With a love for indian spices, flavors, and cooking style I always have a weather eye out for fresh baked na’an, flavorful chutneys, and good tandoori cooking. And, a world away from India, I am currently seeking these authentic flavors in Central Florida. A nearly impossible task… right?

Well, ironically, a world away from India, I’ve found the distinct cultural flavors in another world: Walt Disney World. On the first floor of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodges’s newest DVC Expansion, Kidanni Village, you’ll find the restaurant Sanaa. Easily one of Disney’s best-kept secrets, Sanaa presents iAdian flavors served with a unique African flair. With a view of the Savannah right from your table, and a unique ambiance designed to make you feel as though you are walking through an African jungle of sorts, you are able to take a mini-vacation from the everyday and be transported to the plains of Africa.

Starting with their bread service. A trip to Sanaa would not be complete without selecting three of the scrumptious house-made breads and accompaniments. Easily enough food to feed two; Choose three of the four breads, Naan, Onion Kulcha, Paneer Paratha and Papadum, and then pair it with three accompaniments. With nine excellent accompaniments to choose from you are sure to find something for everyone: which is wonderful because no one should skip this course. My personal favorite is the Cucumber Raita; similar to a tzatziki sauce, I like to think of it as the African version of cream cheese-yogurt, with the coolness of the cucumber added for an extra level of flavor. John’s favorite is always the Mango Chutney, and it is really a fantastic choice! With the right texture, and just the right amount of sweetness, and it pairs really well with the naan. My sister, Jamie, always enjoys the Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus; house-made, this hummus has less garlic flavor then your traditional hummus. Instead the chef chooses to play up the red bell pepper and the flavor of the chick-peas. Or maybe your looking for a more hot a spicy option? John’s Mom, Chris, has been known to order the Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle sauce, which is excellent, but comes with a cautionary warning: this stuff has a kick!

Bread service is only the start to a wonderful meal. On a recent visit, John, his mom Chris, his step-dad Donn and I enjoyed a favorable escape from the ordinary.

I enjoyed the Tandoori Chicken. Easily one of my favorite options on the menu the Sanaa’s version of the open face sandwich places the tender tandoori chicken on fresh made naan with Minted Greens, Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Raita. Tender and flavorful the chicken falls apart at the slightest touch – no need for a knife:

Chris ordered the wonderful Tandoori Shrimp, which is also Served Open-faced on Naan Bread with Minted Greens, Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Raita. A fantastic combination:

Both John and Donn indulged in the Sustainable Fish of the day, which happened to be Salmon. Served with seasonal vegetables in a light wine-curry broth they both throughly enjoyed it. Rest assured, there were no leftovers:

The indulgence followed. John loves Tapioca pudding and he ordered on of his favorites: Mango-Berry Tapioca Pudding. Freshly made, and bursting with flavor, it’s a tapioca pudding to write home about:

Chris ordered the Banana Kulfi Sundae, a hidden gem on Sanna’s dessert menu. Heavy whipping cream combines with pureed frozen bananas to create the ice cream sundae base. They then generously pour house-made Warm Chocolate Sauce into the center and surround it with Strawberries, and Spiced Cashews. Top it with fresh-whipped cream and a slice of dried pineapple and you have one incredible dessert that really takes the cake – without a piece of cake to be found!

Proving you can indulge in Indian flavors a World away from India, Sanaa is located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas in Kidani Village. They are open for both lunch and dinner. For reservations call 407-WDW-DINE.