When it comes to rating the best airplane food by airline, the quality and taste of in-flight catering can vary significantly. Airlines strive to provide a delightful gastronomic experience to their passengers, with some going above and beyond to offer exceptional meals at 30,000 feet in the air. Let’s explore the top airlines that consistently receive high ratings for their onboard dining, ensuring a memorable culinary journey that complements your travel experience.
Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class menu is considered one of the finest in worldwide aviation. With a four-course meal that begins with elegant appetizers and includes a main course, dessert, and a final course of cheese and port wine, Virgin Atlantic ensures that passengers are treated to a delectable dining experience throughout their journey. Even economy passengers on Virgin Atlantic receive delicious hot food, along with dessert, bread, butter, cheese, and biscuits.
British Airways, another British airline, is renowned for its high-quality food and extensive menu options. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are used to create delicious meals that cater to a variety of cuisines. Passengers can enjoy British classics as well as a range of international dishes. Special meals for passengers with dietary restrictions or preferences are also available, ensuring an inclusive and satisfying dining experience.
Key Takeaways
- Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class menu offers a luxurious and delectable four-course dining experience.
- British Airways is known for its high-quality food and wide variety of menu options.
Virgin Atlantic – A Taste of Luxury in the Skies
Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class menu is considered one of the finest in worldwide aviation. The four-course meal offers an exquisite dining experience that begins with a selection of elegant appetizers, preparing your palate for the journey ahead.
“Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class menu is a gastronomic delight, offering a luxurious dining experience high above the clouds.”
Indulge in elegant appetizers such as grilled asparagus with quail’s egg and chive mayonnaise, a tantalizing combination of flavors that sets the stage for the main event.
For the main course, one option that may grace your Upper Class tray table is the breaded chicken breast stuffed with garlic truffle butter, served with a delightful potato terrine and wilted greens. The combination of tender chicken, savory truffle butter, and perfectly cooked potatoes is a culinary masterpiece that will leave you wanting more.
Save room for a delectable dessert, the perfect sweet ending to your four-course gastronomic journey. Whether it’s a rich chocolate torte or a refreshing fruit tart, Virgin Atlantic’s desserts are crafted with precision and presented with elegance.
To complete the meal, Virgin Atlantic proudly offers a selection of fine cheeses and port wine. Indulge in a variety of artisanal cheeses accompanied by the perfect glass of port, providing the ultimate finishing touch to your dining experience.
Even if you are traveling in economy, Virgin Atlantic ensures that your inflight dining experience is not compromised. Economy passengers can expect a decent meal that includes hot dishes, dessert, and a variety of accompaniments.
| Included in the Upper Class Menu |
Included in Economy Class meal |
|
|---|---|---|
| Elegant appetizers | Yes | No |
| Main course | Yes | Yes |
| Dessert | Yes | Yes |
| Cheese and port wine | Yes | No |
Whether you’re flying in Upper Class or Economy, a journey with Virgin Atlantic promises a memorable dining experience that showcases the airline’s commitment to providing a taste of luxury in the skies.
British Airways – Elevating In-Flight Dining
British Airways is known for its high-quality food and offers a wide variety of options for passengers. The airline focuses on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create delicious meals. Passengers can choose from a range of cuisines, including British classics and international dishes.
British Airways also offers special meals for passengers with dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their in-flight dining experience.
Sample Menu
| Course | Options |
|---|---|
| Appetizers | Smoked salmon with dill crème fraiche Tomato and mozzarella salad |
| Main Course | Grilled steak with roasted potatoes Lemon and herb roasted chicken |
| Dessert | Chocolate mousse Fresh fruit tart |
| Cheese and Port | Selection of British cheeses Port wine |
Whether you’re traveling in First Class, Business Class, or Economy Class, British Airways ensures that your dining experience is elevated with high-quality meals and a diverse range of options.
Emirates – A Culinary Journey in the Sky
Emirates offers regionally inspired menus presented on Royal Doulton fine bone china with exclusive Robert Welch cutlery, providing an excellent fine dining experience. First Class passengers can enjoy a sumptuous seven-course meal in the privacy of their own exclusive suite. On the A380 aircraft, premium passengers can also indulge in canapés in a wonderful lounge at the rear of the plane. Even in Economy Class, passengers can expect dishes like slices of smoked tuna served with marinated vegetable salad, charcoal grilled lamb brochette with cinnamon-scented sauce, sticky date pudding, cheese, biscuits, and chocolates.
| Class | Meal |
|---|---|
| First Class | Seven-course meal |
| Premium Class (A380) | Canapés in a dedicated lounge |
| Economy Class | Slices of smoked tuna with marinated vegetable salad, charcoal grilled lamb brochette with cinnamon-scented sauce, sticky date pudding, cheese, biscuits, and chocolates |
Swiss International Air Lines – A Gourmet Journey Through Switzerland
Swiss International Air Lines’ “Taste of Switzerland” program takes passengers on a culinary adventure, highlighting the diverse and rich flavors of different regions of the country. Throughout the year, passengers can indulge in gourmet meals inspired by the country’s best Maîtres de Cuisine, making their flight experience truly memorable.
First Class passengers are treated to a gastronomic extravaganza, with carefully crafted dishes that showcase the best of Swiss cuisine. For example, they can savor the succulent beef tenderloin with ofetori, a traditional Swiss sauce made with white wine and shallots. Alternatively, they can enjoy Nidwalden-style mashed potatoes, prepared with veal bacon and cheese, creating a creamy and indulgent side dish.
But the gourmet delights aren’t limited to First Class. Business and Economy Class passengers also get to experience the taste of Switzerland onboard Swiss International Air Lines. The menus are carefully curated to offer a wide selection of dishes that showcase the culinary heritage of the country. Passengers can relish Swiss classics like fondue or indulge in delicacies like Zurich-style veal with rösti, all prepared with the finest ingredients.
To enhance the gourmet restaurant experience, Swiss International Air Lines complements its delectable meals with a selection of regional wines and local cheeses. The wines perfectly complement the flavors of the dishes, while the cheeses provide a delightful accompaniment or a satisfying end to the meal.
Sample Menu:
| First Class | Business Class | Economy Class |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Tenderloin with Ofetori | Chicken Cordon Bleu with Rösti | Vegetable Lasagna with Tomato Sauce |
| Nidwalden-Style Mashed Potatoes | Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with Rösti | Mixed Greens Salad with Balsamic Dressing |
| Regional Cheese Platter | Swiss Chocolate Mousse | Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce |
No matter the class of travel, Swiss International Air Lines’ commitment to culinary excellence ensures a gourmet experience that reflects the richness and diversity of Swiss cuisine.
Etihad Airways – Michelin-Starred Dining in the Sky
Etihad Airways takes inflight dining to new heights by recruiting award-winning onboard chefs and food & beverage managers from Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. With a team of culinary experts, every aspect of the dining experience is carefully curated to rival a five-star restaurant.
In First Class, passengers are treated to the Mezoon Grille menu, featuring premium produce like beef, chicken, lamb, and seafood. Each dish is prepared to order and accompanied by a range of delicate sauces, sides, and desserts. The combination of exceptional ingredients and expert techniques ensures a truly indulgent and unforgettable dining experience.
Etihad Airways is committed to providing delicious food in all cabins. Passengers can expect generous portions and a focus on high-quality ingredients that elevate the inflight dining experience to new heights.
Cathay Pacific – A Celebration of Chinese Cuisine
Cathay Pacific is known for its Chinese-inspired menu, showcasing dishes from different regions of China. In First Class, passengers can enjoy signature dishes like slow-cooked pork with preserved Hakka mustard greens, wok-fried chicken with black bean, and Hong Kong-style curry prawns.
The airline was one of the first to have rice cookers, toasters, and skillets onboard their aircraft. This allows flight attendants to prepare freshly steamed rice, toasted bread, and eggs cooked to your liking, providing a truly authentic in-flight dining experience.
Experience the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine on Cathay Pacific. From slow-cooked pork to aromatic curry prawns, each dish is meticulously crafted and full of vibrant flavors. Indulge in a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of Chinese gastronomy.
Air France – A Gastronomic Delight in the Sky
Air France’s meal service is known for its refined details, considerate service, and intense flavors. Every six months, a different renowned French chef serves up special dishes on long-haul flights departing from Paris, ensuring that frequent fliers do not have to fear repetition. Air France takes pride in delivering a truly pleasant inflight dining experience, with menus that change every ten days and a commitment to using the freshest ingredients and showcasing the best of French culinary traditions.
“Air France consistently impresses with its gastronomic expertise, paying attention to the refined details and ensuring intense flavors that transport passengers to the heart of French cuisine. It’s a true delight in the sky!”
Changing Menus: A Gastronomic Adventure
- Menus change every ten days, ensuring variety and excitement for frequent travelers.
- Feast on exquisite French cuisine prepared by renowned chefs on long-haul flights from Paris.
- Experience the best of French culinary traditions with each meticulously crafted dish.
- Indulge in a journey of flavors with Air France’s ever-changing menu selection.
Refined Details and Intense Flavors
Air France goes the extra mile to create an elevated dining experience high above the clouds:
- Choose from a wide selection of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and more.
- Savor the intense flavors of carefully curated dishes that represent the essence of French cuisine.
- Enjoy considerate service and attention to detail, making your inflight dining experience truly exceptional.
- Experience the artistry of French culinary traditions through refined dining presentations.
| Key Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Renowned French chefs | Enjoy specially curated dishes created by top culinary talents. |
| Changing menus | Experience new flavors and culinary delights with every flight. |
| Refined details | Immerse yourself in the elegance and sophistication of French dining. |
| Intense flavors | Satisfy your taste buds with dishes that showcase the best of French cuisine. |
Conclusion
When it comes to rating the best airplane food by airline, there are several top contenders. Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Emirates, Swiss International Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Air France, and other leading airlines consistently receive high ratings for their in-flight dining services. These airlines focus on quality, taste, and a diverse range of menu options to cater to different passenger preferences. Whether you’re flying in First Class, Business Class, or Economy Class, these airlines strive to provide a memorable culinary experience high above the clouds.
Passengers can enjoy the finest gourmet meals curated by renowned chefs, ranging from elegant appetizers to delectable main courses, sumptuous desserts, and even cheese and port wine pairings. Each airline takes pride in delivering a gastronomic delight that captivates the taste buds and elevates the overall flying experience.
So, whether you’re craving a taste of luxury with Virgin Atlantic, savoring the flavors of the world with British Airways, experiencing a culinary journey in the sky with Emirates, indulging in Swiss delights with Swiss International Air Lines, enjoying Michelin-starred dining with Etihad Airways, celebrating Chinese cuisine with Cathay Pacific, or savoring a gastronomic delight with Air France, you can expect a memorable and delightful in-flight dining experience with these top-rated airlines.
