Jiko Marks 25 Years of Serving Authentic African Cuisine at Disney

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has been a staple in Walt Disney World for over two decades, and its fine dining venue, Jiko, The Cooking Place, is celebrating a major milestone: 25 years of serving authentic African cuisine. Located within the lodge, Jiko offers guests a unique culinary experience that showcases the diversity and richness of Africa's flavors.

According to Karen McClintock, manager, global public relations, food and beverage, introducing African cuisine to Disney guests was ambitious when the resort opened in 2001. However, with its design inspired by traditional African kraals and a collection of African art, Jiko provided a strong foundation for the concept.

Jiko's chef de cuisine, Eddy Mendoza, notes that the restaurant distills the entire continent through the contemporary lens of Cape Town, South Africa. He emphasizes the importance of relating each dish to its African roots, using ingredients and techniques that showcase the region's diversity.