Airline food doesn’t have a good rap—but things are changing, with more and more carriers investing in their in-flight meal services.
Dennis Littley, a classically trained chef and food blogger behind the site Ask Chef Dennis has been keeping an eye on the changing culinary landscape.
“Airline food has undergone a major revolution in the past decade,” says Littley. “‘From locally sourced ingredients to bespoke menus, airlines are turning in-flight meals into unique culinary experiences.”
Airline food is improving. An expert chef weighs in on the best airlines for food right now.
One leading example is Singapore Airlines. The airline runs a number of cutting-edge initiatives when it comes to food, including Farm-to-Plane, a sustainable concept that includes produce sourced from local farms, as well as fish from responsible fisheries. Meanwhile the Book the Cook service allows passengers in suites, first class and business class to pre-order meals from a comprehensive menu on flights above 1.5 hours. “Their gourmet meals rival those of ground-based restaurants,” says Littley.
Here, Littley shares his picks for the airlines that are making the biggest strides when it comes to food. “Airlines like these are not just serving food, they are creating an immersive dining experience that begins the moment you step on board,” says Littley.
Singapore Airlines: “Their Book the Cook includes a wide variety of dishes from various cuisines,” says Littley. “For instance, you can expect Lobster Thermidor, grilled beef fillet or Nasi Lemak, a traditional Malay dish.’
Qatar Airways: “With Qatar Airways, you can expect multi-course meals with options ranging from Arabic mezze to delicate pastries for dessert,” says Littley. “In business class, they offer dine-on-demand service, allowing passengers to eat at any time they wish.”
Emirates: “Emirates offers regionally inspired dishes according to the flight destination, such as Arabic, Japanese or Indian meals,” says Littley.
Turkish Airlines: The Flying Chef program in Business class provides specially made dishes and the feeling of dining at a restaurant high above the clouds. “They’re also known for their wide variety of Turkish desserts,” says Littley.
ANA (All Nippon Airways): “ANA offers a variety of meal options, including traditional Japanese meals consisting of an appetizer, a main dish (like sushi or grilled fish) and a dessert,” says Littley.
Cathay Pacific: “Meals on Cathay Pacific are often made with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients,” says Littley. “They offer a variety of Asian and Western dishes, often paired with award-winning wines.”
Etihad Airways: “They serve a multi-course meal, even in economy class, which may include a salad, main course, dessert and cheese. They have a choice of three main courses, and in higher classes, they provide a dine-on-demand service,” says Littley.
EVA Air: “Known for their ‘Star Chef’ meals in Royal Laurel (Business) class, EVA Air offers both Western and Asian cuisine,” says Littley. “They also have a unique Hello Kitty-themed meal for fans.”
Qantas: “Depending on the duration of your flight, Qantas offers a range of meals from light refreshments to full dinner service. They often have a seasonal menu that features Australian ingredients and an extensive wine list, including Australian and New Zealand wines,” says Littley.
Lufthansa: “Lufthansa’s in-flight meals often include regional German specialties, including dishes like sausage and sauerkraut or pretzels,” says Littley. “They also offer a selection of international dishes.”
READ MORE:
• Ranked: The Best Airlines In 2023, According To A New Report
