Sky High Dining: The Best In-Flight Meals Worth Booking a Ticket For
2025-07-14
Richard Shane
Founder and CEO
The World’s Greatest Vacations
Long gone are the days of bland reheated meals in plastic trays. Today, in-flight dining has taken to the skies—literally and figuratively—with gourmet offerings that rival Michelin-starred restaurants. Airlines around the world are redefining luxury with curated menus, wine pairings, and regionally inspired dishes that make the journey just as memorable as the destination. Here’s a look at the best in-flight meals that make booking a ticket totally worth it.
1. Singapore Airlines – Asian Elegance at 35,000 Feet
Singapore Airlines sets the gold standard for in-flight cuisine. With its “Book the Cook” program, First and Business Class passengers can pre-order signature dishes like Lobster Thermidor, Japanese-style grilled cod, or even a traditional Indian curry—all expertly crafted by the airline’s International Culinary Panel.
Insider Tip: Don’t skip the satay skewers served with a rich peanut sauce—arguably one of the best airline appetizers in the sky.
2. Qatar Airways – Gourmet in Qsuite
Flying Qatar Airways’ Qsuite? Expect a dining experience as elegant as the cabin design. Think smoked salmon tartare, roasted rack of lamb, and decadent desserts like chocolate hazelnut mousse. Meals are served on crisp white linen with fine tableware—no plastic in sight.
Insider Tip: Qatar’s wine list is curated by Master Sommeliers and rivals that of top restaurants.
3. ANA (All Nippon Airways) – Japanese Haute Cuisine
ANA offers kaiseki-style meals in First Class—a traditional Japanese dining experience with seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. Savor delicacies like miso-marinated cod, sushi, and wagyu beef, presented like edible art on lacquered trays.
Insider Tip: Pair your meal with premium sake selected by Japanese connoisseurs.
4. Emirates – Dining Like Royalty
Emirates First Class is a five-star restaurant in the sky. From caviar with blinis to grilled beef tenderloin and sticky toffee pudding, the menu is designed to impress. With a separate wine list and even onboard lounges on A380s, this is sky-high indulgence at its peak.
Insider Tip: The Arabic mezze platter is an essential—and flavorful—start to any meal.
5. Turkish Airlines – A Flying Chef on Every Flight
Turkish Airlines blends culinary authenticity with flair. Business Class guests are treated to traditional Turkish dishes—like lamb kofta and lentil soup—prepared by onboard “flying chefs.” Meals are served with warm bread, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
Insider Tip: Save room for dessert—especially the baklava.
Final Thoughts
As airlines compete to win over discerning travelers, in-flight dining has become a key differentiator. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, booking a seat in the right cabin could mean starting your vacation the moment you buckle up.
Bon appétit—at 35,000 feet.
