Let the good times roll! Mardi Gras 2022 has officially begun at Universal Orlando Resort and we put together a list of foods you must tryWith that brings an incredible parade, free live concerts, and some delish menu items you don’t want to miss!

With 15 food kiosks, two bar carts, and eight regions represented, there is something to satisfy the foodie in all of us. Take a look at our top picks from this years event!

BRAZIL

Chicken Coxinha (pronounced ko-sheen-yuh)

This popular street food from Brazil is returning from last year. It’s a crispy, teardrop-shaped fritter filled with shredded chicken. These bite-sized goodies come in a paper cone making it easy for on-the-go snacking.

Foodie Tip: There are two ways to enjoy your coxinha: either by biting the crunchy tip first or by holding the tip and starting from the bottom. There’s really no right way to do it, although different regions of the country will strongly argue that their way is the best.

Beef Rissole

The beef rissole is a slight variation from the chicken ones. These savory bites are filled with tender, ground beef and coated in a croquet batter. I really enjoyed these and would recommend trying both the chicken coxinhas and beef rissoles.

Romeo and Juliet Coxinha

You can not go wrong with fried dough desserts. These light, airy, and aptly-named coxinhas offer me both with their warm guava and cream cheese filling, rolled in a granulated sugar coating for a touch of added sweetness. Perfect for sharing (or not).

Coxinha Allergen info: Safe for Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish, and Sesame allergies

INDIA (FLORAL PLANET)

Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Vindaloo

Vindaloo — Inspired by the Goa region of India, this spicy vegan dish features Romanesco cauliflower, sweet potatoes, peppers, sliced red onions, red and yellow tomatoes over a bed of basmati rice adorned with micro marigolds and a slice of grilled naan bread.

Foodie Tip: You can find this dish in the Animal Actors Courtyard, where all items are plant-based.

Vegan Golden Chai White Chocolate Blondies

Blondies have more fun! This vegan dessert is a lighter version of the traditional golden brownie treat with applesauce instead of eggs, vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips, and an overall brightness from cardamom spice and chai tea topped with white icing and festive sugar leaves.

SOUTHEAST ASIA (VOLCANO PLANET)

Coconut Curry Shrimp Laksa

Chef Christian Markussen recently returned to the States after helping Universal Beijing Resort open its doors in the fall of 2021. That experience opened his palette to new ingredients and dishes which served as the inspiration for the Coconut Curry Shrimp Laksa.

This coconut curry dish is exploding with flavor and texture — sautéed shrimp, pulled chicken, cucumber, and ramen noodles served in a spicy coconut curry broth. Topped with sambal chili paste, bean sprouts, cilantro, scallions, a sliced hard-boiled egg, and a piece of fried tofu battered in rice flour.

NEW ORLEANS (PLANET MARDI GRAS)

Crawfish Boil

Nothing says Mardi Gras like the New Orleans classics that return year after year. This classic dish of crawfish, andouille sausage, red potatoes, and corn cooked in a Cajun-spiced broth was a true comfort meal and one of my must-haves during Mardi Gras.

Other returning favorites include Chicken & Andouille Sausage Jambalaya, Blackened Shrimp Po’ Boy, Shrimp Gumbo, Crab Etouffee, and Muffuletta.

Beignets

Yes, they are back and always a good decision. Light, airy, fried dough pockets covered with a healthy dose of powdered sugar. What’s not to love?

Mardi Gras Marshmallow Pie

This exquisite chocolate marshmallow dream of a dessert will make you forget everything you remember about grocery store marshmallow pies. Pastry Chef Cheryl Figueroa Rivera uses her culinary magic to create these chocolate-dipped delights with homemade graham cracker crusts and marshmallow filling. Then she dusts the chocolate shell with edible gold and sugar Mardi Gras crowns and sprinkles. It’s love at first bite.

Allergen info: Safe for Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish, and Sesame Allergies

New this year at Universal Orlando Resort, a new Mardi Gras food and beverage gift card and lanyard!

• Pay $65 for a $75 Food & Beverage Card and Lanyard
• Pay $120 for a $150 Food & Beverage Card and Lanyard

Professor Heather

Heather is the proud owner of Theme Park Professor and Winds in the East Travel. For over 10 years, she has been covering everything from the latest merchandise to breaking news for her readers. As a New York native, Heather makes sure to visit the Orlando parks a few times a month, especially during the colder months. After all, what’s the point of having a Walt Disney World Annual Pass if you don’t use it?

Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead and also visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort multiple times a month. So, “Wands up!” for all the fellow Potterheads out there!