, there are a million different dishes and tastes....you WILL find items you enjoy no matter what your "experimentation" level is. Yes, the spices are different, the dishes look a bit unusual. Key is to take a tasting bite of each back to your table and then decide what you like/don't. We all agreed that if you went only on appearance, you would be shorting yourself. There are dishes I loved and others I didn't. No harm done. The chefs are happy to answer any questions, as are your servers. The hidden gem, as with so many dining experiences, is to enjoy the surroundings. Explore the lodge, take time to read the narratives with the displays and exhibits, and soak up the atmosphere. You can look on allearsnet.com for specific menu selections, although you won't recognize a majority of the dishes. Trust me, you will find this worth it.

 

[chocolateMinnie]

Our overall favourite dinner as a family of four (I love spicy and desserts, DH is a plain fish/meat and veg kind of guy, DS is quite adventurous but DD is a nightmare, plain meat and fruit and cookies and ice-cream).

There are always some meats to carve, prime rib, salmon etc.

Kid's section with chicken tenders, macaroni cheese, fries.

Soup and stew section - I never make it to these I have to admit but they always get good reviews.

Salad selection - lovely some plain slaws and green salads but lots of interesting salads for the more adventurous.

Lots of fruit, mango, strawberries, melon etc.

Hummus and African flatbreads - I could live off these alone.

Dessert station generally as two hot puddings, kids cookies and then the most moorish puddings such as cocomisu, chocolate mousse and zebra domes.

Wine flights are highly recommended by our adults too!!!

Boma is the main reason we are giving AKL a go next year.

 

[I'mwithGrumpy]

The only way to know is to give it it a try. I am one of the few who tried it and it just wasn't for me. I am not a picky eater, I love to try new foods. I heard reviews from friends and was told the prime rib was the bomb. I found the prime rib to be only ok, nothing special. I did enjoy the salads and hummus. The zebra domes everyone talks about...nothing special. I tried some of almost everything and I guess the combination of spices just didn't appeal to my taste buds. I left disappointed because I had really looked forward to it. But you may love it, so it's worth trying out

 

[Rvarnado]

We ate there in 2008 and have eaten at about 75% of the dining expiriences available over the years and definitley rank Boma dead last. Very weird and exotic

 

[alicat07]

TY so much guys for the reviews! I have it booked the last day of our 8 day trip, since we are staying at AKV and figured it would be easy to eat there so we can pack that night. Do you think its ok to keep this and when we check in go check it out and see if we like what we see. And if not we cancel it right away? Or is that bad etiquette?

 

[catne]

TY so much guys for the reviews! I have it booked the last day of our 8 day trip, since we are staying at AKV and figured it would be easy to eat there so we can pack that night. Do you think its ok to keep this and when we check in go check it out and see if we like what we see. And if not we cancel it right away? Or is that bad etiquette?

I think you'd be fine doing this, if you do cancel right away.

We're also in the anti-Boma dinner category...we love trying new foods, enjoy Indian and Asian foods. We were very disappointed with the flavors at Boma. We tried many of the offerings there and near as we could tell there were two flavors: totally bland & tasteless OR over-dosed cinnamon. And looking at the food might not give you a good idea how it tastes...for example, husband was thrilled to see some fabulous looking BBQ ribs...until he bit in and discovered that wasn't BBQ sauce on the ribs, it was cinnamon...so cinnamon-y it tasted like they had been roasted in red-hots candy. Agree with the dessert assessment above, too...those Zebra domes were nothing to write home about.

Boma Breakfast, on the other hand, is the best on property.

 

[iloveeeyore]

The night we did Boma, we were all feeling pretty crappy. We had spent the whole day, from rope drop, in AK without a break. I had a horrendous headache, DD had a terrible cold (we had to go to the gift store and buy cold medicine), DH had whiplash from Primieval Whirl, and DS was beyond cranky. We really wanted to enjoy Boma, but none of us could really stomach anything at that time. I did notice the soups were delicious, but beyond that, we just couldn't enjoy eating. So our impression of Boma was kind of...meh! (BTW, watermelon rind salad? YUCK! What was I even thinking trying that stuff in my condition? ) This trip we are staying at AKL for a few days, and, like you, we chose to make Boma our last night ADR. We think every place deserves one more shot.

There is a culinary tour at AKL every day at around 4PM. I understand they take you around Boma and Jiko and let you sample a few things. This might be a good thing for you to do, so you can get a better picture of the offerings that night. Maybe if you explain your concerns, they'll even let you try a bite or two of meat?

Enjoy your vacation!

ETA: Lessons learned: TAKE A BREAK; carry essential OTC meds like ibuprofen, sudafed and alka seltzer at ALL times; if you feel sick, skip the ADR and save the $$; TAKE A BREAK!

 

[WeRblam]

although we're veteran WDW travelers, we did BOMA for the first time last summer and REALLY enjoyed it DS 22 and DD 20 requested a repeat this July and we'll head there again on our first night. As with any buffet, there are a million different dishes and tastes....you WILL find items you enjoy no matter what your "experimentation" level is. Yes, the spices are different, the dishes look a bit unusual. Key is to take a tasting bite of each back to your table and then decide what you like/don't. We all agreed that if you went only on appearance, you would be shorting yourself. There are dishes I loved and others I didn't. No harm done. The chefs are happy to answer any questions, as are your servers. The hidden gem, as with so many dining experiences, is to enjoy the surroundings. Explore the lodge, take time to read the narratives with the displays and exhibits, and soak up the atmosphere. You can look on allearsnet.com for specific menu selections, although you won't recognize a majority of the dishes. Trust me, you will find this worth it.

Totally agree. My DH is PICKY, DS is meat and potato type while DD is more vegan type. They absolutely loved this place. Something for everyone. When I took my DD and her 3 BFF's for her 16th bday last year, they went back twice. I myself choose to forgo the meal for some peace and quiet (can you say glass of wine and good book)...Try it for yourself, I think you will enjoy it...

 

[vcgirl925]

We have eaten at Boma for dinner twice and really enjoy it there. We go with our small children and we always find a variety of food for all. They could with a lot of rice, curry, cumin, and lots of dishes with coconut. I would definately give it a try. I would also try it one time for breakfast since you are staying there, i've heard they are good as well.

 

[disneychic]

We LOVE LOVE LOVE Boma! I would go there for the couscous alone! We ate there twice on our last 2 trips to WDW! I am a very picky eater -- and I very rarely try anything new. I was a little weary of trying Boma but once I did, I was hooked! I love the chicken, the salads, the roasted vegetables, the couscous, the corn bread, the fresh fruit & tons of dessert choices. I wish I was going there for dinner tonight

 

[VAN]

It is a buffet with something for everyone. Not sure of the seasonings they use, but the foods are a bit different than what you would find at a regular buffet. Probably a better quality and better tasting.

As mentioned, something for everyone. I really think if your group likes buffets they will be more than happy with Boma.

 

[DisneyEveryJuly]

I am about as picky as they come but we tried Boma just this last trip and I really enjoyed it. So much so that we're planning on going at least 2 or 3 times next year when we go. It works out great because my husband likes to try anything so he gets some variety and I still find enough to eat.

 

[marivaid]

We love Boma and go at least once, every trip. Like others have said there is something for everyone BUT if you're not into sweet food you may have to eat a lot off the kids buffet. People seem to think that African food is hot and spicy but it's not the case, a lot of the spices are sweet, they do use quite a bit of cinnamon. We love that sort of stuff but if it's not your thing you may want to rethink this - I don't really see the point of going to Boma to eat only stuff like nuggets and mac'n'cheese ya know?

On another note I am also one who has yet to see what the big deal is about Zebra Domes. I've tried, boy have I tried, but they just don't do it for me.

 

[Planogirl]

My son liked Boma and he's as picky as they come. True that he ate off the kids part of the buffet mostly but the desserts are also quite nice. I'm not a big fan of zebra domes either but there is quite a bit more than that.

 

[goofy4prez]

I enjoyed Boma,but I wouldn't say I was blown away with it either. I will go back again, but it is not a must do for me. In general, I don't like the quality of buffets over a regular meal, but I would rate Boma one of the better ones. And as the others have said, even most picky eaters will find several things they like.

 

[crissy1974]

As soon as I saw "Boma" I knew I had to add my 2 cents! This is my FAVORITE place!!!! I absolutely love it. We tried it 2 years ago for the first time (due to a recommendation from a friend) and I make sure we eat there at least once a trip!

Let's put it this way..............I HATE coconut. I honestly didn't read any of the signs stating what the dish was (if I did I probably wouldn't have tried some of it). Anyhow, I put a spoonful of rice on my plate and it was the BEST thing ever! Go back to find a sign reading - COCONUT RICE. I have tried to make it myself at home and failed! I just hate that I always end up filling up on the rice. I also like trying the different kinds of hummus and couscous.

I will also add that my boyfriend is not a fan of trying new things. He is a meat and potatoes type of guy. This year he asked if we were eating at Boma again and I said, of course. He said, great!

Even our DD4 liked it and she didn't eat the mac n cheese or the nuggets. She ate "real food".

I also agree with many people that the zebra domes did nothing for me. I only took a bite and that was it!

I really hope you enjoy it!

 

[lovetotravel07]

I can't do spicey and my younger daughter, (17), is very picky and we love it there. Last trip some of us ate there twice.

A huge variety. The prime rib is just roasted and cut to order. if you have young ones, they do a children's buffet and wonderful deserts! Definitely, a must do!