6 Returning Food & Wine Festival Favorites

Every year, Busch Gardens’ Food & Wine Festival challenges taste buds with bold flavors never before imagined at a theme park. Around March, when the new menus and kiosks are announced, festival goers and team members alike anxiously await the news as to what fresh flavors Chef Justin has been cooking up.

And while we always look forward to trying what’s new, there’s equal excitement around the returning festival favorites. Everyone has that one dish that they reserve half of their Sampler credits for, so admit it—what’s yours? Caribbean’s Gamba Fritters? Chocolate Lava Cake from American Southwest? We understand…so, for comparison, here are a few of our top returning menu items.

1. Fish Taco

Located in Scotland, between Highland Stables and Loch Ness Monster

Nothing makes you feel more like a pioneer of the American Southwest than the Fish Taco, a classic summer entrée made with chile-spiced tilapia, red cabbage slaw, pico de gallo and cilantro-lime sauce.

2. Tandoori Chicken

Located in Germany, between Der Marktplatz and Der Wirbelwind

A traditional Indian dish, Tandoori Chicken offers bold flavor with a kick of spice that you won’t find at an average backyard BBQ. Complemented by cardamom ginger rice and cucumber raita, this dish alone is worthy of a visit.

3. Spam Slider

Located in Ireland, between Castle O'Sullivan and Eagle Ridge

Say “Aloha” to the Hawaiian Spam Slider. Blend the savory and the sweet with this ham and grilled pineapple sandwich, complete with sriracha mayonnaise then served with fresh pineapple-coconut coleslaw.

4. She-Crab Soup

Located in Scotland, near Tweedside Train Station

Feelin’ crabby? Treat yourself to a Virginia specialty, She-Crab Soup, local to the Chesapeake Bay. This crab bisque is garnished with sherry and an Old Bay® crostini with a Chesapeake blue crab salad on top.

5. Bananas Foster Cheesecake

Located in France, between Royal Palace Theatre and Griffon

Many Food & Wine Festival aficionados would suggest both starting AND ending with dessert. Case and point— have you tried the Bananas Foster Cheesecake from the French Quarter kiosk? Let’s just say that when you try this vanilla and pecan-crusted cheesecake topped with orange rum caramel sauce and a sliced banana, you will not want to leave the France village. Ever.

6. Pineapple Upside-down Cake

Located in Germany, across from the Wilkommenhaus

We’ve said it once, and we will say it again—always leave room for dessert. Cruise down to the Caribbean kiosk and turn your world upside down with a light but satisfyingly sweet Pineapple Upside-down Cake topped with a rum sauce.

There’s still plenty of time to pick favorites and visit again and again during Food & Wine Festival. Let us know what you’ve been craving on social and see you in the park every Friday, Saturday & Sunday through July 2. While we know you are loyal to your faves, don’t forget to try what’s new from Cuba, Brazil, South Korea & Japan. Perhaps you will find a new taste tradition for next year!