There are a lot of fun places to get a bite in Disneyland, but this may be the most underrated fast-counter service in the park for a fine meal!
Disneyland may not have the same level of top eateries as Walt Disney World, but it boasts some good places. Most of the better ones are in the Downtown Disney area, yet the parks can showcase some nice spots.
For the main Disneyland Magic Kingdom, there’s the famous Blue Bayou next to Pirates of the Caribbean. The Plaza Inn and Carnation Cafe are also good spots for a sit-down dinner, although many guests will want something faster.
The majority of the counter service spots in Disneyland offer the same sort of fare: Pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches and the like. Some are a bit healthier than others, yet one counter service spot is truly unique and worth trying for good meals at a better price than expected.
Often, a place many scurry past for the rides, this charming Adventureland spot offers a truly unique menu whose affordability belies how delicious it can be!
What Bengal Barbecue offers
Located right across from Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, Bengal Barbecue has been around since 1990. A good change in the last few years was adding an indoor seating area, which is nice to get out of the California sun or the occasional rainstorm.
The Adventureland theme is clear with tiles and decorations of wild animals about and the tables and chairs fitting the setting nicely. But it’s the food that’s the draw and more than worth it.
The main menu is Jungle Skewers, meat served on a stick. The prime draws are chicken, beef (regular or spicy), Safari (bacon wrapped around asparagus) pork belly and Outback vegetable. The price for them is only around $7.50, far less than you’d get at a lot of counter service spots in the park. Heck, it's not much more than you'd pay for a Mickey ice cream bar.
The taste, however, is worth twice as much. The beef skewers are unbelievably tasty, wonderfully juicy and perfectly cooked. The chicken is just as nice, and to be frank, these things seem better tasting than some of the full-service places in Disneyland. Just one or two will fill you up, not to mention healthier than the standard counter service food.
If you want bigger fare, the place also has the Bengal Rice Plate for $19 that offers more skewers with a bed of Jasmine Rice and a side of Citrus-Miso Slaw. There are also seasonal offerings that shift depending on the time of year, a bit more in the $12-19 range that can include Grilled Tahitian Ribs, a breakfast plate or a pork slider plate.
For other snacks, there’s a tiger tail breadstick and a pineapple spear along with the standard soft drinks. A nice addition is the Thai Tea Slushy to continue the jungle theme.
It’s frankly amazing Bengal Barbecue doesn’t get more press, as the prices are shockingly cheap for how tasty the skewers are. It’s a great break from the typical counter service meals, a good location and thus has to rank as the best fast-food spot in Disneyland for a unique meal that fills you up for more adventures.
Do you have an adventurous appetite?