The last time I ate at Boma was so long ago, I don’t even remember when it happened or what I enjoyed. I don’t even remember if they had Zebra Domes! So for all intents and purposes, let’s just say this was my first time eating at Boma – Flavors of Africa.
Boma is a buffet restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House. They are located on the first floor of the resort. For reference, the lobby is actually on the third floor. From the lobby, you can access it via two sets of stairs to your right that lead to Victoria Falls Lounge, or via elevator. Boma is open for breakfast and dinner, and they are a buffet during both meals. There is limited seating outside of the restaurant for people waiting for notification that their table is ready.
Look around while waiting.
In my experience that evening, there were more people waiting than seating available. Restrooms are also located nearby if needed before or after dinner. While you’re waiting, take a minute to appreciate all of the hand-made woven baskets on the walls by the restrooms and the telephones!
After checking in, I unfortunately had a longer wait than I anticipated before my phone buzzed to let me know my table was ready. However, once I approached the host/hostess counter, I was greeted by warm smiles of the staff and very friendly interactions. I was taken to my table and handed a drink menu which included a very impressive wine selection, various other adult beverages, as well as some non-alcoholic beverages.
I’m from the south, so naturally I asked for a sweet tea. To my dismay, only unsweet or raspberry tea are available. Not a problem, I can make it a sweet tea from the basket of sweeteners on the table. Crisis averted. My server made some recommendations, briefly explained how the buffet was laid out, and then sent me on my way.
So. Much. Food!
The first station, after picking up a plate, was the meat/protein area. Chicken, ribs, salmon, and even a steak carving station. I need to break even on this dinner, so I’d like some steak, please! Nestled in the protein station was a bowl of Boma mustard. I don’t know what they added to this but I really should have asked if it’s available in bottles to purchase. I absolutely loved it!
The steak, for me, was good. To some it may be too rare but I was happy with it. I really wanted to like the ribs. I tried them twice because I didn’t want to not like them, but they just didn’t do it for me. The salmon, also, was not a hit. I’m afraid it probably suffered the buffet curse where it slowly dries out over time. The salmon was peanut crusted, so do be aware of that if it’s an allergy!
After the proteins, the station of sides was up next. Here is where you’ll find a few different vegetables as well as the kid-friendly fare, such as chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and plain pasta with optional marinara. The sides that I tried ranged from nice to “wow this is amazing!”
The stand-out for me was the peanut rice. I was skeptical at first but the combination of peanut flavor with the rice was unusual for me, but I was very much into it. Naturally, if you have a peanut allergy this is something to steer clear of.
And Soups!
Next to the sides was the soup station, which was set up in a confusing manner. Everyone is moving from right to left through the buffet, however the bowls for the soup were at the far left of the station, versus when you approach it from the right. That added some chaos to this particular area.
On the other hand, the two soups I tried were some of my favorites. I wish I had room for the butternut squash soup, but alas.
Here’s where my note taking skills fell short. I do not remember what the first soup was that I tried. I believe it was a chowder of sorts? My server recommended it and it was fantastic! The second soup was a curry lamb (I think?) stew which was also very very good. It had some spice to it.
After the soup station was where you’ll find the salads, fruit, and bread. This would be the least visited station of the five. Then finally, at the very far left end of the buffet is everyone’s favorite: the desserts, including Zebra Domes. The infamous zebra domes. I felt like I was meeting a celebrity.
Then the desserts!
I only had room for four desserts. Really though, by this point I would have been fine with two desserts but winners never quit! Sadly, only two of these desserts would stand out.
The first, starting on the top-left, was an apple cake dessert and that was one of the misses for me. It was dry. It made me sad.
Next to it, on the top-right, was a mango-guava tart and I loved it. Not only was it pretty but it was light and refreshing.
On the bottom-left was a coffee-flavored dessert. I like coffee. The bean on top added texture but ultimately it was the other miss.
Zebra Dome hype is real!
Then we get to the zebra dome. The infamous zebra dome. The dessert people rave about. I loved it. I see why people rave about it. To my surprise, I thought the outer layer would be a hard shell but as you can see from the photo below, it and the inner layer were soft. This was a home run for sure. This is made with Amarula, which is a liqueur from South Africa.
After dinner, I rolled myself outside and sat for a while to recover from all the delicious food I ate, as well as think about where I could possibly purchase a bottle of that Boma mustard. I know I can hop over to The Mara for zebra domes, but I also really wanted that mustard!
Important planning info:
As of this writing, breakfast at Boma is $29 for adults, $17 for children. Dinner is $49 for adults, $29 for children. This does not include tax or gratuity. Annual passholders and Disney Visa cardholders do get a discount.
Advance dining reservations are highly recommended, as this is a very popular restaurant.
Disney Rover 