🎭 Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval – The Top Must-Try Foods! 🎉🍽️

Brandi Parker
Feb 24, 2025
3 min read

There’s no party like a Mardi party! But what’s a party without food? Just a weird get-together. Luckily for all of us, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is bringing the flavors of the world to Orlando—and it’s all delicious! 😋

I’ve rounded up my top must-try eats from this year’s festival, from savory street snacks to classic sweet treats. So grab a napkin (trust me, you’ll need it), and let’s dig in! 🍴👇

Puerto Rico – Bold Flavors & Nostalgic Bites

🌭 Cheese Dog

This isn’t just a hot dog—it’s a flavor explosion! 💥 A juicy all-beef hot dog wrapped in cheese, then wrapped again in an empanada, and served with a mayo-ketchup dipping sauce. Talk about next-level comfort food! 🤤

📣 Pro Tip: This is a nostalgic childhood favorite for Chef Luis Rivera, who grew up grabbing these from school-side snack shops. One bite, and you’ll see why!

🍢 Pinchos de Lechon

Tender, char-grilled pork shoulder skewer 🍖 slathered in guava BBQ sauce, served with fluffy pan sobao (sweet Puerto Rican bread). It’s smoky, sweet, and absolutely mouthwatering.

📣 Why You Need This: If you’re looking for authentic Caribbean flavor, this is it!

🐊 Bites of the Bayou – Comfort Food with a Cajun Kick

🧀🔥 Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese

Is there anything better than mac & cheese? Yes. Cajun Mac & Cheese! 🤯

Cavatappi pasta coated in spicy, creamy goodness, mixed with andouille sausage and the Cajun holy trinity (onion, celery, and bell pepper), then topped with a Cajun cream sauce. Cheesy, smoky, and just the right amount of heat! 🔥

📣 For the Spice Lovers: This dish brings the heat, but it’s nothing too sweat-inducing—just enough to make you come back for more!

Colombia – A Perfect Mix of Savory & Sweet

🍔 Colombian Burger

Grilled beef burger, topped with Monterey Jack cheese, pineapple cabbage slaw, cilantro garlic sauce, and crispy potato sticks. 🌮🍍🥔 It’s juicy, tangy, crunchy, and 100% a must-try!

📣 Bonus: Easy to eat on the go—perfect for snacking between rides! 🎢

🧀🥖 Pandebono (Colombian Cheese Bread)

If you love cheese + bread, you NEED this. 🧀🥖 Soft, cheesy, and slightly sweet, it’s a bite-sized piece of heaven.

📣 Why You’ll Love It: This classic Colombian treat is simple but so addictive!

India – Bold Spices & Breakfast Anytime

🥞 Potato Dosa

A crispy Indian crepe filled with curried potatoes, onions, and black mustard seeds, served with coconut chutney. 🌿 Vegan-friendly and packed with flavor!

📣 For Breakfast Lovers: If you believe in breakfast all day, this one’s for you.

☕ Iced Chai Latte

A sweet and spiced chai tea mixed with milk and house-made masala cold foam. The perfect pairing for your dosa—or just a great way to refresh between snacks!

📣 Pro Tip: That cinnamon flavor? Chef’s kiss. 👌

🎷 Taste of the Quarter – Classic NOLA Sweets

🍩 Beignets

Fluffy fried dough covered in a mountain of powdered sugar. It’s a New Orleans classic and a Mardi Gras essential! 🎭

📣 Bonus: Comes in a paper bag, so you can snack mid-dance break. 💃🎶

👑 King Cake

The crown jewel of Mardi Gras treats! A soft, sweet cake topped with cinnamon swirl icing, colorful sprinkles, and—of course—a Mardi Gras baby!

📣 Fun Fact: Traditionally, finding the baby means you get to be king for the day. But at Universal, every slice comes with a baby—so we’re all royalty! 👑

🎉 The Best Part? You Can Eat Your Way Around the World! 🌎

No matter what you choose, every bite at Universal Mardi Gras is a celebration of flavors from across the globe! 🌍💃

💥 But Wait! Let’s Make Your Universal Adventure Even More Epic! 💥

Why stress over planning when you can leave it to an expert (that’s me! 😉)? As a Universal Parks & Resorts Specialist, I handle all the details—from tickets 🎟️ to dining 🍽️ to insider tips that make your trip stress-free and extra magical! ✨

✅ Best deals & packages 🎟️

✅ Personalized planning—zero stress! 🤯

✅ Expert tips for maximizing your time & fun 🎢🎭

✅ Concierge-level support before & during your trip! 📲

📲 Ready to plan your Universal getaway? Request a quote or schedule a vacation consultation today!