Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is in full swing at Universal Orlando Resort. Guests can enjoy special limited-time food items at themed booths throughout Universal Studios Florida. Without further ado, here are our reviews for every item on the menu for Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras 2024 Food Booth Reviews
Belgium
Food:
- 🆕 Sweet & Savory Gouda & Onion Waffle – $8.99
- 🆕 Cookie Butter Liege Waffle – $7.99
Beverages:
- Hoegaarden – $15 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11 for souvenir refill, or $12 for 20 oz.
- Delirium Red – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $14 for 20 oz.
*NEW* Sweet & Savory Gouda & Onion Waffle – $8.99
Warm crystalized waffle, smoked gouda, beer braised onions, black forest ham
Rating out of 7: 6
The sweet and savory options are a fantastic combination. The waffle base is amazing; we’d enjoy it in any form, but the sugar pairs so well with the onions, cheese, and ham.
*NEW* Cookie Butter Liege Waffle – $7.99
Warm crystalized waffle topped with cookie butter, whipped topping, Biscoff cookies.
Rating out of 7: 7
This may be one of the best sweet items at the festival this year (aside from beignets, of course). We love cookie butter, and this utilizes it for a very sweet but delicious treat.
Hoegaarden – $15 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11 for souvenir refill, or $12 for 20 oz.
Delirium Red (8% ABV) – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $14 for 20 oz.
Location
Belgium is located at Studio Snacks across from The TODAY Cafe. You can find it at A on the map below.
Bloody Mary Bar
Beverages:
- 🆕 Bloody Mary Wild – $19.50 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $15.50 for souvenir refill, or $15 for 12 oz.
- Bloody Mary Mild – $19.50 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $15.50 for souvenir refill, or $15 for 12 oz.
- Miller Lite – $10
- Modelo – $11
- Truly Vodka Seltzer – $12
*NEW* Bloody Mary Wild – $19.50 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $15.50 for souvenir refill, or $15 for 12 oz.
New Amsterdam vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, horseradish, Worcestershire, celery salt, black pepper, sriracha, and Louisiana hot sauces
Rating out of 7: 7
This had the perfect consistency, and while the drink is a great choice, the topping is the real draw. The popular Nashville hot chicken has returned in this tiny sandwich garnish. It’s the spiciest dish at Universal and we love it.
Bloody Mary Mild – $19.50 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $15.50 for souvenir refill, or $15 for 12 oz.
New Amsterdam vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, horseradish, Worcestershire, celery salt, and black pepper
Rating out of 7: 5
You can’t go wrong with this. It’s a good Bloody Mary if that’s what you’re looking for. We prefer the Wild over the Mild, but if you’re not a fan of the spice, this will still satisfy your craving.
Miller Lite (4.2% ABV) – $10
Modelo (4.4% ABV) – $11
Truly Vodka Seltzer (5% ABV) – $12
Location
The Bloody Mary Bar is located in San Francisco across from the entrance to Fast & Furious: Supercharged. You can find it at B on the map below.
Brazil
Food:
- 🆕 Pao de Queijo – $6.99
- Shrimp Moqueca – $7.99
- Brigadeiros – $6.49
Beverages:
- Mango Caipirinha – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
*NEW* Pao de Queijo – $6.99
Brazilian cheese bread
Rating out of 7: 1
This is the first year pao de queijo is available as its own item instead of as a side dish. Unfortunately, the cheese bread was a doughy, undercooked disappointment.
Shrimp Moqueca – $7.99
Shrimp and coconut cream stew, micro cilantro, white rice
Rating out of 7: 4
The rice was on the dry side, but the delicious sauce helped. The creamy coconut and pepper flavors of the sauce worked very well. Overall, it wasn’t terrible, but not memorable.
Brigadeiros – $6.49
A Brazilian classic, chocolate with condensed milk and Mardi Gras sprinkles
Rating out of 7: 7
The brigadeiros are returning with a change: instead of three different flavors, these are all the same. Not that we’re complaining, as these chocolates are amazing. Our only complaint is that they are so small for the price.
Mango Caipirinha – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
Piras 51 Cachaça, Bols orange curaçao, lime juice, simple syrup, mango juice, mango purée, fresh min, lime wedge
Rating out of 7: 5
You can definitely taste the alcohol in this tart drink, but it’s not too strong. It’s a solid choice if you like mango, but nothing exemplary.
Location
Brazil is located at Avenue Eats in Gramercy Park. You can find it at C on the map below.
Canada
Food:
- 🆕 Candied Bacon & Onion Poutine – $10.49
- 🆕 Vegan Wild Mushroom Poutine – $9.99
Beverages:
- 🆕 Fire Cider – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
- LaBatt Blue Light – $15 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11 for souvenir refill, or $12 for 20 oz.
- La Fin Du Monde Draft – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $14 for 20 oz.
*NEW* Candied Bacon & Onion Poutine – $10.49
Candied bacon spiced curly fries with caramelized onion gravy, cheese curds, spiced maple bacon and parsley
Rating out of 7: 2
This was superior to the vegan wild mushroom option, but not by much. The only thing with any flavor in this dish is the gravy, but that flavor is salt.
*NEW* Vegan Wild Mushroom Poutine – $9.99
Seasoned curly fries with vegan cheddar, mushroom gravy, truffle oil
Rating out of 7: 2
This one was somehow even saltier, though the mushroom flavor was also prominent. The vegan cheese was solid and offered nothing of value to the dish.
*NEW* Fire Cider – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
Fireball cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, cinnamon stick
LaBatt Blue Light (4% ABV) – $15 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11 for souvenir refill, or $12 for 20 oz.
La Fin Du Monde Draft (9% ABV) – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $14 for 20 oz.
Location
Canada is located at Expo Circle near the Animal Actors amphitheater. You can find it at D on the map below.
China
Food:
- 🆕 Szechuan Noodle Salad (Vegan) – $5.99
- 🆕 Spicy Smashed Cucumber (Vegan) – $5.99
- 🆕 Potstickers – $5.49
Beverages:
- 🆕 Hong Kong Boba Tea – $9
- Lucky Buddha Beer – $10.75
*NEW* Szechuan Noodle Salad (Vegan) – $5.99
Spicy cold noodle salad with cucumbers, peanuts, cilantro, scallions
Rating out of 7: 2
The noodles certainly were spicy, but they were also cold and oily. We cannot recommend these.
*NEW* Spicy Smashed Cucumber (Vegan) – $5.99
Spicy marinated cucumbers with peanuts, cilantro, scallions
Rating out of 7: 4
These are fine, but nothing special. The sauce is very spicy, but it also makes the dish messy and soggy.
*NEW* Potstickers – $5.49
Pork potstickers served with black vinegar and chili oil dipping sauce
Rating out of 7: 5
This is a small serving for the price, but it’s decent. The potstickers themselves aren’t spicy, but the sauce packs a punch.
*NEW* Hong Kong Boba Tea – $9
Hong Kong-style oolong milk tea over ice with coffee boba and salted cheese foam
Rating out of 7: 5
This was fairly good, but they ran out of boba, so we weren’t able to fully review this. As a boba-less drink, it has a nice balance of sweetness from the milk tea and saltiness from the cheese foam.
Lucky Buddha Beer (4.8% ABV) – $10.75
Location
China is located at the cable car-themed stand in San Francisco, across from Lombard’s Seafood Grille. You can find it at E on the map below.
Coca-Cola Market Square
Food:
- 🆕 Cherry Cola BBQ Pork Slider – $9.99
- 🆕 Orange Whoopie Pie – $6.99
- Twisted Tater – $9.49
Beverages:
- 🆕 Parade Punch – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
- 🆕 Parade Punch Mocktail – $8
- 🆕 Carnaval Paloma – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
- 🆕 Blackberry Krewe – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
- 🆕 Blackberry Krewe Mocktail – $8
- Premium Cocktail – $19.25 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $15.25 for souvenir refill, or $15.25 for 12 oz.
*NEW* Cherry Cola BBQ Pork Slider – $9.99
Slow cooked carnitas with cherry cola BBQ sauce on a Hawaiian pretzel bun served with lemon-lime soda infused coleslaw
Rating out of 7: 3
The serving is tiny for the price point and the dish is sub-par. The unremarkable slaw made the pretzel bun soggy. While the carnitas was good, we wouldn’t waste money on this again.
*NEW* Orange Whoopie Pie – $6.99
Orange soda whoopie pie filled with whipped topping and orange marmalade
Rating out of 7: 4
While the citrus taste was barely noticeable, the cake was moist and tasty and the filling was high-quality. But if you’re looking for a strong marmalade flavor, this won’t meet your expectations.
Twisted Tater – $9.49
Fried spiralized potato topped with choice of seasoning: seasoned salt, ghost pepper, garlic parmesan, or sour cream and chives
Rating out of 7: 6
You really can’t go wrong with a twisted tater. What started as a Halloween Horror Nights staple has made its way to Mardi Gras due to its popularity. When in doubt, stick with the classic seasoned salt.
*NEW* Parade Punch – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
el Jimador tequila, pineapple-chipotle syrup, basil syrup, topped with Fanta Orange
Rating out of 7: 6
This is a well-balanced cocktail, neither syrupy nor strong, but the chipotle syrup gives it enough of a kick to be memorable.
*NEW* Parade Punch Mocktail – $8
*NEW* Carnaval Paloma – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
el Jimador tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave, pinch of salt, topped with Fresca
*NEW* Blackberry Krewe – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
New Amsterdam gin, blackberry syrup, topped with Sprite
Rating out of 7: 4
Some of our group enjoyed this as a refreshing, sweet cocktail, but some found it too reminiscent of cough syrup.
*NEW* Blackberry Krewe Mocktail – $8
Premium Cocktail – $19.25 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $15.25 for souvenir refill, or $15.25 for 12 oz.
Premium cocktail mixed with your choice of liquor: Tito’s Vodka, Bacardi rum, Cuervo Blanco tequila, Jack Daniel’s bourbon, Captain Morgan rum, Crown Royal whisky, or Tanqueray gin
Location
The Coca-Cola Market Square is located at Expo Circle near the Animal Actors amphitheater. You can find it at F on the map below.
Colombia
Food:
- 🆕 Colombian Burger – $9.99
- 🆕 Arepa de Choclo – $8.49
- 🆕 Oblea – $6.99
Beverages:
- 🆕 Aguardiente Punch – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
*NEW* Colombian Burger – $9.99
Grilled burger with Monterey Jack cheese, pineapple cabbage slaw, cilantro garlic sauce, potato sticks
Rating out of 7: 2
This is a very weak burger and we would almost rather choose any other theme park burger. It was dry, small, and flavorless.
*NEW* Arepa de Choclo – $8.49
Traditional sweet corn cake filled with cheese and griddled with honey butter
Rating out of 7: 4
It’s a decent arepa, but very overpriced. We did enjoy the corn cake and the sweetness of the honey butter, but they did not use enough cheese to balance it out.
*NEW* Oblea – $6.99
Crispy wafer filled with dulce de leche, strawberries
Rating out of 7: 3
The dulce de leche and fresh, plump strawberries are very tasty, but the flavorless communion-style wafer fell apart and made this very hard to eat.
*NEW* Aguardiente Punch – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
Cumbe Aguardiente, lime juice, simple syrup, blackberry concentrate, berry gummies
Rating out of 7: 6
This is a refreshing, tasty drink that fans of black licorice will love. It’s light and fruity and the anise from the aguaridente comes out on the end notes.
Location
Colombia is located in Gramercy Park across from the Macy’s facade. You can find it at G on the map below.
France
Food:
- 🆕 Bananas Foster Creme Brulee Crepe – $11.99
Beverages:
- 🆕 Grand Framboise Slush – $15
- Charles De Fére Cuvee – $12
- Patient Cottat Sauvignon Blanc – $13
- Feudo Maccari Grillo – $12
- Domaine du pavillon Chavannes Côte De Brouilly – $17
*NEW* Bananas Foster Creme Brulee Crepe – $11.99
Banana caramel, vanilla cream, fresh bananas, whipped topping, brûléed sugar
Rating out of 7: 5
Our favorite part of this was the crispy, sugary crème brùlée top. The whipped cream was great but it could have used more caramel. Some of our group found the pudding off-putting but others felt it paired well with the freshly-sliced bananas. As always, the crêpe itself was fantastic.
*NEW* Grand Framboise Slush – $15
A decadent mélande of Grey Goose vodka, Gabriel Boudier Créme de Framboise, raspberry purée, white chocolate syrup
Charles De Fére Cuvee (11.5% ABV) – $12
Patient Cottat Sauvignon Blanc (13% ABV) – $13
Feudo Maccari Grillo (12.5% ABV) – $12
Domaine du pavillon Chavannes Côte De Brouilly (12.5% ABV) – $17
Location
France is located at Central Park Crepes. You can find it at H on the map below.
French Quarter Bar
Beverages:
- Premium Cocktail mixed with your choice of liquor – $19.25 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $15.25 for souvenir refill, or $15.25 for 12 oz.
- Category 5 Punch – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
- Abita Purple Haze – $15 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11 for souvenir refill, or $12 for 20 oz.
- Oh Baby King Cake Brown Ale – $15.75 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11.75 for souvenir refill, or $12.75 for 20 oz.
- Sazerac – $15
Category 5 Punch – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
Cruzan dark rum, Myer’s dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, passion fruit purée, grenadine
Rating out of 7: 1
When this debuted in 2022, we enjoyed it. But last year, the quality suffered from heavy syrups and a sour end note. We tried it again this year and felt similarly. You can get better versions in CityWalk.
The Category 5 Punch is also available at the New Orleans booth.
Abita Purple Haze – $15 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11 for souvenir refill, or $12 for 20 oz.
A lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Vanguard hops. You may see fruit pulp in the beer!
Oh Baby King Cake Brown Ale – $15.75 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11.75 for souvenir refill, or $12.75 for 20 oz.
Sazerac – $15
Old Overholt straight rye whiskey, Absente absinthe, Peychaud’s Bitters, simple syrup, lemon juice
Location
The French Quarter Bar is located in the extended Transformers queue across from Gramcery Park. You can find it at I on the map below.
Germany
Food:
- Chicken Schnitzel – $8.99
- 🆕 Currywurst – $7.99
- 🆕 Kasespatzle – $4.99
- 🆕 Bavarian Pretzel with Obatzda – $11.49
- 🆕 Mutzen – $6.99
Beverages:
- Beer Flight – $12.50
- Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Radler – $16 for 20 oz. souvenir stein, $15 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11 for souvenir refill, or $12 for 20 oz.
- Warsteiner Pilsener – $16.75 for 20 oz. souvenir stein, $15.75 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11.75 for souvenir refill, or $12.75 for 20 oz.
- Ayinger Celebrator – $16.75 for 20 oz. souvenir stein, $15.75 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11.75 for souvenir refill, or $12.75 for 20 oz.
- Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier – $16 for 20 oz. souvenir stein, $15 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11 for souvenir refill, or $12 for 20 oz.
- Schladerer Himbeergist Brandy – $13
- Jagermeister – $11.50
Chicken Schnitzel – $8.99
Breaded Chicken Cutlet served with baked Cheese Spaetzle
Rating out of 7: 3
This greasy hunk of fried chicken is much like the “famous fried chicken” at Bavarian tourist towns across the country: overpriced and average. The beer cheese almost redeems the dish; it’s very rich and creamy. But the spätzle is overcooked. Skip this.
*NEW* Currywurst – $7.99
Crispy skin German bratwurst sliced and topped with spicy curry ketchup
Rating out of 7: 7
The sauce has a good amount of spice. The wurst has a nice crunch. It’s a great savory dish and one of our favorites this year.
*NEW* Kasespatzle – $4.99
Cheese spätzle topped with crispy onions
Rating out of 7: 6
The fired onions are the star of this dish. They add a pop of flavor and crunch. The noodles and cheese are also delicious.
*NEW* Bavarian Pretzel with Obatzda – $11.49
Warm pretzel with Bavarian beer cheese dip
Rating out of 7: 1
Germans would be ashamed of this pretzel. It’s hard and the cheese has very little flavor. Not only was the dish a disappointment but it’s a terrible value at $12.
*NEW* Mutzen – $6.99
Fried lemon-vanilla fritters dusted with powdered sugar
Rating out of 7: 5
These are a tad greasy but still good. They’re cooked well with a nice hint of lemon. We would get them again.
Beer Flight – $12.50
with Warsteiner Pilsner, Weihensthaner Hefe Weissbier, Ayinger Celebrator
Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Radler (2.5% ABV) – $16 for 20 oz. souvenir stein, $15 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11 for souvenir refill, or $12 for 20 oz.
Warsteiner Pilsener (4.8% ABV) – $16.75 for 20 oz. souvenir stein, $15.75 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11.75 for souvenir refill, or $12.75 for 20 oz.
Ayinger Celebrator (6.7% ABV) – $16.75 for 20 oz. souvenir stein, $15.75 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11.75 for souvenir refill, or $12.75 for 20 oz.
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier (5.4% ABV) – $16 for 20 oz. souvenir stein, $15 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $11 for souvenir refill, or $12 for 20 oz.
Schladerer Himbeergist Brandy (84% ABV) – $13
Jägermeister (35% ABV) – $11.50
Location
Germany is located at Battery Park across from Mel’s Drive-In. You can find it at J on the map below.
Italy
Food:
- 🆕 Roman Suppli – $7.99
- 🆕 Zabaglione with Berries – $5.99
Beverages:
- 🆕 Aperol Spritz Sorbet – $14
- Bollini Pinot Grigio – $15
- Querceto Chianti – $11
- Bertani Valpolicella – $14
*NEW* Roman Suppli – $7.99
Mozzarella and provolone filled risotto with vodka sauce, roasted red pepper aioli
Rating out of 7: 3
The risotto has nice flavors and a good consistency, but the sauce is overwhelming. It tastes good and would have been fine on the side. But as it is, there’s way too much.
*NEW* Zabaglione with Berries – $5.99
Frangelico anglaise with mixed berries topped with toasted hazelnuts
Rating out of 7: 7
This is one of the best treats this year. The berries are plump, fresh, and sweet, and the cream is heavenly.
*NEW* Aperol Spritz Sorbet – $14
Aperol aperitivo with blood orange sorbet
Rating out of 7: 6
This is light, refreshing, and strong. We’ll be getting it again.
Bollini Pinot Grigio (13.5% ABV) – $15
Querceto Chianti (12.5% ABV) – $11
Bertani Valpolicella (12% ABV) – $14
Location
Italy is located at Louie’s Italian Restaurant/the Guido’s Gelato service window. You can find it at K on the map below.
Mexico
Food:
- 🆕 Chilaquiles Verdes – $7.49
- 🆕 Quesabirria – $8.99
- 🆕 Churro Loops & Chocolate – $7.99
Beverages:
- Classic Margarita – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
- 🆕 Gran Añejo Margarita – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
- Jose Cuervo Añejo Tequila – $11.50
- Modelo – $11
- Modelo Chelada Lime – $14.50
- Modelo Chelada Pineapple – $14.50
*NEW* Chilaquiles Verdes – $7.49
Tortillas topped with chile braised shredded chicken, salsa verde, cilantro onion mixed with lime crema and cotija cheese
Rating out of 7: 5
This is a hearty serving full of chicken and topped with fresh onion and cilantro. The Verde sauce is spicy but not overly so.
*NEW* Quesabirria – $8.99
Birria beef in a corn tortilla with Monterey Jack and Oaxaca cheese, served with birria broth
Rating out of 7: 7
The Birria beef is tender and well complemented by the broth, which is thicker than we’re used to but to its benefit. There is a generous amount of melty cheese oozing out of the top to bring the whole thing together.
*NEW* Churro Loops & Chocolate – $7.99
Cinnamon sugar churro loops with Mexican chocolate dipping sauce
Rating out of 7: 2
These are disappointing. They’re hard and dry, necessitating the chocolate sauce to be palatable.
Classic Margarita – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
el Jimador blanco tequila, lime juice, Dekuyper triple sec, agave nectar, smoked sea salt
Gran Añejo Margarita – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
Jose Cuervo Añejo tequila, DeKuyper Triple Sec, lime juice, agave, smoked sea salt
Jose Cuervo Añejo Tequila (40% ABV) – $11.50
Modelo (4.4% ABV) – $11
Modelo Chelada Limón y Sal (3.5% ABV) – $14.50
Modelo Chelada Piña Picante (3.5% ABV) – $14.50
Location
Mexico is located at Cafe La Bamba. You can find it at L on the map below.
New Orleans
Food:
- Fried Green Tomato Po’Boy – $12.49
- Chicken & Andouille Jambalaya – $7.49
- Shrimp & Crawfish Boil – $14.49
- Crawfish Étouffée – $7.49
- Shrimp Gumbo – $7.49
Beverages:
- Category 5 Punch – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
- 🆕 Espresso Martini – $14
- 🆕 Chicory Coffee 16-ounce – $8
Fried Green Tomato Po’Boy – $12.49
Flash-fried green tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, and Cajun remoulade served with Cajun kettle chips
Rating out of 7: 6
The Cajun chips are unevenly seasoned, which is disappointing because the ones with the right distribution are good. The remoulade dominates the sandwich in the best way, with a zest that complements the strong fried green tomatoes. The toasted bun and toppings make this a great choice.
Chicken & Andouille Jambalaya – $7.49
Mixed rice with andouille, blackened chicken, peppers, and tomatoes
Rating out of 7: 4
The chicken and andouille jambalaya dish is mediocre. It’s a small portion with a lot of rice and too heavily seasoned. The chicken and sausage themselves were okay. We don’t have much negative or much positive to say.
Shrimp & Crawfish Boil – $14.49
Mixed bag with crawfish, shrimp, andouille, potatoes, and corn on the cobb
Rating out of 7: 6
This is amazing. The crawfish is perfectly cooked and well-flavored. We come back for the crawfish alone, as the sides are nothing to write home about. It’s a generous portion, too.
Crawfish Étouffée – $7.49
Creamy crawfish and vegetable stew over white rice
Rating out of 7: 7
This is another dish where the crawfish is a hit. It’s perfect for a cooler night. The stew is well-seasoned, and the rice makes it hearty.
Shrimp Gumbo – $7.49
Stew of trinity, shrimp, andouille, and bacon over white rice
Rating out of 7: 6
The shrimp isn’t fishy, and it’s well paired with the seasoning and gravy. The vegetables add a nice texture profile and the rice held together nicely, though it was a bit crunchy.
Category 5 Punch – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
Cruzan dark rum, Myers dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, passion fruit puree, grenadine
Rating out of 7: 1
The Category 5 Punch is also available at French Quarter Bar. See our full review above.
*NEW* Espresso Martini – $14
Brewed coffee, JF Haden Espresso liqueur, New Amsterdam vodka, black sugar syrup
Rating out of 7: 6
This is strong and delicious. It’s an awesome little caffeine boost.
*NEW* Chicory Coffee 16-ounce – $8
Chicory coffee, toasted marshmallow syrup, with toasted marshmallow cold foam
Rating out of 7: 7
This might be the best drink of the year. The sweet marshmallow flavor balances the intense coffee.
The Espresso Martini and Chicory Coffee are also available at the New Orleans Desserts booth next door.
Location
New Orleans is located in Gramercy Park. You can find it at M on the map below.
New Orleans Desserts
Food:
- Beignets – $6.99
- King Cake Mini – $6.49
Beverages:
- 🆕 Espresso Martini – $14
- 🆕 Chicory Coffee – $8
King Cake Mini – $6.49
Traditional cake with cinnamon swirl icing, Mardi Gras sprinkles, and a Mardi Gras baby
Rating out of 7: 5
It may be “mini,” but it’s still the super sweet King Cake we know and love. Watch out for the little plastic Mardi Gras baby!
Beignets – $6.99
sweet fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar
Rating out of 7: 7
These beignets are the real deal. They’re airy and delicious — a Mardi Gras must-have.
*NEW* Espresso Martini – $14
Rating out of 7: 6
See our review above.
*NEW* Chicory Coffee – $8
Rating out of 7: 7
See our review above.
Location
New Orleans Desserts is located in Gramercy Park, facing the French Quarter Bar in the Transformers extended queue. You can find it at N on the map below.
Philippines
Food:
- 🆕 Pancit Bihon – $8.49
- 🆕 Crispy Lumpia – $7.49
- 🆕 Pandan Cheesecake – 6.99
Beverages:
- 🆕 Buko Juice – $12
- San Miguel – $10.75
*NEW* Pancit Bihon – $8.49
Rice noodles, sautéed vegetables, pulled chicken, garlic, soy sauce
Rating out of 7: 3
This was flavorless and mediocre, despite the vegetables and soy sauce.
*NEW* Crispy Lumpia – $7.49
Pork-filled crispy rice paper roll with dipping sauce
Rating out of 7: 4
These are boring but not bad. There are many more options at the festival with a more exciting flavor profile, like the Currywurst from Germany or the Quesabirria from Mexico.
*NEW* Pandan Cheesecake – 6.99
Pandan cheesecake with whipped topping, and shaved toasted coconut
Rating out of 7: 4
This is also bland without being terrible. It lacked the shaved toasted coconut, which could go a long way in improving its flavor profile and texture.
*NEW* Buko Juice – $12
Coconut water, coconut milk, coconut cream, pandan extract, smoked sea salt. Served in a souvenir coconut cup
Rating out of 7: 5
This comes in a souvenir coconut cup, which we love, but it is hard to drink out of. The drink itself has an off-putting color but it tastes just like coconut.
San Miguel (5% ABV) – $10.75
Location
The Philippines is located at the Food Truck near Richter’s Burger Co. in San Francisco. You can find it at O on the map below.
Puerto Rico
Food:
- 🆕 Pastelón – $8.99
- 🆕 Bacalaitos – $7.99
- 🆕 Pastelitos de Guayaba – $5.99
Beverages:
- 🆕 Piña Colada – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
*NEW* Pastelón – $8.99
A layered casserole of sweet plantain, and picadillo beef topped with Edam cheese
Rating out of 7: 7
This delicious dish is a contender for best of the year. The plantains and beef picadillo are perfect, making for a sweet and savory dish. It has a nice portion size.
*NEW* Bacalaitos – $7.99
Crispy salt cod fritters with bell peppers, cilantro, and onions served with mayo ketchup
Rating out of 7: 2
This had a nice crunch but the cod was too overpoweringly fishy. It was extremely greasy, too.
*NEW* Pastelitos de Guayaba – $5.99
Guava-filled puff pastry with powdered sugar
Rating out of 7: 7
This is a “dessert” but would also make a great mid-morning snack. The pastry is doughy but soft. There’s a perfect amount of guava inside. It’s well-balanced.
*NEW* Piña Colada – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
Ron del Barrilito Santa Ana Overproof rum, lime juice, coco cream, pineapple juice, smoked sea salt
Rating out of 7: 6
Rounding out the Puerto Rico booth is this classic piña colada. It’s pineapple-forward with a slight creaminess.
Location
Puerto Rico is located in Gramercy Park. You can find it at P on the map below.
Spain
Food:
- 🆕 Ensalada de Pulpo – $8.99
- 🆕 Papitas Bravas – $5.99
- 🆕 Crema Catalana – $6.49
Beverages:
- Sangria Flight – $17
- Sangria Tinto – $12
- Sangria Rosado – $12
- Sangria Blanco – $12
*NEW* Ensalada de Pulpo – $8.99
Traditional Spanish salad with octopus, fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, paprika, sherry vinegar
Rating out of 7: 5
If you’re not someone turned off by octopus, then you’re in for a treat. The octopus is tender, not chewy, and the veggies are all fresh. The cup looks small, but we found it to be an ample serving for the price since everything is chopped up.
*NEW* Papitas Bravas – $5.99
Seasoned crispy potatoes, paprika aioli
Rating out of 7: 6
The potatoes are fresh, hot, and crispy, while the sauce is creamy and flavorful. It reminds us of Thousand Island dressing, in a good way.
*NEW* Crema Catalana – $6.49
Bruleed citrus milk custard with candied orange peels
Rating out of 7: 4
This has a great, strong, vibrant orange taste but the texture is off-putting. It’s gritty. The candied orange peel is the best part.
Sangria Tinto – $12
Red sangria with Honoro Rioja, Torres 10 brandy, Ferrand dry curaçao, lemon juice, orange juice, blackberry extract, simple syrup
Sangria Rosado – $12
Rose sangria with Honoro Rose, New Amsterdam gin, strawberry purée, a pinch of smoked sea salt
Sangria Blanco – $12
White sangria with Honoro Vera Rueda, Bacardi rum, pineapple and lemon juices, simple syrup, lemon bitters, a pinch of smoked sea salt
Sangria Flight – $17
Flight of Sangria Tinto, Sangria Blanco, Sangria Rosado
The flight is a great option if you want to try all three, which we recommend.
The pinch of sea salt brings out the vibrant fruity flavors of the rosado.
The tinto is a fuller, richer sangria but it’s a tad too syrupy.
The blanco is the perfect contrast to the others, sharp and lemony. We liked it the best of the three.
Rating out of 7: 6
Location
Spain is located at 57 Eats in Gramercy Park. You can find it at Q on the map below.
Thailand
Food:
- 🆕 Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp – $8.49
- 🆕 Green Curry with Chicken – $6.99
- 🆕 Chicken Satay – $8.99
Beverages:
- 🆕 Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea Mocktail – $8
- 🆕 Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
*NEW* Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp – $8.49
Sautéed shrimp on a salad of shredded green papaya, and carrots, with Thai basil and peanuts, tossed in a spicy Thai dressing
Rating out of 7: 2
This is forgettable. It’s three small shrimp on top of a pile of soggy, shredded papaya. It has no discernible spice.
*NEW* Green Curry with Chicken – $6.99
Spicy green curry chicken with shiitake mushrooms, eggplant, snap peas, red bell pepper, jasmine rice
Rating out of 7: 2
The chicken is bland and it’s the same in the chicken satay below. The rice is overcooked, making it dry and flavorless.
*NEW* Chicken Satay – $8.99
Marinated grilled chicken skewer with Thai cucumber, topped with peanut sauce
Rating out of 7: 1
This has a small portion of bland chicken. The peanut dipping sauce is watery. Skip this.
*NEW* Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea Mocktail – $8
*NEW* Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea – $17 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $13 for souvenir refill, or $13 for 12 oz.
New Amsterdam gin, butterfly tea matcha, passion fruit syrup, mint syrup, simple syrup, lime juice in pipette
Rating out of 7: 4
We got the alcoholic version of the butterfly pea blossom tea. Some thought it was too floral but others thought it was just right. It’s not too sweet.
Location
Thailand is located in San Francisco near Lombard’s Seafood Grille. You can find it at R on the map below.
2024 Mardi Gras Map
About Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs from February 3 through April 7, 2024. In addition to food, guests can enjoy a nightly Elements-themed parade and live concerts. Special Mardi Gras merchandise is available and there is a Mardi Gras Coca-Cola Freestyle mug. Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can enjoy various perks, including a Mardi Gras magnet. In CityWalk, the Cursed Coconut Club is open in the evening with specialty cocktails.
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