Let’s get one thing straight right away. If you haven’t been to Universal Volcano Bay yet, you are seriously missing out. I will shout from the rooftops that it is the best water park EVER with chill island vibes, minimal lines, and some of the most fun rides I’ve ever been on at a water park…but that’s a whole other blog post.
But if you’ve found this post, chances are you’re probably already planning an epic Universal Orlando Resort getaway and you’re ready to get down to business…planning out everything you are going to eat and drink. And friend, I like your priorities.
So let’s get to the good stuff — let’s dig into the complete food and drink guide to Universal Volcano Bay.
(When you enter the park, do you start by going left or do you turn to the right like the rest of us? This guide is going to assume the latter and we’ll be eating our way thorough Volcano Bay in that order. I will be taking no questions.)
Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club
The fam and I eat at Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club on the regular. I like to say it’s because of its proximity to Waturi Beach, but if I’m being honest, it’s ALSO because of its proximity to the Dancing Dragons Boat Bar.
There is a wide variety of options at this location, so it’s a solid staple. Mosey on up to one of three serving spots — where you can choose your adventure amongst chicken & seafood, burgers & BBQ, or longboard pizzas.
Huli Huli Chicken Sandwich – Cilantro marinated chicken breast, jalapeño jack cheese, pineapple and ginger sauce, and island slaw on a Hawaiian pretzel roll? Are you kidding me? This is a fantastic take on a regular ol’ chicken sandwich.
PRO TIP: Get yourself an extra side of rice because you are going to WANT to soak up every last drop of that curry sauce. Extra Pro Tip: Dip your Lava Chicken Sandwich in that because — why wouldn’t you?
Kohola Burger – It’s a burger, Kohola Reef style: Angus beef burger, applewood bacon, lettuce, tomato, huli huli aioli sauce, jalapeños, potato sticks, and poblano cheese sauce, on a toasted brioche bun.
Mango BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Y’all. When I tell you this is my go-to. This is my GO-TO. It’s topped with caramelized pineapple and island mango slaw on a toasted Hawaiian style bun. Plus, the French fries have to get a mention. Because they are IMPORTANT. The seasoning really makes ‘em special.
Longboard Pizzas – When they say longboard, it’s because these pizzas are like the size of my arm. And they have so many good varieties including cheese, pepperoni, and vegan.
Hawaiian Ribs Combo – I don’t even think I knew how to eat ribs before this very moment, but once you get a taste, you’re going to just want to dig right in. Don’t fight the urge.
Coconut Curry Shrimp – I am going to be honest. Seafood is not typically my thing, but I would order this again. Honestly, I might eat anything that comes with blue rice and tostones.
Coconut Curry Chicken – OK, buckle up for this one because it is drool-worthy. Braised chicken, green coconut curry sauce, coconut rice and cilantro with tostones.
Volcano Cheesecake Cookie – The only thing better than a cheesecake cookie? A cheesecake cookie shaped like Krakatau.
This location also has a robust grab-and-go menu with salads, sushi, wraps, and fruit! And don’t sleep on the pretty legit assortment of breakfast pizzas.
Check out the full menu for Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club here.
Rainforest Cart
Just past Kohola is one of the many unassuming kiosks sprinkled throughout the park. I’m here to tell you — you’re going to want to get in on these innocuous huts of surprise tastiness! There are some seriously good treats here, including…
Coconut Watermelon Chia Pudding – I hear chia is an ancient grain, so I’m going to count this as a health food. This little bowl of creamy coconut watermelon chia pudding topped with watermelon, mango, and toasted coconut is Instagram-ready.
Volcano Boba – This refreshing drink mixes pineapple juice, coconut water, and blue curacao — and is bursting with mango boba.
Whakawaiwai Eats
Once you’ve passed Honu ika Moana and a couple entrances to the lazy river, you’ll find Whakawaiwai Eats (are you also trying to say this three times fast?). There is a nice seating area with some sun coverage overlooking the (pretty awesome, according to my toddler) kiddie area.
You’ll find some solid water park fare here like foot-long pretzel dogs (OK, this can be considered well-above-standard-fare), but you’ll also find some island-style twists on family favorites.
Island BBQ Chicken Pizza – Another 12” of flatbread goodness but make it island style. I’m a huge fan of anything infused with mango, so the mango BBQ sauce drizzled on top of the pulled chicken was perfection. And you honestly can’t go wrong with red onions and gouda cheese.
Jerk Shrimp Mac & Cheese Combo – All I can say is wow. Wow. WOW. I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t sure a hot bowl of mac and cheese was what I needed on a steamy Florida day. Until I tried it and determined it was definitely what I needed. Pan seared shrimp tossed with pasta shells in a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce. Bravo!
Check out the full menu for Whakawaiwai Eats here.
The Feasting Frog
Tacos and nachos and poke, oh my! Get ready to queue up for this very popular hidden gem. Conveniently located next to Kunuku Boat Bar, this spot serves up some Tex-Mex vibes to your island getaway… just look for the cute kiosk that looks like a frog with lanterns for eyes.
Chorizo Walking Taco Combo – Dig into vegan chorizo, mojo cabbage slaw, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro topped with mojo cream atop corn chips, served with coconut mojo rice and black beans.
PRO TIP: Get it with a margarita because Kunuku Boat Bar is SO DARN CONVENIENT and why wouldn’t you? (I mean…that’s what I did.)
Seared Shrimp Tacos Combo – Did somebody say PINEAPPLE? (It was me. It’s always me.) Seared Thai chili spiced shrimp, island mango slaw, pickled red onions, and mojo cream on a flour tortilla make this a delicious and lighter option for a day hitting the slides.
Check out the full menu for The Feasting Frog here.
Bambu
Continuing on past the Punga Racers…this location is a little bit quieter than other parts of the water theme park. Here you’ll find some standard fare in addition to some unique vegetarian options.
Island Chicken Salad – OK, this really is something to get if you’re looking for a light and fresh option on a hot day. (Or if you’re trying to hit your protein goals like me.) Grab this portable lunch of diced chicken, apples, grapes, and almonds in a creamy coconut dressing. Plus, it comes with more fruit! Your doctor will be proud.
PRO TIP: Recreate this dish at home so you can feel like you’re back at Volcano Bay from your kitchen table! (Ok, maybe it won’t be EXACTLY the same feeling, but you gotta do what you can.)
I think I should also mention that this location has a Chick’n Katsu Bowl for a delicious vegetarian option. And you can still grab a Bacon Cheeseburger or chicken tenders, crispy like you love ‘em. Some other options include:
- Chicken Teriyaki or Shrimp Bowl: All served with coconut jasmine rice, ginger soy dressed mixed greens, wakame seaweed, pickled cucumber and edamame salad, sesame seeds.
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich: Hand-breaded chicken thigh tossed in chili garlic sauce, cucumber mango slaw, on a Hawaiian style bun
- Passion Fruit Mousse: With white chocolate pearls and a coconut macaron
- Coconut Ice Pop
- Tajin Spiced Mango Ice Pop
Check out the full menu for Bambu here.
Koka Poroka Ice Cream
Would a day by the water be complete without an ice cream? Chances are, you’ve probably been hoofing it around the park trying to fit in all 20 water attractions, so you’ve definitely earned a little treat.
This spot is hard to miss — located right beside the merchandise location at the end of our loop around Krakatau.
Grab a flavor of your choosing in a cup or a cone (I love anything rainbow, so the Waturi Fusion is my personal rec — a combo of banana, blue raspberry, orange, and strawberry soft serve).
Cabana Dining
OK, a shoutout to all the folks out there who know that vacation is the perfect time to indulge in a little bit of luxury. The cabanas and premium seating are relaxing locations that come with a bevy of perks — for an additional cost — including some exclusive food and beverage items just for you!
Chain of Islands Platter – It’s worth booking a cabana or premium seating just for this dish. Coconut shrimp, pastelon bites, pork lumpia, ropa vieja tostones, island slaw. I couldn’t even share this with anybody else because everything was that good. (Sorry, folks — can we be friends again?)
Looking for more of a traditional entrée instead of a sampler? Go for the Ribs or Salmon Bowl; either way, you’ll be properly fueled up for more slides (or more lounging in the shade of your cabana).
There you have it! A delicious smattering of food corralled together in one blog to inspire your next adventure at Universal Volcano Bay. If you like copious amounts of pineapple and coconut flavors in everything, you’ll find some instant favorite eats to add to your vacation list. I’m sure you’re hungry now, so go ahead and start planning your next vacay!
Did I miss anything? Anything here you’re dying to try? Let me know in the comments below!
Must be 21 or older with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
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