The word “delicious” has not always been one that pops into our minds when we think of airline meals. But thankfully the food that we’re served in the metal tube in the sky has come a long way in recent years. Here are 10 meals we would be thrilled to be woken up for writes Simone Mitchell.
1. First Class, Qantas
When asked to nominate his favourite airline food, chef Heston Blumenthal name-checks Qantas, saying “Michelin-starred chef Neil Perry has created a brilliant menu”. And if it’s good enough for Blumenthal, it’s good enough for us. One of the most popular menu items is the steak sandwich in first class. Qantas PR manager Courtney Treak says “it has been on the menu since we started working with Neil Perry in 1997 … safe to say it’s a firm favourite.” So much so there was almost a riot when they considered removing it from the menu a while back. Looking at this picture we can see why there was a fuss.
2. Business Class, Thai Airways
As any frequent flyer knows, you’re better off eating something light on a long flight so you don’t feel like a giant carb-laden ball when you arrive at the other end. So this aromatic noodle broth and feather-light omelette on Thai Airways is just what the (travel) doctor ordered.
3. Business Class, All Nippon Airways (ANA)
People rave about the food on ANA airlines. Big-name chefs Wolfgang Puck and Alain Ducasse say it’s the only airline food they are genuinely fond of. The traditional Japanese bento style meals are created for business class by Michelin 3-star chef Toru Okuda, the owner of the acclaimed Ginza Okuda restaurant in Tokyo.
4. First Class, Emirates
The photo below is the one you send to your mum to show her you’ve really made it. The dining situation in Emirates First Class is predictably decadent. Canapes (served with Dom Perignon before the meal) include confit duck with curried pineapple, poached prawn and guacamole tartlet and parmesan and truffle arancino. And that’s before your entrée has even arrived …
5. Suites, Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines suites class gives you the option to “book the cook” before you fly, so you can reserve a meal created by one of the notable chefs from their international culinary panel. Meals including lobster thermidor, Cantonese roast duck and king prawns in green curry sauce are served on bone china by Wedgwood.
6. Business, Scandinavian Airlines
It’s what Ikea café food would be like if it was waaay more upmarket and served in the sky. Offerings include marinated salmon, beef tournedos and loads of top-notch wines and cheese. The Danish-designed cutlery and crockery that it’s served on is also super cool.
7. La Premiere Class, Air France
As the airline of a country known for their food, you’d expect nothing less than excellence from Air France. And it seems it doesn’t disappoint. We can’t imagine what the cabin smells like after this potent cheese course is served in the first class cabin, but no doubt it’s worth it for that creamy Roquefort.
8. First Class, British Airways
Now as the airline of a country often mocked for its food, you’d expect very little from British Airways. But my goodness you’d be wrong. Their very English afternoon tea with sandwiches, petit fours, Twinings tea and scones is a tradition many British frequent fliers look forward to. Other lunchtime offerings from head chef Sinead Ferguson include seared fillet of Herefordshire beef with truffle taglierini, rosemary jus, grilled asparagus, and baby carrot and slow-braised Wiltshire pork belly with creamed potato, broccolini and seasonal vegetables with thyme jus.
9. First Class, Qatar
10. First Class, Etihad
It turns out breakfast on a plane doesn’t have to involve rubbery eggs. The early morning offering in Etihad’s first class cabin includes eggs cooked to your specifications (i.e. NOT RUBBERY), toast soldiers stacked in a gravity-defying tower, fresh pastries, banana and blueberry pancakes, fresh juice and excellent coffee.
And for those with a sweet tooth, Etihad’s first class dessert taster is also really something:
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