7 airlines serving in-flight meals that are actually tasty
Most people will agree that flying and fine dining don’t quite go hand-in-hand. Unless you’re willing to shell out for first-class, chowing down up in the clouds is usually a bland experience. Or is it?
These seven airlines defy expectations, offering interesting meals that taste great at 30,000 feet.
1. China – Cathay Pacific Airways
(Photo credit: Instagram/yeevillicious)
When it comes to in-flight food, Asian airlines seem to take the cake. Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific regularly receives top marks for cabin crew and comfort, but it also serves up tasty in-flight meals. A typical meal might include grilled chicken, rice and roasted veggies, or a dish of exotic fruits followed by a bite-size sweet for dessert.
2. Dubai – Emirates Airline
(Photo credit: Instagram/connoistre.ann)
Luxury is synonymous with Emirates flights. When it comes to dining (even in economy), the airline spares no expense. Emirates serves food inspired by the destination, like tomato okra, palak paneer and basmati rice for the Middle East, or ras malai and chickpea salad for South Asia. Emirates even elevates the in-flight dining experience by offering silverware with each meal.
3. Turkey – Turkish Airlines
(Photo credit: Instagram/inflightfeed)
With catering by Do&Co — one of the world’s most popular airline food caterers — Turkish Airlines dishes out a dose of deliciousness with every in-flight meal. Love chicken? Then you’ll love it when served with their mashed potatoes and gravy and seasonal vegetables grilled with a slight char. Sweet tooth? Satiate your craving with a scoop of chocolate mousse topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of shaved almonds.
4. Australia – Qantas Airways
(Photo credit: Instagram/bhogg_96)
Passengers don’t always want to be surprised by in-flight meal choices, so Qantas Airways offers a pre-order option with every booking. The Australian airline serves more than just your standard bread and butter. Try a goat cheese pie and tossed tomato salad with a wedge of lemon, plus a stuffed pastry for dessert. It’s the vegetarian option, but there’s no rule saying it can’t be enjoyed by everyone!
5. Germany – Lufthansa
(Photo credit: Instagram/glutenfrialivet)
When jet setting to or around Europe, enjoy the cuisine from this German airline. Lufthansa serves colourful cuisine that photographs well — and tastes even better. With a focus on serving food that’s colourful, flavourful and healthy, a typical meal consists of a rich protein, like braised beef, served with mixed greens. Sides include sliced fruit and multigrain bread with a wedge of European cheese.
6. USA — Virgin America
(Photo credit: flickr/Airline Reporter)
Compared to their Asian and European counterparts, North American airlines get an especially bad rap when it comes to in-flight dining. But Virgin America challenges that with fresh fare even foodies will appreciate. You can even upgrade to a first-class meal for a reasonable fee — after all, who wouldn’t love garden vegetables served alongside scrambled eggs and breakfast sausages?
Honourable mention: Canada – Porter Airlines
(Photo credit: flickr/Ian Harnarine)
This Canadian airline may not serve full meals on its short flights, but it does offer free tasty treats while you’re in the air as well as in pre-flight lounges in Toronto, Ottawa and Newark airports. That’s not all — Porter was also the first Canadian airline to offer a free alcoholic beverage while flying, served in real glassware! No upgrade required. Now that’s something to toast to!