We were surprised to find the India Marketplace open today at EPCOT. The 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival booth was not scheduled to open until October 1. Other surprise openings today include Kenya, Lobster Landing, Ireland, Mac & Eats, The Alps, and Spain.

India Booth at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2021

Menu for the India Marketplace at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Food:

• Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa and Coriander Pesto Dips (V) (KA) – $5.00
• Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas and UNCLE BEN’S® Basmati Rice (V, GF) – $5.00
• Korma Chicken with Cucumber Tomato Salad, Almonds, Cashews and Warm Naan Bread – $5.25

Beverages:

• Mango Lassi (Non-alcoholic) – $5.00
• Sula Brut Tropicale Sparkling Wine, Nashik – $7.00
• Sula Chenin Blanc, Nashik – $5.00
• Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Indian Cream Liqueur (27 proof) – $11.00
• Taj Mahal Premium Lager (4.5% ABV) – $5.00 (6 oz.) / $9.00 (12 oz.)

Photos of Menu Items for the India Marketplace at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa and Coriander Pesto Dips (V) – $5.00

This is basically a beginner version of the Bread Service from Sanaa. Sure, the dips are really good, and the bread tastes freshly made, but nothing compares to the gigantic portion—replete with nine dips—from Sanaa. I suppose, “When in Rome…,” but there’re so many more unique offerings from Food & Wine that this one warrants just a passing grade.

Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas and UNCLE BEN’S® Basmati Rice (V, GF) – $5.00

There aren’t a lot of gluten-free options at this year’s festival—much less options that are both gluten-free and vegetarian—and it’s something we actively hear numerous guests talking to chefs about. It’s a shame, really. One of the great things about the EPCOT festivals are the unique and innovative approaches to food, and not just creating something to fit a mold. This particular dish doesn’t fit any mold, and that’s a good thing. The rice helps soak up the curry sauce that the vegetables don’t grab, and there’s a slight spice to the entire dish that isn’t overpowering but just present enough to make the dish feel like something special. Sadly, beyond the spice, the dish is rather forgettable.

Korma Chicken with Cucumber Tomato Salad, Almonds, Cashews and Warm Naan Bread – $5.25

This is a much better use of your Food & Wine money than the bread sampler. Historically, korma chicken has many steps involved in the creation process, which makes this an interesting proposition. The chicken is well spiced and nicely cooked, hitting multiple tasting notes, such as garlic and curry. Use the naan bread to soak up the remainder of the sauce, which you’ll want to enjoy to the very last drop.

Sula Brut Tropicale Sparkling Wine, Nashik – $7.00

From Sula Vineyards: “The happiest sparkling wine! Brut Tropicale is an elegant sparkling rosé wine, full of tropical notes such as its charming passion fruit aromas.”

Sula Chenin Blanc, Nashik – $5.00

Sula Vineyards describes their Chenin Blanc as “a refreshing, light, semi-dry wine bursting with tropical fruits like pineapple, pear and green apple.”

Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Indian Cream Liqueur (27 proof) – $11.00

From Sōmrus: “A delightful symphony of Eastern spices and nuts that is enhanced by real dairy cream and handcrafted rum. While creamy, it’s also light, and layered in flavor.”

Taj Mahal Premium Lager (4.5% ABV) – $5.00 (6 oz.) / $9.00 (12 oz.)

According to Legacy Wine and Spirits: “This is pale yellow in color with subtle malt aromas. The spicy hops are much more evident on the palate. Light and crisp, this has long been the beer of choice to pair with Indian cuisine.”

Location of India Marketplace at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

India is located between the China pavilion and the Africa kiosk along the World Showcase Promenade. India is Number 7 on the map below.

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