Jiko — The Cooking Place, tucked inside Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge at Jambo House, is marking its 25th anniversary in 2026 with a refreshed menu that leans deeper into the bold, approachable flavors of Africa. Chef Eddie Mendoza and Sommelier Bryon Kelly hosted a special preview evening to showcase what guests can expect during the milestone year.
The updated menu opens with a refined amuse-bouche: a small potato bite topped with hen of the woods mushroom, tomato, and herb oil. From there, the signature Giraffe rolls return with a twist — classic white rolls crowned with a rice topping and served alongside house-made butter dusted with cocoa for a subtly sweet finish. Standout appetizers include a Duo of Diver Scallop with Pork Belly, plated over mustard caviar and corn cream, and a West African Koki Corn dish — a smooth, tamale-like preparation with spicy avocado tomatillo purée.
For entrées, a Seared Venison prepared sous vide and finished à la plancha earned particular praise for its tenderness. It arrives over a silky cauliflower purée with celery root and is paired with the Chocolate Block, a Shiraz blend with cherry-tart and berry notes. The dessert course offers three options: a Malta Pudding trio featuring Amarula-infused Malva Cake with caramel-sea salt gelato; a Melktert styled like a panna cotta with cinnamon cream and cornflake crunch; and the Potjie Pot — layers of chocolate custard, lemon-olive oil cake, whipped caramel, cocoa nib crunch, and cherries, which reviewers called the standout of the evening.
Longtime menu staples like the classic steak with macaroni and cheese remain, making Jiko a restaurant that balances adventure with familiarity. Whether you're a first-timer or a regular, the 25th-anniversary additions give guests plenty of new reasons to book a table.
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Disney Food Blog attended the anniversary preview as invited media and provided the details above.
