Mr. Kamal’s Review at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Mr. Kamal’s is located in Discovery Island.
See this page for all of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom quick service reviews.
Location: You’ll find Mr. Kamal’s on the walkway that connects Africa and Asia in Discovery Island.
It’s near the entrance to the Caravan Theater, where you can see UP! A Great Bird Adventure. The arrow pointing to “Closed” doubles as Caravan Road, which is rarely open. Mr. Kamal’s is now typically open daily.
Food Type: Snacks.
Dining Plan: Yes, quick service.
Discounts: None.
Menu:
Mr. Kamal’s has served a variety of items over the years. I’m probably the only person who remembers the $2 spring rolls from ten years ago. More recently, the kiosk served “boneless buffalo wings.” These days, you’ll find a trio of snacks, and bottled beverages.
Unique Items: Each item is on the unique side of things. Lotus Blossom Cafe at Epcot serves Chicken Dumplings, for example, but they’re prepared completely differently. The Seasoned Fries are similar to what you’d receive as a side at the quick service arm of Yak & Yeti, but you won’t have (easy) access to the dipping sauces. A variety of kiosks and locations also serve hummus, but it’s packaged a little differently here, too.
Advantages:
- Rarely a long line.
- Most items come out of the fryer fresh.
Disadvantages:
- Limited menu.
- Rough pricing.
- No indoor seating.
Value: Low to average. Portions are small for the most part.
Reputation: Overlooked by the masses for years, Mr. Kamal’s is finally starting to make a name for itself – with french fries of all things. There’s still nothing I would specifically stop to order here.
$6 Chicken Dumplings with Ponzu Sauce
Six bucks buys you three very golden, very deep-fried dumplings with a crisp, thick batter that gives way to the juicy chicken and crunchy vegetables inside.
The Ponzu Sauce is appropriately tangy, but perhaps too vinegar-forward for most. There’s at least six times more sauce than you’ll need for what ends up being a pretty paltry portion of dumplings for the money, given the fact that this is a grab-and-go kiosk. I’d recommend them highly if it was five dumplings for the money, and probably say they’re an okay value at four dumplings for six dollars. But three for six bucks is rough. They’re potentially a decent use of a snack credit if you’re looking for something that isn’t sweet, but these barely register as a snack for the amount of food you’ll receive.
$6 Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries – Available Dipping Sauces Include Saffron Aioli, Honey Kimchi Ketchup, and Tandoori Honey Mustard
These are actually a really good, basic snack, with fresh, crispy fries tossed in a zesty blend of spices alongside some varied, interesting sauces. Disney fries are typically a pretty ho-hum accompaniment to a bland entree, but this version is delicious. I think most people will also find the sauces a refreshing change of pace.
There’s always ketchup on the far left, if not.
Seating:
Mr. Kamal’s does not have dedicated seating, though there are tables in the vicinity. Many of them enjoy beautiful views of the Tree of Life. Snag one if they’re available. You can also mosey down to Yak & Yeti’s quick service seating area in Asia or the seating section behind Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Africa. Realizing that tables are at a minimum, Disney has installed high-tops around the area for those who don’t mind being on their way a little more quickly. There is no air-conditioned seating nearby. You would have to march over to Pizzafari in Discovery Island or Restaurantosaurus in the far corner of DinoLand USA.
Overall, most people are probably passing right by Mr. Kamal’s, but there may be a snack here that holds interest.
Is there anybody OUT THERE?