You Don’t Have to Go to EPCOT to Eat Around the World in Orlando
Photos by Jennifer Prince
When I was younger, I remember traveling around the world with my parents, both literally as my wanderlust stemmed from their influence and figuratively as our family traipsed around EPCOT in Orlando sampling global cuisine. My parents would gladly trade time at any of the Disney parks in to relive some of their international travel at the World Showcase inside EPCOT, although I can’t say the same for my younger self as I enjoyed the thrill of the ride-centric parks more.
As an adult, I’ve revisited EPCOT with my husband and kids to ride Spaceship Earth and reflect on my childhood, but on my last trip with my daughter, I decided to skip the parks and discover what Orlando itself had to offer instead. Surprisingly, I found a global culinary scene many folks miss if they don’t venture away from the theme parks. So, next time you head to Central Florida, make time to eat and drink around the world without having to purchase a ticket.
Turkey: Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine
When my daughter and I pondered eating at Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine, we didn’t know what to expect, but it was one of our trip’s most surprisingly delicious experiences. The restaurant is within walking distance of The Alfond Inn, a delightful boutique hotel if you’re looking for a place to stay. The menu boasts unique flavors, from hollow, air-filled lavash bread to vegetable saute and chocolate hazelnut baklava. Also, try a few Turkish wines while patronizing one of their four locations throughout the Orlando area.
Switzerland: Morthan Cheese
When visiting Plant Street Market, a bustling food hall with various unique eateries, I was thrilled to find raclette at Morthan Cheese. If you aren’t familiar with this Swiss delicacy, raclette involves heating a wheel of cheese and slicing the melted part onto whatever delicacy awaits below. The owner’s excitement was contagious as he happily chatted about his craft while we waited for the wheel to heat up, and the result was a delicious meal smothered in hot cheese.
Asia: Hawkers Asian Street Food
Although there are currently 14 locations across the Southern US, the original Hawkers Asian Street Food is in Orlando, and it’s the perfect place to get small bites of what street vendors offer throughout Asia. Dishes like Korean Twice Fried Wings and Yi-Yi’s Chicken Dumplings await, but you can also find familiar tastes, such as dumplings and egg rolls. I fell in love with the fabulous cocktail menu, so I suggest you start with the sweet O.G. Pain Killer or a refreshing Gin Rickshaw as you decide what to eat.