Welp, we’ve got another great Disney snack for you guys to add to your ever-growing must-eat lists in Disney World!
Remember last year when we were all “you HAVE to try the cheesy bread at Art of Animation“?
Well the Resort’s food court, Landscape of Flavors, is back with another perfect-for-your-budget-and-your-Dining-Plan treat.
After all, this place has a strong reputation for serving options outside your typical Resort Food Court fare. Most visitors would argue that it has raised the bar for Quick Service options, particularly at the Value Resorts.When All Star Sports End Zone reopened this past December, it was easy to spy some of the areas where it took its cue from some of what’s made Landscape of Flavors such a success.
The Tandoori/Mongolian station, however, remains unique to the Landscape.
And there is something special tucked on the side of the menu that can be hard to spot among the listing of entrees such as Tandoori Shell-on Shrimp, Tandoori Boneless Chicken Thigh, and Mongolian Grill Beef Stir-fry or Grill Fish.
If you look just to right of the menu, you’ll see it: Naan Bread with Dipping Sauce. It’s listed as a $4.99 snack dish, and is also good for a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.
Much as we want to dive in, let’s start with some logistics. The Dipping Sauces available during my visit were Coriander Sauce, Tandoori Sauce, and Mango Chutney. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. If you’d like to try all three, you can go right ahead!
BUT — here’s a little confusing twist that I have to tell you about. The friendly Cast Member assisting me asked if I wanted the “side of Naan.” I didn’t realize, in that moment, that a “side of Naan” is different from the “snack-serving” of Naan. The side, as it turns out, includes one piece of Naan. The snack portion has TWO.
You know how I learned this? When I brought my dish up to the cash register, the Cast Member rang it up as $1.59. I said, “Oh, you know, thank you, but I think that the Naan is, umm, $4.99?” (I’m not very eloquent when I’m confused. Okay, I’m not very eloquent in general, but I digress…).
I was told the $4.99 price was for 2 pieces, whereas I just got “the side.” Now, don’t get me wrong, I was PUMPED, because… well, HELLO, it’s under two bucks! I understand now that having a side, of course, implies that you are also having a main entrée, so it makes sense that it would cost less. I just misunderstood the terminology in the moment. So, to clarify for you: Side of Naan (1 piece): $1.59; regular Naan Bread (2 pieces) with Dipping Sauce: $4.99. I’m just sayin’.
Frankly, I would have happily paid the $4.99 for two pieces. Because from the very first bite, I wanted more than one piece. Heck, I wanted more than two, because this totally rocked my world.
I mean, have I had awesome Naan before? Yep, sure. But have I had it in a Disney Value Resort Quick Service restaurant under a Cars-themed cloud chandelier?
No. No, I have not. So, let’s get to it!
First, the Naan itself. Ooooh, boy… this is the STUFF. I can tell you it was perfectly thick, soft, and had just the right amount of chewiness, but I’ll let the pictures speak a little bit, too.
Next: the dipping sauces, starting with the Coriander.
This beautifully colored dipping sauce was absolutely delicious. I’m a cilantro person (unlike AJ ;-D), so something like this is almost always a hit with me; but the blend with the garlic and spices was just so, so good.
I don’t know if the kick came from green chili or jalapeno — there was enough of a bite to make me suspect jalapeno. Whatever it was, it was just right.
I would’ve been more than happy to eat the entire piece with the Coriander sauce alone, but I had two more sauces to sample!
The Tandoori Sauce was certainly flavorful with a smooth, creamy texture, and I could definitely taste the variety of spices in the blend with the citrus (though without a bite like the coriander).
Personally, though, I prefer Tandoori sauce in a chicken dish, as opposed to a straight dip. I find that the flavor can be so intense that it’s nice to have something that can soak it in a bit, as opposed to a bread on which it sits.
Last we have the Mango Chutney, and it’s nicely fresh and fruity.
The flavor of the vinegar was noticeable, though not overly-so. It’s the least complex dip of the bunch – just simple and refreshing.
Next time, though, when I go back for more Naan (and you better believe I will!), I’m going to stick with the Coriander. Okay, I may have a bit more of that Mango Chutney, too. Variety is the spice of life, after all!
Is a stop at Landscape of Flavors on your list? Please let us know with a comment!
John P says
If I am reading correctly, if you ordered 2 sides it w/b $3.18. The snack serving w/b $4.99.
Jenn @ Fairest Run of All says
So… if I bought two separate sides of naan, it would be cheaper but I’d get the exact same thing? Verrrrrry interesting…
Jessi says
If they give you the dipping sauces with the side of naan; wouldn’t it be cheaper to get two sides, rather than 1 snack?
Sarah C. says
Good point Jenn!! 🙂 I am going to have to try this in March 🙂 looks good 🙂
Jay says
Curious, can you go to Art Animation Resort just to eat? If so how do you do this? I am a passholder and visit the parks at least once a week. Have always wanted to see this new resort and eat there but I figured since I am not staying at resort they will not let me in. I know security checks are everywhere at WDW resorts. Any advice please share, thank you.
Becky W says
They should serve the Naan open, instead of folded, and with only two sauces, arranged like mouse ears.
Summer says
AAAHHHH! Since I’m staying at AoA in just a few days, this will be like a taste of Sanaa but much more convenient!
Essie says
Jay, anyone can eat at the AoA. If you’re at any of the parks, just hop a bus to AoA and go thru the gift shop at the bus drop off and it will lead you to the food court. It’s a wonderful place to eat and after you’re done you can go out and enjoy the resort’s grounds. There are so many fun photo ops and things to enjoy. The only thing that you can’t do without staying there is swim. Then, when you’re done, just go back to the bus stop and get a bus to which ever place you want to go to.
Wendy says
Oh, my gosh… MOUSE EARS, Becky W! Why didn’t I think of that 🙂 ?
Jay — Essie is right on both counts… that you can eat there and that it’s a wonderful place :). If I drive in, I ask the security guards if I may eat there. If parking is maxed out for some reason (i.e., a busy season), they may not be able to allow it for a certain time, so I’m always prepared for that, just in case. But if you let them know you’re hoping to try the restaurant, it’s often given the okay :). They do ask visitors driving in to present a Photo ID. Hope you’re able to visit… be sure to check out the Cars section!
Summer — have a great time!!!
Jay says
Thank you Essie and Wendy. I really thought it was forbidden to go onto resort grounds if you’re not a resort guest. Glad its okay and I would think Disney would want my money but one time we tried to go to a resort to buy a license plate that was only sold there(according to DD guest services) and we were turned away. Perhaps, it was because of the parking space issues as Wendy stated. It made me think it was because we did not have reservations. Happy to hear that most likely was not the case. Again thanks and I will try to go there next week.
Kaitie says
Jay – I have never been turned away at any resort! I live near Orlando, and often go to the resorts just to take in the ambience/eat/shop, etc. Sounds like you may have tried on an odd day 🙂
Sarah C. says
Same here, I love to go and visit many of the resorts, all have such unique stores and restaurants, actually this is one of my favorite things to do while we visit.:-) We even go relax on the hammocks on the beach at the Grand Floridian, magnificent!