If there’s one thing that always gets us excited for EPCOT’s International Food & Wine season, it’s the chance to chase down those must‑try dishes. Some are festival legends, some are surprises, but all of them tell a flavor story. Here are the standout bites we will keep coming back for this year.
Flavors of America
Gulf Coast Seafood Roll — $8.75
Last year, Flavors of America made a shift toward hot dogs, and I’ll admit: I was disappointed to lose their iconic seafood rolls. This year? They’re back! The Gulf Coast Seafood Roll brings together lobster and shrimp, in a toasted roll, then finished with a lobster bisque drizzle and a sherry crème.
While I’ve tasted lobster rolls in prior years that might win on nostalgia or sheer decadence, this version strikes a strong balance. The shrimp adds texture, and the bisque / crème combo brings depth without overwhelming the shellfish. It’s a solid step in the right direction for bringing Flavors of America back to its New England roots.
New England Slider — $6.00
Sometimes, a small slider packs a big punch—and that’s exactly the case with the New England Slider. This little sandwich features pot roast, crispy onions, giardiniera peppers, and a horseradish cream all tucked into a potato bun.
I’ll be honest: we skipped this booth last year, but this year it made up for lost time. The tang from the giardiniera and the kick from horseradish cream elevate what could otherwise be a stodgy slider. It’s hearty, with just enough bite and contrast. Fair warning, once you pour the au jus, it does get soggy.
India Booth Highlights
If I had to pick my “booth of the year,” India would be it. I love the spice palette, the balance of heat and fragrance. This year, two items really stood out:
Potato & Pea Samosas — $5.50
Served with a plant-based coriander-lime cream, these are crisp, comforting, and bright. The filling is well seasoned, and the cream adds that cooling contrast we always want with spiced bites.
Chicken Tikki Masala — $6.50
Arguably one of the best values here. You get a satisfying portion of chicken in a rich (though not overpowering) sauce, accompanied by rice and naan, then topped with a fennel-spiced yogurt. It’s restaurant‑level flavor in festival form.
Honestly, I kept thinking: “I wish this were a regular EPCOT counter‑service option.”
Flavors from Fire
Smoked Corned Beef — $6.50
Every year, the Flavors from Fire booth is on my must-visit list, largely because they consistently deliver crowd-pleasing flavor. This year’s Smoked Corned Beef did not disappoint: layers of corned beef, house-made chips, cheese curds, pickled onions, and beer‑cheese fondue make for a loaded, indulgent bite.
From a flavor standpoint, this is one of the festival’s high points. The crunch, the tang, the creamy sauce—it works. We’ll always think fondly of the “Corned Beef Corner Route” version from 2020 (when ESPN/NFL hosted) as a nostalgic benchmark, but this iteration holds its own.
Tangerine Café (Morocco)
Moroccan Wrap — $6.25
Here’s a twist: my favorite bite of the day wasn’t on my original list. Over at Tangerine Café: Flavors of the Medina in Morocco, we found the Moroccan Wrap, with options: chermoula chicken, Moroccan-spiced lamb, or plant-based falafel. We went with the chicken, and wow—this wrap is flavorful.
Inside the warm flatbread, you get juicy chermoula-seasoned chicken, tomato-cucumber relish, and a garlicky sauce. The textures and flavors all play well together—bright, savory, and satisfying. If they bring this one back, I’ll be first in line.
A Few Tips for Making the Most of Food & Wine
- Portion sizes tend to be snack‑sized but prices can add up fast. We recommend sharing so you can try more snacks.
- It’s best to set a budget and pre-load it on a festival gift card (the one that goes on your wrist). This helps us only spend what we planned.
- Go early (when booths open) or late (before they close) to avoid the worst lines.
This year’s EPCOT Food & Wine Festival gave us a mix of nostalgic returns, value wins, and hidden gems. From the restored seafood roll to a wrap to the tikki-masala, these are the bites we couldn’t stop talking about. If you’re planning a trip, map out a route that hits these spots early—and leave room in your stomach (and budget) for surprises.
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