Epcot chef shares 5 must-try dishes at this year's International Food and Wine Festival

Suzy Fleming Leonard, Florida Today
Updated ·2 min read

Ask Disney chefs to pick a favorite dish at one of Epcot's food-centric festivals, and they always look conflicted.

Carefully crafted dishes populate themed marketplaces throughout the park during food-centric festivals that run most of the year. Choosing a favorite can be like choosing a favorite child.

Such was the case for Kevin Downing, chef of Epcot festivals. "There's a lot of offerings for our guests." he said.

But given a moment to think about it, he came up with five must-try picks for the 2023 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs through Nov. 18.

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Australia

Near Port of Entry

"If it's me, the lamb out of Australia is one of my favorite dishes. I've loved that for a long time."

The Roasted Lamb Chop is served with mint pesto and potato crunchies.

Flavors of America

Ciopipino: Seafood Stew with Saffron-infused tomato-fennel broth and crostini will be available in the Flavors of America during the 2023 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.
Ciopipino: Seafood Stew with Saffron-infused tomato-fennel broth and crostini will be available in the Flavors of America during the 2023 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Located in the American Adventure

"This year, I have to say I really like the flavors of America Menu. I think all the dishes there are outstanding. The Chilaquiles is one of my favorites."

The Chilaquiles are corn tortilla chips tossed in a salsa verde with Ranchero Chicken, queso fresco, cilantro-lime crema and a soft-poached egg.

"I love the Cioppino, too."

The Cioppino is a seafood stew with saffron-infused tomato-fennel broth and crostini.

Ireland

Between United Kingdom and Canada

"I personally enjoy the Fisherman's Seafood Pie out of Ireland."

Hawai'i

Near Port of Entry

"One of my favorites from last year, it was a new item last year, was the SPAM Sushi out of Hawaii."

The SPAM Sushi is made with sushi rice, teriyaki-glazed SPAM, spicy mayonnaise, eel sauce and nori.

Suzy Fleming Leonard is a features journalist with more than three decades of experience. Reach her at sleonard@floridatoday.com. Find her on Facebook: @SuzyFlemingLeonard or on Instagram: @SuzyLeonard. 

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: What should you try at the Epcot Food and Wine Fest? We asked a chef