Universal Mardi Gras 2023 is a global celebration with food offerings representing 17 different countries across 70 unique menu items.
With so much to choose from, let’s look at a roundup of some of the top bites you can enjoy at Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval!
Universal Mardi Gras 2023: Top Bites
Mofongo Trio Flight
Inspired by Carnaval Ponceño in Puerto Rico, this iconic dish is presented in three delectable servings.
The base for each is a traditional mix of smashed green plantains, bacon, garlic, and chicharrones and topped three different ways: traditional, shrimp criolla, and crispy chicken chicharron with mayo ketchup drizzle.
Pav Bhaji – Vegetarian
Pav Bhaji, pronounced pav baa-jee, is a popular Indian street food that is a thick vegetable stew with a medley of veggies and spices, including potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, ginger, and garlic with a buttery-toasted Hawaiian roll on the side.
Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostada
The Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostada is a light and refreshing Mexican dish that features citrus-blend marinated shrimp topped with avocado crema, chopped jalapeño (not spicy), cotija cheese, shaved red onion, and micro cilantro on a crispy blue tortilla.
Dirty Cauliflower Rice – Vegan
A vegan twist on the traditional New Orleans staple, this comfort food is a blend of cauliflower rice, black-eyed peas, meatless sausage crumbles, the holy trinity mix of celery, onions, green bell peppers, and authentic Cajun spices.
Rod Polse
The Rod Polse is a Danish red, skin-on hot dog is topped with curry remoulade, pickled cucumber, crispy onions, and fresh dill and served on a toasted top-split bun.
Indonesian Purple Sticky Rice Pudding – Vegan
The Indonesian Purple Sticky Rice Pudding, a.k.a. Bubur Ketan Hitam, is a vegan dish made with purple long-grain rice, sweetened condensed coconut milk, diced mango, and shaved coconut.
Vegan Churros
When creating new menu items, the chefs at Universal Orlando Resort find inspiration everywhere, including suggestions from Passholders, guests and Team Members.
The vegan churros are a direct result of listening to guests’ dietary needs and desire to enjoy this sought-after treat.
These pint-sized churros are coated in cinnamon sugar and come with two dipping sauces: chocolate and coconut agave nectar.
Brigadeiros (pronounced bri-ga-DAY-ros)
Brigadeiros are small bites of confectionary heaven made with sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter that are then rolled in either hazelnuts, chocolate sprinkles, or Mardi Gras color sprinkles.
Liège Waffle
The Liège Waffle, from Belgium, features a fluffy waffle, fresh strawberries, and clouds of whipped cream.
Even More Places to Sample Mardi Gras Eats
The Mardi Gras flavors go beyond Universal Studios Florida’s gates, allowing even more guests to experience the International Flavors of Carnaval.
In Universal CityWalk, themed kiosks will feature Tastes of the Mediterranean (Greece and France, and Belgium — the Liège Waffle is fantastic!), Tastes of the Islands, and the Best of New Orleans.
Near the Port of Entry in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, guests can revel in authentic New Orleans cuisine, including shrimp gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and King Cake.
And next door at Universal’s Volcano Bay, Muffuletta Long Board Pizza is on deck.
Sweet Savings
Can’t make up your mind? The Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Card is a great way to enjoy more items for less.
It’s available for purchase at the food kiosks in Universal Studios Florida and can be used at any food and beverage location in all three theme parks and Universal CityWalk.
Premier and Preferred Passholder standard food discounts apply.
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Put on your favorite Hawaiian-style shirt and come savor the adventure of Jake’s Beer Dinner at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. Taking place only a handful of times each year, this popular event features a five-course dinner paired with specialty craft beer pairings from Kona Brewing Company, each expertly selected by the hotel’s award-winning chefs.