Food and Wine Festival 2026 at EPCOT is kicking into high gear; however, with some food locations still set to open, it’s impossible to make an honest ranking just yet. The Alps and India, both opening October 2nd, promise to offer some delightful bites and sips that are bound to skew any ranking.
That being said, there are a few foods worth noting now, so you can either be sure to savor the taste or save room for something better.
Mexico – Tostada de Osso Buco: $8.25
Pork Osso Buco atop a Fried Corn Tortilla with Chipotle Black Beans, Salsa Verde, Queso Fresco and Chives
Starting off strong with this delicious offering from Mexico. This is a certified must-have for this year’s Food and Wine Festival. Absolutely delicious. It made sense that the line was packed, but this was definitely worth the wait. Juicy and perfectly seasoned, this savory bite was both mouthwatering and refreshing at the same time. Guaranteed to go well with any of the beverages offered at the Mexico booth. Absolutely worth opening your wallet for and a perfect appetizer for what is to come in the rest of the World Showcase.
Refreshment Outpost Hosted by Coca Cola® – Berbere-spiced Beef Stew: $6.79
Berbere-spiced Beef Stew with Sweet Potato Mealie Pap and Kachambari Slaw
Hearty and filling, this is always my recommendation to those looking to make a meal out of their snacking. Very large portion for the price- it is definitely a delicious shareable offering. A great mix of sweet and savory, this juicy beef makes an amazing entrée but might not leave you with a lot of room left over for other foods. However, it is certainly a hit for those looking to get the most bang for their buck.
Japan – Spicy Temaki Hand Roll: $9.00
Temaki Hand Roll with Spicy Tuna, Cucumber, Rice Cracker, and Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce
When approaching the Japan booth in the World Showcase, there was no line, so we knew we were in for some less favored snack options this year. Nonetheless, this spicy temaki roll offered some refreshing flavors with the cucumber, but was lacking in the spice department. Attendees looking for some fire on their tongues might find this a little more mild. Even so, the sauce was still very flavorful, as was the tuna, with an amazing texture to boast.
Japan – Beef Wagyu Temaki Hand Roll: $10.25
Temaki Hand Roll with Savory American Wagyu Beef, Pickled Ginger, and Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce
While better than its spicy tuna counterpart, this hand roll still left some a little underwhelmed this year. While flavorful, serving ground wagyu beef makes it difficult to appreciate the cut and justify the high price point. Even so, the high price point does come back with a large portion size and a good amount of meat on this offering- with delicious seasonings and a yummy sauce. True wagyu connoisseurs might still want to give this a try.
Hops & Barley – Smoked Brisket and Cheddar Melt: $6.49
Chopped Smokey Brisket, Caramelized Onions, Tangy Barbecue, and Cheddar Sauce on a Potato Roll
Possibly a controversial opinion, but I thought this was absolutely delicious. A definite must-have on my list and a great appetizer for anyone who starts their eating journey in America. While Hops and Barley wasn’t known for having the best offerings this year, with their less than favored Gulf Coast-style Seafood Roll, I felt that this one was certainly the better of the two. The potato bun was the perfect base for this absolutely mouth-watering, juicy brisket and yummy barbecue sauce. However, some found that the cheese sauce was overwhelming to the taste. Those that don’t vibe with creamy cheddar might not want to partake but overall this was, for-sure, a worthwhile bite- and good for the price too!
China – Dumplings Trio: $7.35
Assortment of Pan-fried Chicken, Pork, and Vegetable Dumplings with House-made Sweet and Spicy Sauce
A returning favorite for some, this famous set of dumplings first debuted in 1996. With a perfect, delicious, spicy sauce that pairs well with all three of these yummy pan-fried dumplings, this dish promises to delight new and returning fans of this delicacy. That being said, some might find the portion to be a little small for the price point. However, if budgeting isn’t a constraint, this is definitely worth a try as a returning favorite and reigning champion. Just look at the picture, you can even see the perfect golden brown of that crispy dumpling.
The Wedge Hosted by Dairy Does More™ – Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese: $6.49
Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Cheddar Sauce, Shaved Beef, Peppers, Onions, and Herbed Panko
Ending with my favorite food of the day, this one deserves a little backstory. With the privilege of being present on the opening day of this marketplace (running September 18th-November 8th), I knew I had to get something. That being said, the decision was not easy. With three different types of macaroni and cheese to choose from, it was almost impossible. However, with a party of long-time cheesesteak fans at my side, I knew what I had to do. All this to say, other fans of cheesesteak will not be disappointed. This dish was absolutely delicious, with a mouthwatering, savory combination that is sure to delight any fellow macaroni and cheese enjoyers. Like the beef stew, there is plenty for the price, making it a great shareable or a hearty portion. I cannot wait to return and try the other offerings at The Wedge this season.
With all this and more, I am curious to know what some of your thoughts are on the offerings this year at Food and Wine Festival. I consider myself something of a foodie and am delighted to share my thoughts with you all, and to hear your opinions in turn. What was your favorite dish?
