Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sanaa Restaurant Review #MonkeyKingdomEvent

Sanaa, which means “Work of Art” in Swahili, is a beautiful restaurant located in Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village.  This hidden gem serves a mix of African and Indian cuisine made with authentic cooking methods and flavors at a moderate price.  I had the opportunity to dine there for lunch a few weeks ago as part of the Monkey Kingdom Event with 24 other bloggers.  We had the opportunity to not only experience the food but also Dine with an Animal Specialist which is something anyone can do.  I suggest going for lunch and try to get a table by the window so you can see all the amazing views as you look outside at all of the animals such as zebras and giraffes.  You won’t be able to see the animals as much if you go at night since it will be dark but they do have night vision goggles outside in the viewing area that you can use after your meal if you do go for dinner. We started our meal with a bread flight that had various types of Indian-style breads such as Naan and Kucha.  It was served with various accompaniments such as chutney, hummus, etc.  Some where sweet, some were spicy, all were incredibly delicious.  There was something for everyone with this bread appetizer.

Choice of Three Breads – Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kucha, or Paneer Paratha. Choice of Three Accompaniments – Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Coconut Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, or Tamarind Chutney

  For our main course we were served Basmati rice with 2 different dishes, Goan Seafood Curry and Butter Chicken.  The Goan Seafood Curry was delicious but the Butter Chicken was my FAVORITE!  It was so flavorful and had such a smooth, delicate sauce.  I am craving it just thinking about it.  If you only get one thing at Sanaa make sure it is the Butter Chicken.

Choice of Two served with Basmati Rice or Five-Grain Pilaf – Butter Chicken, Goan Seafood Curry, Chicken Vindaloo, Spicy Durban Shrimp, or Beef Short Ribs

Thanks As Mom Sees It for this picture of the delicious desserts.  I was so excited about the desserts that I forgot to take a picture before I dove in! All 3 desserts in the dessert trio were as delicious as they looked.  They were presented together on a plate with a fancy layer of chocolate to tie the whole dessert together.  Each one was equally as rich and decadent as the next.  The Tanzanian Chocolate Mousse was sweet, rich, and perfect for any chocolate lover.  The Banana Cheesecake was smooth and had just the right amount of sweetness.  And the Kulfi was sweet and delicious.  It is similar to an ice cream and the perfect way to end our meal.

Tanzanian Chocolate Mousse, Banana Cheesecake, and Seasonal Kulfi

Here’s a Sanaa menu  sample.  What I love about Sanaa is that I stepped out of my comfort zone and ate things I’ve never had before but loved it all.  The chefs at Sanaa are very accommodating.  If you have a special dietary restriction they work with you to make a meal that you’ll love.  In our group we had several bloggers with allergies and a few vegetarians and the chef came out personally to go over the menu with them, offer them alternative choices, and make sure they had food they would love.  Sanaa is one of my new favorite places to go when I go to Walt Disney World and I can’t wait to take my family there the next time we’re in town. Don’t forget to take your family to see Monkey Kingdom!!! Disclosure- I was invited on an all expense paid trip to Orlando for the Monkey Kingdom Event.  All opinions are 100% my own.