Make way for the Minions! Our favorite chaos-causing, mayhem-making henchmen now have their own land in Universal Studios Florida. Minion Land on Illumination Avenue is filled with wickedly wonderful attractions, devilishly delightful character meet-and-greets and, of course, dastardly delicious sweets and treats. The mad scientists behind Illumination's Minion Cafe and beyond have created a menacing menu full of unserious food taken seriously. From coconut blue rice to tomato gummy bears, each dish has something special that makes it appeal to both tadpoles and tadpoles at heart. Without further ado, here's our list of the best food and drink items in this nefarious new land!
Mel's Meatball Mountain at Illumination's Minion Cafe
This gigantic and meaty masterpiece (complete with marinara paint splatters!) is what would happen if pizza, calzones and spaghetti and meatballs had a baby. Any lovers of Italian food are sure to go crazy for this wood oven-baked stuffed pizza topped with meatballs, basil, fresh mozzarella and marinara that is quite literally the size of Lily's head. If your stomach isn't 100 percent empty, you might want to share this with a fellow frog in your party. More meaty goodness to go around!
Uncle Dru's Belly Fillin' Pork Sandwich at Illumination's Minion Cafe
If you're looking for something savory, look no further than this flavor-packed handheld that takes the idea of a classic pork sandwich up several notches. Lo and behold, Uncle Dru's Belly Fillin' Pork Sandwich — a Hawaiian pretzel bun slapped and slathered with slow-roasted porchetta, chimichurri sauce, mustard aioli, apple butter, bacon jam and arugula and served with green banana chips (which are surprisingly more salty than they are sweet). Somehow, it's just crazy enough that it works!
PX-41 Punch at Illumination's Minion Cafe
One of two specialty beverages, the PX-41 Punch is the perfect way to wash down any meal at Minion Cafe! Inspired by the serum capable of turning any living thing into a purple, furry, indestructible, mindless killing machine, this lemonade is infused with bright flavors of strawberry and kiwi and topped with Evil Minion-colored whipped cream and Blue Raspberry Pop Rocks. Opt for this drink if you want something fruity, or opt for the equally delicious banana cream pie-flavored Antidote if you want something sweet.
Fluffy Unicorn Cupcake at Illumination's Minion Cafe
"It's so yummy, we're gonna die!!!" This creamy confection hits all the right notes and is without a doubt the best dessert to get for picky tadpoles. Don't get us wrong — the Minion Swiss Roll and Otto's Pet Rock are also delicious, but with the pineapple cardamom whipped ganache and peanut butter mousse, respectively, you have to really be craving those specific flavors to enjoy them. Opt for this classic confetti cupcake with its vanilla and bubble gum icing and chocolate unicorn horn for just the right amount of sweetness to end your malicious meal!
Banana's Foster Macaron at Bake My Day
From Evil Minion Cupcakes to Banana Cream Swiss Rolls (which, despite looking similar, are different from the Swiss rolls at Minion Cafe!), the list of sweets and treats at Bake My Day is seemingly endless. For my first foray into this bakery, I had to follow my heart and try the one banana's foster-flavored item in the diabolical display case. The creamy caramel center pairs perfectly with the lightly banana-flavored meringue shells. I think our pal, Stuart, would give this tasty treat two gloved thumbs up!
Vector Popsicle at Freeze Ray Pops
I'm not normally a fan of creamsicles, but on a swelteringly hot day in Central Florida, the orange creamsicle-flavored Vector Popsicle hit the spot! As citrusy as it is sweet, this frozen favorite is enhanced by its crispy white chocolate outer shell and shortbread cookie "V" proudly emblazoned on the front. Other flavors we've absolutely adored at this popsicle stand have been the Blueberry Lemonade and Coconut — both of which are incredibly refreshing and perfect ways to beat the summer heat!
Banana Popcorn at Pop-A-Nana
At the end of Illumination Avenue lies a blue and yellow stand that serves up one of the most interesting popcorn concoctions this fam has ever heard of. Banana Popcorn might not sound too appealing, but if you like kettle corn, then this new take on this movie theater staple is sure to be a hit. Crunchy, sticky, sweet and ever-so-slightly salty, I had hit the bottom of the bucket before I even knew it! We know not everyone loves banana flavoring, but don't let that deter you from this fruity frog favorite that surprisingly delights.
Have you eaten at Minion Cafe yet? What's your favorite menu item? If not, what are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below!
Related: Minion Land Now Open at Universal Studios Florida with a Brand-New Attraction
Hoppy planning!