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Part of the appeal of eating at Disney restaurants is the ability to experience cuisine from around the world without ever leaving the States. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is Disney’s Sanaa restaurant. Who doesn’t want to explore the cuisine of Africa without the expensive flight?
Sanaa Location
Disney’s Sanaa is located at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Specifically, you can find it in the Kidani Village section of Animal Kingdom Lodge. This does mean that Sanaa is rather inconveniently located for anyone not staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
However, don’t let this deter you from eating here. Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great option for resort hopping on a rest day from the parks. Between the general atmosphere and the animals, it’s worth the trek. Then if you add on a truly unique Disney dining experience, it’s more than worth it.
Alternatively, hopping over to Animal Kingdom Lodge for lunch or dinner on your Animal Kingdom day is probably the other easiest alternative.
Disney Sanaa Hours
Sanaa is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, Sanaa offers quick service style dining.
- Breakfast Hours: 7:00a-10:00a
- Lunch Hours: 11:30a-3:00p
- Dinner Hours: 5:30p-9:00p
Sanaa Atmosphere and Theme
Sanaa is themed after African food with Indian flavors. Accordingly, the decor of the restaurant evokes an African feel through the use of patterns and colors.
The design is meant to evoke the feel of an East African spice market decorated with handwoven wares. All of this under the branches of acacia trees.
The tables are set up in a winding pattern around the acacia trees integrated into the decor. I love the earthy feel of this restaurant from the textures to the colors. Each section of the restaurant has a sightly different feel, though the entire space is open concept.
I found myself completely obsessed with the lighting fixtures in one of the sections. I love them!
Tip: Schedule your reservation during lunch or day light hours for dinner. The true star of the design at Sanaa are the animals outside.
If you don’t mind potentially waiting a little extra, request a table by the windows. The restaurant is located at ground level of the building, putting guests at Sanaa eye level with some amazing animals wandering the savanna.
We were lucky enough to get a table by the window. At night. Fail.
Disney Dining Plan and Discount Information
Disney Sanaa is eligible for 1 Table Service credit in the Disney Dining Plan at lunch and dinner. For breakfast, Sanaa will take 1 Quick Service credit on the dining plan. This is an important distinction to take note of: breakfast at Sanaa is served quick service style.
In terms of discounts, both Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members are eligible for a 10% discount (excluding alcohol). Not to be outdone, Tables in Wonderland cardholders get 20% off, including on alcohol.
If you have any questions about the Disney dining plan, make sure you look at my Disney dining plan guide.
Dining Reservation Difficulty
Despite the location, Sanaa is a fairly popular restaurant. It might not necessarily book up fast at the 180 day mark, but if you want a table during prime hours make sure you make the booking as soon as you are able. It’s just safe to put it towards the lower end of your priority list on you Disney dining reservation booking day.
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of booking Disney dining reservations!
Sanaa Menu
As I mentioned above, Sanaa serves up 3 meals a day with a variety of options. Breakfast is a quick service meal, which makes sense as there really isn’t any other option for breakfast over at Kidani Village.
Remember, the chefs could change this menu at any point in time. The list below is accurate as of 4/7/2020. Always make sure to review the official Sanaa menu to see if they made any changes.
Sanaa Breakfast Menu
- Eggs Benedict: Two-poached Brown Eggs, Farmer’s Ham, Spice Route Hollandaise, Arugula and Berries
- Boere Breakfast: Two Cage-free Eggs with African Home Fries, House-made Boerewors Sausage, Bacon and a Coconut Drop Biscuit
- Methi Paratha Wrap: Scrambled Eggs, Potatoes Masala, Gouda, Chermoula and Papaya Achar
- Enriching Grains and Fruit: Mixed Grains, Seasonal Fruit, South African Rusk and Coconut Milk Yogurt
- Shahi Tukra French Toast: Saffron-scented Sultan Raisins, Whipped Chai Cream and Almonds
- Shakshouka Baked Cage Free Eggs: Harissa-spiced Tomatoes with Kalamata Olive, Aged Gouda and Mana’eesh Bread
Breakfast also includes a series of grab ‘n’ go items for people looking for a quick meal on their way to the parks.
Sanaa Lunch Menu
Appetizers
- Indian Style Bread Service: Choice of Five Breads and with all Nine Accompaniments – Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kulcha, or Paneer Paratha. Accompaniments – Cucumber Raita, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Tamarind Chutney, Coriander Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, or Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle
- Shrimp Tinashe: Sauté Sambal Shrimp and Nhopi
- Lamb Kefta Skewers: Lamb Skewers with Tunisian Couscous Salad and Peppadew-Goat Cheese
- Salad Sampler: Berbere Black-Eyed Peas, Watermelon and Pickled Fennel, Tunisian Beet Chermoula
- Samosas: Potato and Pea Samosas with Tamarind and Mango Chutney
- Boerewors and Spiced Eggs: Traditional South African Sausage, Curry-spiced Eggs, and Cape Malay Onions
- Seasonal Soup
Entrees
- Potjie Inspired: Choose one from the Journey – Goan Seafood Curry, Butter Chicken, Braised Beef, Spicy Durban Shrimp, or Paneer Tikka. Choose one from the Harvest (Plant-based) – Aloo Masala, Chickpea Wat, Lentil Dhal, or Cilantro-Coconut Vegetables served with scented Basmati Rice
- Tandoori Chicken: Traditional Naan, Rocket, Pickled Onion, Tomato, and Sambal Mayonnaise
- Boerewors Braai: Grilled South African Sausage with Onion Jam and Confit Tomatoes served Open-faced on Traditional Naan with Sanaa Chips and Pickle Spear
- Seasonal Sustainable Fish: Prepared with Mielie pap and seasonal accompaniments
- Quinoa Vegetable Tabbouleh Salad: Quinoa, Black Rice, Vegetables, Herbs, Paneer, Citrus Dressing, and Papadum
- Tandoori Shrimp: Over Harvest Salad with Mint Raita and Aloo Paratha
- Sanaa Burger: Spiced Mustard and Peppadew-Goat Cheese served with Sanaa Chips and Pickle Spear
- Kenya Coffee Barbecue Sandwich: Pulled Pork with Root Vegetable Slaw in a Bread Bowl served with Sanaa Chips and Pickle Spear
- Mishkaki: Gingered Braai Beef Kabab with Kenyan Mukimo and Braised Greens
Sanaa Dinner Menu
Appetizers
- Indian Style Bread Service: Choice of Five Breads and with all Nine Accompaniments – Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kulcha, or Paneer Paratha. Accompaniments – Cucumber Raita, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Tamarind Chutney, Coriander Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, or Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle
- Samosas: Potato and Pea Samosas with Tamarind and Mango Chutney
- Salad Sampler: Berbere Black-Eyed Peas, Watermelon and Pickled Fennel, Tunisian Beet Chermoula
- Oxtail Umngqusho: Braised Oxtail, Marrow, Cracked Hominy, and Beans
- Artisanal Cheese Selection: Assorted Cheese with Traditional Accompaniments
- Scallop Chana: Seared Scallops, Chana Dhal, Greens, and Citrus Gastrique
- Seasonal Soup
Entrees
- Potjie Inspired: Choose one from the Journey – Goan Seafood Curry, Butter Chicken, Braised Beef, Spicy Durban Shrimp, or Paneer Tikka. Choose one from the Harvest (Plant-based) – Aloo Masala, Chickpea Wat, Lentil Dhal, or Cilantro-Coconut Vegetables served with scented Basmati Rice
- Berbere-braised Lamb Shank: Served with Freekeh Grains and Summer Garden Chakalaka
- African-inspired Biryani: Fragrant Rice with Seasonal Vegetables influenced from the Cape of Good Hope
- African-inspired Biryani with Shrimp: Fragrant Rice with Seasonal Vegetables influenced from the Cape of Good Hope
- South African Braaivleis: Fire-grilled Meats with Traditional Accompaniments
- African-inspired Biryani with Chicken: Fragrant Rice with Seasonal Vegetables influenced from the Cape of Good Hope
- Grilled New York Strip: Roasted Potatoes Vinaigrette, Harvest Vegetables, and Butter
- Traditional Sosatie: Braai Lamb with Apricots, Pap, Spinach, Cashews, and Goat Cheese
- Today’s Sustainable Fish: Prepared with Geelrys Rice, Sukama Wiki, and Citrus Butter
- Mozambique Chicken: Roast Piri Piri Half Chicken with Sweet Yam and Roasted Vegetable Hash
Dessert Menu
- Serradura: Butterscotch Pudding, Almond Coffee Streusel, Pineapple, Mango, and Breton Shortbread
- Chakalaka Poached Pear: with Frangipane, Chai-Cream, and Almond Brittle
- Spice Trade Candy Bar: Coconut, Apricot, Caramel, Pistachio, Cashew Bar coated with Milk Chocolate, topped with Chai Cream, Pistachio Crumb, and Apricot Gelee
- Caramel N’dizi: Banana Financier with Caramelized Milk Chocolate Crémeux, Hazelnut Crunch, Banana-White Chocolate Chantilly, and Ginger Raspberries
- African Triple Chocolate Mousse: Nyangbo Dark Chocolate from Ghana, Tanariva Milk Chocolate from Madagascar, Orelys Blond Chocolate, Chocolate Almond Biscuit, and Strawberries
- Kheer: Coconut-Rice Pudding with Cashew Streusel and Saffron-poached Fruit
Kids’ Menu
Kid’s Breakfast Menu
- Explorer Platter: One Cage-free Egg served Any Style, African Home-fries, Bacon and a Coconut Drop Biscuit
- Kids’ Waffle: Two Mickey Waffles and Bacon
Kids’ Lunch and Dinner Menu
Each kids’ meal is served with an entree, 2 selections, and a beverage.
Kid’s Create Your Own Entree (Choose 1)
- Fish of the Day
- Shrimp Saute
- Butter Chicken
- Chicken Breast
- Cheese Pizza
- Cheeseburger
Kids’ Create Your Own Selections (Choose 2)
- Citrus Ginger Broccolini
- Seasonal Vegetables
- Fruit Cup
- Cheddar Mac & Cheese
- Green Beans
- Quinoa Pilaf
- Basmati Rice
- Roasted Potatoes
- African Shield Dessert
- Pumbaa’s Dessert Grub
Sanaa Gluten Free Menu
In terms of gluten free friendliness, Sanaa is actually a great restaurant. There are a lot of different options to choose from in both the appetizers and entrees.
Sanaa is famous for the Indian Bread Service. Fortunately, the chefs created an allergy friendly Naan bread. All of the accompaniments are also gluten free. And don’t forget, you can always ask your server if it’s possible to modify something that interests you on the menu. They will try to accommodate you whenever possible.
Disney Sanaa Review
Before we even start talking about Sanaa, let’s talk about Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you are voyaging all the way out there to eat at Sanaa, please make sure you schedule time into your day to explore Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Make sure you spend some time looking at the animals on the savannah at Kidani Village, but also make a point of going over to Jambo House to see the lobby. Along with Wilderness Lodge, Jambo House has one of the most beautiful lobbies at any Disney resort. Especially if you are there during Christmas, this is an absolute must.
I will admit, both Doug and I found ourselves Googling images and descriptions of the menu items because we simply didn’t know what they were. There’s no shame in that!
Overall Impression
Our overall experience at Sanaa was very favorable. More than favorable, really. I would go there again in a heartbeat. Really, the only downside of the restaurant is the fact that it’s out of the way of pretty much everything else at Disney World.
The restaurant itself has some a homey and warm feel to it. The food is absolutely melt in your mouth delicious. Since I’ve never been to Africa I can’t speak to the authenticity of the flavors, but they sure seemed like it! Either way, the food is so good and completely unique.
Picky eaters should not be turned off by Sanaa. There are more traditional options available at each meal.
Sanaa Bread Service
First things first, let’s talk the Sanaa bread service. This is what Sanaa is truly famous for. While the rest menu is also delicious, the Sanaa bread service is where it’s at. If you are on a budget and get nothing else at Sanaa, get the bread service.
Each order of the bread service comes with 5 pieces of Naan, which is plenty for sharing, and more than enough to make an entire meal for one person.
If one person needs the allergy friendly naan, don’t worry, you can still split the dish. Our waitress let us decide how many pieces of naan would be traditional and how many were allergy friendly. We went with 2 traditional and 3 allergy friendly because the traditional naan is quite a bit larger. We figured it would even itself out a bit that way.
For the traditional naan there are 5 different flavors you can choose from. If you wanted to you could get one of each, you don’t have to pick just one. There is only one flavor of allergy friendly naan.
Sanaa Bread Service Accompaniments
The Sanaa bread service comes with 9 different accompaniments. And luckily for me and my gluten free friends, all 9 of them are gluten free. They vary from very mild to very spicy. There is guaranteed to be one that you like.
Below are the accompaniments roughly from mildest to spiciest
- Cucumber Raita
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Mango Chutney
- Tomato-Date Jam
- Tamarind Chutney
- Coriander Chutney
- Garlic Pickle
- Red Chile Sambal
- Spicy Jalapeno-Lime Pickle
In the end, each of us picked our favorites. Even my kids enjoyed the novelty of the Sanaa bread service. Admittedly, my daughter is a great eater and is willing to try many different things, but even my picky eater got in on the action.
Doug and I absolutely loved the Sanaa bread service. In the end, I was kind of sad that we decided to split one because I easily could have eaten the whole platter as a meal. Which brings me to an important point:
The Sanaa bread service as a meal is a great, affordable meal option at Sanaa. Or, have one person order the bread service, another an entree and split it. There is plenty of food there for 2 people.
Gluten Free Naan
As you can tell from the picture, the allergy friendly naan looks absolutely nothing like real naan. And that’s ok as I wouldn’t exactly expect them to be identical.
Honestly, I view the naan more as a vehicle for the accompaniments themselves. The accompaniments are so packed full of flavor, the naan itself doesn’t need to be. Maybe this is skewed coming from someone who can’t taste the regular naan. Maybe the regular naan makes the accompaniments even better.
While that is entirely possible, I’m still tickled pink that allergy free naan is even possible. Trust me, it would be an absolute shame if gluten free eaters couldn’t get the bread service at Sanaa.
Potjie Inspired
Once again, my husband and I ordered the exact same thing. We just have nearly identical tastes in food. This is fine in the grand scheme of things, but not the best when blogging and reviewing a restaurant! Not only did we both get the Potjie Inspired entree, but we both go the same combination of foods.
We both ordered the Butter Chicken with the Chickpea Wat and scented Basmati rice. I’m not gonna lie, I am in LOVE with the butter chicken. It was just so darn good! The chickpea wat was also delicious. I’m a lover of chickpeas in general, so that certainly helps. Beware, the chickpea wat is spicy!
Kids’ Meal and Dessert
As much as I’d like to say that my kids ordered some of the more interesting options, alas, they both chose pizza and fruit. Can’t win them all, I guess. As far as they’re concerned, it was delicious.
What I do like is that of the two accompaniments they are allowed with their meal, there are a couple of dessert options. Of course, my kids are no dummies and chose a dessert instead of a vegetable.
I really enjoy the ideas behind both of the kid’s meal desserts. Pumbaa’s Dessert Grub has of course been done before in other themes all over the place, but that doesn’t make it any less pleasing for kids. Underneath that delicious “dirt” is some pudding. All in all, a fun dessert for kids.
But I think my favorite is the African Shield Dessert. Not that I could actually eat it, but I love how unique it is. It is more than a dessert, it’s an experience for the kids. It comes with a shield shaped sugar cookie, ice cream, a brownie, 3 colored frostings, and a paint brush. How fun is that? My son really enjoyed this dessert.
African Triple Chocolate Mousse
When you eat gluten free, you get accustomed to the fact that dessert often loses some of it’s pizzazz. We are often relegated to ice cream and puddings. But not here, my friends. That’s right, this delectable dessert is completely gluten free.
I knew about this dessert before we arrived, and I knew I planned to order it. I have read reviews of other bloggers who name it one of the favorite desserts in all of Disney World. So I was intrigued. Unfortunately, I was pretty darn full from the delicious dinner, but that didn’t stop me!
Doug and I split the African Triple Chocolate Mousse, and it really was delicious. It’s not super rich like a lot of gluten free chocolate-y desserts can be. This makes it even better for me and I don’t like things to be really rich.
All in all, we really enjoyed it and would order it again. However, I can’t say it’s my favorite dessert in all of Disney World. That honor goes to the Mango-Passion Fruit Panna Cotta at Sebastian’s Bistro.
Final Thoughts on Disney Sanaa Restaurant
As I’m sure you can tell, we absolutely enjoyed our meal at Sanaa. It was delicious and creative. We definitely plan to eat there again some day. However, next time I will be more careful to schedule our meal during daylight hours to fully enjoy the amazing setting and animals.
Like I’ve said a few times already, making a visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge simply to take in the sights is definitely a good idea. And while you’re there, you might as well have a great meal at Sanaa. Boma is also very good, but I think I would elevate Sanaa above it. Either way, dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge is pretty darn good!
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Your Thoughts
What do you think? Have you been to Sanaa? Do you think it’s worth the hike out to Animal Kingdom Lodge? Let me know in the comments below.
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