By Adventure Alex

Introduction

Disney’s Sanaa is a restaurant located at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort’s Kidani Village. Sanaa, as stated by the Walt Disney World website, is a way to “experience the art of African cooking with Indian flavors, as exotic animals roam the Sunset Savanna before you.” We made reservations for lunch, which I highly recommend because there was a line when we arrived.

My wife and I were seated at a table perpendicular to a large window. Unfortunately, the window was fogged because of ongoing construction so we did not get a great view. That being said, the interior atmosphere was nice and we enjoyed the ambient music.

Dining Experience

We ordered the Bread Service for $20.00 as an appetizer. The Bread Service included: Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kulcha, or Paneer Paratha. Accompaniments – Cucumber Raita, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Tamarind Chutney, Coriander Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, or Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle. This may have been my favorite part of my favorite Disney World Resort meal.

The Bread Service: Naan and Accompaniments.

My favorite accompaniment was the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, while my wife enjoyed the Red Chile Samba and the Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle. Overall, all the accompaniments were delicious. Some were sweet, while others were spicy, and some were in-between.

I ordered a Potje Inspired dish for $35.00. You choose a Journey meat: Goan Seafood Curry, Butter Chicken, Braised Beef, or Pork Vindaloo. Then you choose a Harvest accompaniment: (Plant-based) – Rajma Masala, Chickpea Wat, Sukuma Wiki, or Lentil Daal. The dish is served with Scented Basmati Rice. I chose the Braised Beef with Sukuma Wiki. Sukuma Wiki is an East African dish made with collared greens, cooked with onion and spices. I found the entire meal to be delicious.

My wife ordered the Seasonal Salad for $13.00. This included Chermoula Quinoa, Pickled Watermelon Radish, Spice-scented Apricots, Hibiscus Onions, Smoked Pears, Roasted Sweet Potato, Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds, Tamarind Vinaigrette, and Black Sea Salt.

We were celebrating an Anniversary, and the restaurant graciously gave us a free scoop of mango sorbet with a cute chocolate adornment that proclaimed: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. In addition to this free dessert, we ordered the Giraffe Tower Mousse for $12.00. The Giraffe Tower Mousse contained Banana Cake, Peanut Butter Mousse, Banana Mousse, and Caramel with Tanzanian Peanut Brittle Crunch. The dessert was delicious, although typical compared to other dining experiences.

(Above) The Giraffe Tower Mousse and complimentary Mango Sorbet.

(Above) How I thought the Giraffe Tower Mousse would look.

Service

Our waiter, Jonathan, was fantastic and well-attentive. He made sure our glasses were filled and that our needs were met. He was also friendly and divulged some of his life story.

Conclusion

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort’s Sanaa was an excellent choice for lunch. The food was spectacular and so was the service. I’d recommend dining here because we would do so again. Had the windows not been fogged, a Zebra may have tried to break through the glass and take a bite of the food. I wouldn’t blame them!