We tried the TOMA Beef Barbacoa at Orang Café in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Read our review of the new quick service and this rice bowl.
On May 16, we visited Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for a media technical rehearsal for the new theme park area, Wild Oasis. During that event, we received a sneak preview of the TOMA quick service dining location at Orang Café near Wild Oasis.
On that day, we had several menu items from the TOMA dining location. However, we did not feel comfortable reviewing those items since we received them during a media preview. Thus, we returned two days later to try some of the menu items we had not taste tested before in connection with TOMA.
What is TOMA?
TOMA is a Latin-inspired culinary brand co-founded by Sofia Vergara and her son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, in partnership with Sam Nazarian’s Everybody Eats. The brand launched in June 2024 with a mission to share the best of Latin cuisine with the world, using family recipes perfected over the years. TOMA, a combination of Sofia’s nickname “Toty” and Manolo’s name, emphasizes high-quality ingredients and authentic South American flavors.
Their initial offerings include empanadas and pandebono, a traditional Colombian cheese bread, available in various locations across the United States, including restaurants, hotels, and through delivery apps. Most recently, in May 2025, TOMA expanded its presence with a new Latin-inspired quick-service dining location at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
TOMA Beef Barbacoa Bowl Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
We decided on the TOMA Beef Barbacoa Bowl when visiting that quick service. It resembles, in basic appearance, the former Tex-Mex-style bowls at Dragon Fire Grill in the Pantopia area of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This new dining location utilizes the same paper bowls that Dragon Fure Grill used to store the former rice bowl components.
This entrée costs $18.99, and the TOMA quick service does not currently participate in the all-day dining program. The menu description for this bowl reads, “Beef barbacoa, cilantro lime rice, black beans, cotija cheese, pickled onions, sweet plantains, creamy cilantro salsa.”
When we ordered it, our first impression related to the Busch Gardens ambassador being very careful in preparing the bowl. We also saw the pickled onions that we tasted last week at Tot Topia.
In terms of flavors, all the components of this dish pair reasonably well. However, we are talking about theme park quick service quality, so bear that in mind. The plantains provide a slightly sweet element. We expected a more robust cilantro lime flavor from the rice. We did not get that, but the rice did taste good.
This might be unfair, but we think the beef portion size was too small for a $19 theme park entrée. Guests should weigh that into their decision to buy this non-traditional theme park entrée. Of course, this theme park quick service option has more than the expected nutritional value.
When eating this, we suggest cutting the plantains into smaller pieces. Then, guests should mix the contents of the bowl together, which should improve the dining experience. Those looking for a powerful spicy kick with this bowl may be disappointed. Still, the flavors we expected from a South American-inspired dish were clearly there.
Rating the TOMA Beef Barbacoa
Overall, we would rate the TOMA Beef Barbacoa for most guests as a “maybe.” This price point hinders giving it a hearty review. However, the flavors work nicely, and this stands as a non-traditional theme park dining option. It avoids the heavy starches like chicken tenders, fries, or loaded tater tots.
The TOMA quick service location at Orang Café provides a pleasant setting near the orangutan exhibit. The area is covered but not air-conditioned. This dining location opens around 11:00 a.m. and closes two hours before Busch Gardens Tampa Bay closes each day. During this visit, the theme park closed at 9:00 p.m., so the TOMA at Orang Café closed at 7:00 p.m. This quick service location, unofficially announced in December 2024, makes a solid addition to the Jungala area of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
For more theme park dining review, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Eastern time. As always, eat like you mean it!
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