Review: Tandoori Shrimp at the Namaste Cafe Disney Food Truck

Funny how quickly things can change ‘round these parts…

Not all that long ago (a little more than a year-and-a-half, to be specific), the four Disney Food Trucks were THE newest thing on the dining scene in Downtown Disney. But with all the dining additions to the ever-transforming, will-one-of-these-days-be Disney Springs over the past year, it’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to check out what’s changed at the Trucks!

So our stop today is Namaste Cafe (most often found in Exposition Park on the West Side), the truck inspired by dishes typically served at Animal Kingdom as well as Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The menu continues to feature the Naan and Samosa Dipping Safari, Butter Chicken, and Lamb Kefta (a version of which was originally part of the Superstar Catering Food Truck menu inspired by Hollywood Studios, but I think it’s a more natural fit at Namaste).

Namaste Café Food Truck

In more recent months, Tandoori Shrimp has

joined the lineup.

Close-up on menu

Can’t say I’ve had much in the way of seafood at the Trucks except for the long-since-removed Lobster Roll at World Showcase of Flavors, so it was time to give it a go.

The Tandoori Shrimp is served with a simple side of basmati rice and spicy pickled veggies. The sauce you see topping the shrimp is a rather unexpected curry mustard cream sauce, which had a little kick of spice along with the pronounced mustard flavor (keep that in mind if, like me, you aren’t super keen on oodles of mustard). Thankfully, one of the Cast Members recommended a side of the sauce that typically tops the Butter Chicken along with it, which is a smooth blend of butter, tomato puree, and spices like Garam Masala.

Tandoori Shrimp with Pickled Vegetables and Basmati Rice

I took them up on it, and I found it to be much more enjoyable than the mustard sauce that already comes with the dish. I did enjoy, though, the blend of tandoori spice (flavors such as ginger, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper) that lends an exotic flavor to the dish — a very mild heat with just a hint of sweetness from the ginger.

I focus on the sauces and spices because the unique flavor blends are a major part of the dishes here, but I certainly want to talk about the shrimp itself, especially considering I’ve had some not-so-great experiences with shrimp at Disney World in the past.

Tandoori Shrimp

For instance, the Seafood Macaroni and Cheese is a terrific dinner-only dish at Columbia Harbour House. I loved it for the lobster (and the mac and cheese, of course!), but I found the shrimp to be pallid and lackluster. I’m happy to say that in this instance the shrimp was well-cooked and prepared, and the way the spices char slightly during the cooking process gives it something extra.

The Tandoori Shrimp is definitely a unique option at the trucks — and among the majority of Disney World Counter Service restaurants, come to think of it (by the way, the Food Trucks do accept Counter Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan). Overall, I think shrimp fans will have reason to be pleased. Personally speaking, though, my top choice at Namaste Café remains the Butter Chicken or the Dipping Safari, which provides the opportunity to experience several flavors along with fresh Naan bread and some nearly baseball-sized samosas.

Samosas and Naan Dipping Safari at Namaste Cafe

Still, it remains a very fun thing to see some of the creative dishes that come out of the Disney Food Trucks as they continue to provide items outside the norm. So if you find yourself looking for a quick bite while touring Downtown Disney, I’d suggest stopping by the Trucks to check out what’s new!

Have you had the chance to dine at the Disney Food Trucks? Please let us know about your experience with a comment!