Nine Dragons Paleo and Keto Meal
For the longest time, I stayed away from Nine Dragons in the China Pavilion at Epcot because I did not think they could accommodate a diet void of rice and soy sauce. After all, those are staples of Chinese cuisine. I had read in the past from other people online that they did not have gluten-free soy sauce. It was a nice surprise to find out that they do carry that. I figured if there were a possibility of a meal, it would be bland and tasteless. Surprise, I admit it here – I was wrong. Today, I want to tell you that you can get a Nine Dragons paleo and keto meal that is tasty and satisfying.
When you arrive at Nine Dragons Restaurant, a small sampling of the menu adorns the wall near the door. They highlight “Modern Chinese Cuisines Innovatively Prepared” along with “Chinese Inspired Desserts.”
As you walk into Nine Dragons, you pass this exquisite wall of shelves featuring different figurines. I could have stayed here enjoying them for quite some time.
The décor in the restaurant is stunning. I still cannot believe that as long as I have been coming here, I have never entered this restaurant even to look around. There is so much to see and do and Epcot it is easy to overlook what is right in front of your face.
You may find yourself seated in one of the multiple dining areas, each with its own unique design.
We asked to sit near a window to people watch and overlook the water. Our view was very serene and peaceful.
Nine Dragons Menus
The lunch menu at Nine Dragons features an affordable selection of appetizers, soups, and sides. The entrees were a bit pricier, ranging from $16 to $25. The good news is that Nine Dragons Restaurant is on some of the dining plans, and, passholders who are not using the dining plan can get a discount.
Although Nine Dragons does not have the traditional allergy-friendly menu we find at Disney-owned and operated restaurants, they do provide a gluten-free lunch menu. You will not be able to speak directly with a chef, but one of the managers will come and discuss menu items with you. I felt a bit uncomfortable, at first, but was told not to worry. My fears were unfounded, as my needs were definitely met.
The gluten-free lunch menu is not large, but most people will find something they can enjoy – even if it means asking to change things around – which I did. It was necessary to discuss options for my Nine Dragons paleo and keto meal. Basically, the manager offered me steamed chicken with vegetables, which we discussed further at the table. There is also a child’s option for Honey Sesame Chicken, which my daughter ordered even though she is an adult.
The extensive beverage menu features an assortment of specialty cocktails, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic specialties.
While waiting for your meal, you can practice your Chinese characters writing skills, which we all did.
Our Nine Dragons Meals
There were three of us dining for lunch that day: my gluten-free daughter, her best friend who can eat anything, and myself, sticking to a paleo diet on that trip. Since we had already eaten a big breakfast, my daughter and I were not overly hungry and could have easily shared my meal. However, I wanted to be able to review more, so she ordered the child’s Honey Sesame Chicken, which comes with the gluten-free sauce on the side. The joke of the day was the one carrot that sat by itself in one of Mickey’s ears. It was a cute touch that they served child’s meals on that plate.
When I first looked at my daughter’s meal, I thought for certain she was going to say it was bland. However, there were dishes of gluten-free soy sauce and honey sesame sauce on the side that she used, and said it was delicious.
Her friend ordered off the regular menu and got the Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken and Rice, a well-spiced dish that is not for the meek. The abundance of red chilis in this dish definitely added quite a bit of fire. I was shocked that she managed to eat it all without the need for a fire extinguisher. Like our other meals, the diner loved her dish.
Now for my Nine Dragons paleo and keto meal – Steamed Chicken and Veggies. Because we were essentially customizing a dish, I got to choose my vegetables. There was a bit of disconnect in the language, as I did not always understand the manager, nor did she me. That was evident at the end when the check came with added fees for vegetables. Another manager came over at the end, and we discussed that the price should have been similar to the Mood Goo Gai Pan, and he agreed completely.
I asked for broccoli, bok choy, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, and onions. However, there were no onions or carrots in my dish. I let it go (Frozen is nearby, after all) as the serving was huge and it really did not matter. Even though I had said that herbs, spices, and seasonings were fine, none were used. I asked for some salt and pepper, and that was truly all I needed to complete the dish. My daughter took some of the veggies as there was way too much for me to eat. *As a side note, I recommend carrying packets of coconut aminos to help season the food if you eat here.
Do I recommend this Nine Dragons paleo and keto meal? Absolutely, I would not hesitate to eat here again. Dishes like this make it easy to stick to your diet.