Many perks come with flying around the world, and with all the many different airlines which provide different services, it’s not that difficult to find your favorite comfort food while flying. For many, though, the in-flight meals are the most interesting! Meals on flights are usually based on international foods, not necessarily from the airline’s country itself. The best part of airline meals is variety: each meal choice comes with exciting sides and even desserts. Check out these 35 surprising airplane meals that are actually served on flights across the world!
Philippine Airlines
Airplane meals that sound like 5-star meals on the menu don’t necessarily come with a 5-star plating. This meal was one of the choices provided on a menu from a flight with Philippine Airlines. Although this meal does not particularly look all that delicious, its combination of flavors made up for its looks. This main meal consists of juicy Hungarian beef stew, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes!
Of course, the main meal could not be complete without its side of coleslaw, a mini loaf to dip in that juicy stew sauce, and a nice glass of wine to go with it.
Royal Jordanian Airlines
Royal Jordanian Airlines fly around the world with Economy Class flights and the fancier class which they call “Crown Class.” This meal was served on a flight from Heathrow on an Economy Class flight, and if it looks this good, we wonder what the Crown Class meal may look like. The main was chicken covered with a tomato sauce and a side of square-cut potatoes, pea and carrot mix, and a corn and bean salad.
This lunch meal came with a cheese slice and a small bread roll to start with, and a marble cake slice for dessert! Surprisingly, the small yogurt-looking cup is water, definitely not enough to quench a thirst, though...
Ana Air
It may be hard to believe, but this is what you can expect on the economy class flight on Ana Air. The airline’s slogan is “Inspiration of Japan,” and their food is too! They use an array of chefs from all over the world who prepare their in-flight meals. You can choose Japanese, French, or Fusion cuisine and options of different Patisseries, wines, and of course, Japanese Sake.
This meal consisted of crackers, bread rolls, butter, and cheese to start or end with. The main meal is a Japanese dish with broth and a boiled egg. And to accompany it, a piece of sushi, Asian-style rice and vegetables, and an Asian salad! We are drooling here...
Bangkok Airways
Being bored on shorter flights usually put one in the mood for a snack. It will likely lead you to buy a packet of crisps, chocolate, or some candy if they're available on the flight. But sometimes, airlines go the extra mile to provide you with a healthier, more fulfilling snack to have while onboard. Bangkok Airways have managed to do just that with their shorter flights, like to Phuket, which takes less than two hours from Bangkok.
This crispy croissant filled with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, ham, and cheese was just one of the many quick snack meals provided. They also serve cold refreshing fruit salts as it’s way too hot when you arrive in Phuket.
China Airlines
A flight from Osaka to Taipei takes just under 3 hours, so a light breakfast, lunch, or dinner could be indulged during those few short hours. This Chinese-inspired meal was given on a flight with China Airlines, and the person who got to enjoy it approved that it tasted as delicious as it looked! If it were us, we would start with that dessert. Just look at it!
This lunch had Chinese-style chicken with rice, vegetables, and a side of pasta salad. As a palate cleanser, you have some fresh fruit, and if you're not full, a soft bread roll too. But let’s be honest, the cheesecake looks too good not to go for first.
Thai Airways
Thai Airways were number one on the list of best economy class airline food in 2019 and has seemed to have made it quite high up on all the list since then. Their menus are inspired by Thai food and flavors. The Thai Airways chefs try and source as much of the ingredients locally from Thailand, keeping well within the spirit of the airline’s origin.
Thai food may not be for everyone, but this delicious Thai Fish Curry with rice and spinach seems unreal for something you could order on a flight. It even comes with a cold shrimp salad, bread roll, and a fluffy chocolate sponge cake!
Air Tahiti Nui
The Islands of Tahiti are the islands that just scream paradise when you see them, and Air Tahiti Nui displays the same kind of look. Their many airplanes are designed with sunny, clear blue water paradise in mind. From the seating to the fold-out trays, it almost feels as though you're already in paradise. This, of course, means the food onboard also needs to look like it came from paradise.
This chicken and rice dish may look just like a normal dish, however, the sauce is a rich vanilla gravy. It comes with a side of mashed potato and a small ciabatta roll with cheese. As for dessert, the lava cake isn’t something you think you would find while up in the sky.
Cathay Pacific
Is it possible to fly economy and also have a breakfast made for champions? Well, with Cathay Pacific, it is. Many people find airplane breakfasts dull, limp or unenjoyable, with the chances of eggs which aren’t fluffy, bacon that is not crispy, or fruit juice that is not fresh. But as you can see, flying with Cathay Pacific will leave you wanting seconds of their deliciously filling morning meals.
They provide your morning juice, fresh fruit, yogurt, and bread roll. But the main part has to be the best part. A pork sausage, a slice of well-cooked bacon, fresh tomatoes, baked potatoes, and a fluffy baked cheese and egg souffle! Did you spot the mini-Heinz ketchup in the corner too?
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines uses a panel of world-renowned chefs who assist in making the culinary experience on the flights one to remember. They even have a "Book The Cook" option for Business Class where you can choose the main meal especially inspired by one of the chefs on their International Culinary Panel. These meals often have ingredients that are in season, so each time you fly, you get something different.
If you only have the opportunity to fly Economy Class, the food may not be inspired by the chefs, but it's just as good. This main meal was a mutton biryani with cashews and chilies and accompanied by a shrimp starter, crackers, cheese, and a fresh bread roll.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is the number one airline in the world at this point and they did not get there by slacking on their flight’s safety, service, and onboard hospitality, including the onboard food. Flying with them not only takes you to your desired destination, but they also provide an exciting journey you will never forget. And if that is not enough, their food will be a journey on its own.
Now, this breakfast meal may look like a selection of desserts, but we can assure you it's not. The central part of the meal is a breakfast bread pudding, with berry coulis. To go with it is a strawberry yogurt, a vanilla muffin, a warm croissant, and some orange juice.
Lufthansa
This was the meal given during a flight from Washington to Munich on the German airline, Lufthansa. Out of the many meals we have already seen, this one probably looks the least appetizing. We only expect that what seems to have lacked in this meal, they make up for in their service and additional onboard options. Although this meal comes from 2017, hopefully, Lufthansa has improved on their food since...
This mediocre meal was simple cheese tortellini. The green side salad, crackers, and bread roll seem pretty dry, and the dessert is also just a simple brownie. Nothing special with this one...
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines has been around since 1925, and they have had a great run since then. In today’s modern world, we are sure they have stepped it up since 1925 and added all the modern touches and changes to the entertainment part of the flight. Of course, the food experience is also part of the entertainment! And this is just one example of the food the airline company serves.
This delicious dinner was some honey-coated salmon, with white rice and some green vegetables. For the sides, they included a small green salad with a salad dressing and a shrimp starter. There is also a selection of cheese and crackers, and their roll looks like a fluffy cloud.
British Airlines
Usually, when flying with any airline, they do not always base their meals on their country's native foods. Many of the meals are based on what type of cooking style the chefs who create the menus were initially trained in. British Airlines add in a British flare into their meals, and from this year, they will be doing more British-based meals.
This meal from a 2018 flight is filled with lots of different elements and, it is vegan! It consists of chestnut curry, rice, and broccoli as the main, a side of bean salad, and for snacks, you have some fresh fruit, cherry tomatoes, cashews, and a vegan bread roll!
Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines’ dining service comes with many different foods which are inspired by not only Asian but also international dishes. Just like most airlines, Vietnam Airlines menus change for each travel experience. Vietnamese dishes are often packed with rich distinctive flavors and the freshest ingredients and being able to portray that perfectly on airplane meals must be a fine skill that only the best chefs would know how to get right.
This tasteful meal is an Asian-style beef noodle dish and as a light side, they provide a croissant, yogurt, and some fresh fruit. Surprisingly not your usual apples and oranges, but some dragon fruit, guava, and papaya.
JetBlue
If you have flown with the airline JetBlue, you will know that they have an unconventional yet modern look to their brand. Their in-flight menus are extremely original and are often packed with healthier food options than the filling fare you would expect. They have meals available to suit all dietary and religious requirements and these range from breakfast to dinner. They even have a special menu with options to suit late-night flights!
If you’re like this passenger, looking to live healthier, then JetBlue will have the right options for you. This colorful bean salad was a great dinner dish, filled with different beans, yellow and red cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, a selection of greens, and a healthy dressing.
Air Canada
There are many airlines that can do with some food critics to judge their meals and provide feedback which would make them better the quality. Of course, airplane food is not expected to have the same quality as a restaurant or a hotel, but it still should somewhat be satisfying enough to not ruin your flight. And looking at this picture of a meal served at Air Canada, it can do just that...
The meal was a chicken, potato, and vegetable dish, which seems alright. It also came with a salad and a roll. But all of the unnecessary plastic packagings really ruins it.
American Airlines
If you have ever been worried about the safety of the food you get while on a flight, American Airlines can reassure you that with them, everything is safely packaged and marked. Each meal and its accompanying sides are individually packed, sealed, and labeled with tracking and expiry details. Hopefully, when you are done unwrapping your “food boxes”, you will still have enough time to enjoy your meal and snacks.
This balanced meal had some chicken strips in a sauce, fluffy white rice, and steamed vegetables. It came with a fresh crisp Greek salad, bread roll, and a delicious caramel cake slice. Not bad if you ask us.
Scandinavian Airlines
The Scandinavians always know how to make something simple look really fancy. We are not sure how they do it, but they can. Flying with Scandinavian Airlines ensures you get a wonderful Scandinavian experience during their flights. Their normal economy class meals, just like this one, look like they should actually belong on the first-class seats, so at least you know your meal will be worth the trip as well.
The meal was a creamy pesto chicken with beans, cherry tomatoes, and a potato gratin. The sides were a fresh green salad, a bread roll, crackers, cheese, “Smør” - a Scandinavian butter and for dessert, some cheesecake.
Finnair
Finnair provides top-quality Nordic flavors, with an international-inspired twist. Just like this meal, they concentrate on using the best ingredients for their specially created menus. Their presentation is even outstanding for the plating options they have to work with. On this flight to Helsinki, the Finnair passenger got to enjoy an exceptional Finnish breakfast filled with foods and flavors they may have never expected to receive while 36 000ft in the sky.
The delicious-looking breakfast was a mushroom-filled crepe, traditional rice-filled bread roll, and Finnish sausage. It came with fresh fruit, an extra rye bread roll, and a hot cup of coffee.
Air France
The French are very well known for their amazing culinary cuisines. French-inspired foods can be found all over the world made by many different chefs in almost all restaurants, hotels, and flights. Air France offers a few options of different "a la carte" menus which their passengers can choose from, mostly French-inspired. They've even added a "FAUCHON", "Healthy", "Fun", "Ocean" and "Italia" menu to mix along with the traditional one.
This is a French-style chicken served with infused rice with a side of pasta salad. And it's not French without some cheese and wine. Dessert may not look French, but a marble cake and apple sauce will serve your sweet tooth. Bon Appetit!
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines takes in-flight meals up a notch with their award-winning executive chefs. They provide phenomenal island-inspired foods made by MW Restaurant Executive Chefs. Their island-inspired dishes range from delicious mains to exciting desserts which are made by chefs in Hawaii. Their meals are like nothing you will ever experience by any other airline and to add to the festiveness of Hawaii, their airplane decor makes you feel like you’re already there.
This enjoyable meal is a chicken teriyaki, with mixed vegetables and white rice sprinkled with black sesame. You also get a fresh bean salad and fresh orange juice. Aloha and enjoy!
Egyptair
Whether you are flying over the Nile or anywhere else in the world, Egyptair can cater to your travel needs. They provide all the basic services you need for a flight with a slight Egyptian twist. Besides their normal in-flight meals, Egyptair offers Hot Diabetic, Hindu, Kosher, Seafood, Low Cholesterol, and vegetarian Meals. Although the airline may not be one of the greatest, this inflight meal doesn't look too bad!
The meal is a juicy meat stew with rice and vegetables. On the side, they added in a salad with corn, pumpkin, fresh tomatoes, and flower-shaped cut cucumber. As always, a roll, in case you're not full, and a chocolate brownie to end off with.
Emirates
Emirates is one of the best and most popular airlines across the globe. No matter where you want to travel to across the world, Emirates never disappoints. Their service is also at the highest level and their flight safety can always be assured. They also offer a 3-course meal on their economy class flights which is served with extra crackers and a selection of cheeses. And the best part, their drinks are complimentary!
This lunch of chicken with gravy, mashed potato, and broccoli was served with a cold pasta starter with fresh parsley and chili. The dessert of the day was an apple pie with vanilla cream.
Air China
With Air China, not only do they give their passengers options of extraordinary meals, but they also focus on sustainability. Their Western and Chinese cuisine is based on seasonal ingredients and healthier options to ensure that they are able to provide the perfect mix between the two different cuisines. Each month they change their menus which gives them the space to really show off the different Chinese food variations available.
This beef meal had a Chinese touch, with Chinese-inspired flavors and vegetables, with some rice. It came with a fresh grain salad, a roll that looks a bit hard, and a bright slice of cheesecake.
American Airlines First Class
Another “interesting” example of a meal from American Airlines, only this meal comes from first-class seats. This meal definitely looks different from the economy class one, but we cannot really say that it looks any better. However, the proof is in the taste, and with American Airlines using Top-Chefs to help create the menus for their first and business class passengers, it would surely taste much better than it looks.
This feast is vegetarian chili with a side of pressed polenta. For an added freshness, they have served it with some crisp greens and a fresh grain and corn salad.
Delta Airlines Still So-Soish
Delta Airlines is currently working on new menus with help from some of the best restaurants to better their in-flight meals. They are looking to add some Greek cuisine into the mix which would surely add something different for passengers to enjoy onboard. Although this 2019 meal is also from economy class, it does look much different from the one we saw previously, and we can't say it looks any better.
The sloppy-looking meal was some sort of tomato chicken bake with spinach and what looks like a white sauce. The sides are a slaw with shrimp, a Greek salad, and a chocolate chip blondie to end off with.
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines are happy to offer their passengers meals and snacks which have focus on Austrian cuisine. Some of their traditional foods could be veal patties, Wiener Melange (a type of coffee), or Kaiserschmarrn, and these delicacies could all be found as options on their menus. After the in-flight meal, they even offer something sweet which you can enjoy onboard or take home if that is your kind of thing to do...
This pre-ordered business class breakfast is scrambled eggs with potatoes, mushrooms, bacon, and tomatoes. You also get muesli, fruit and fresh orange juice and you get a bag of fresh bread with jams.
LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines mostly fly between Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina so their onboard meals are inspired by all the different flavors that these beautiful countries have to offer. On top of that LATAM only provides the best raw ingredients from their service regions to create their exceptional menus. They also have the best selection of wines on offer which are always a bonus when needing something to take the edge off while flying.
Although we are unsure what this meal in which the passenger has already dug into, seems to be a baked dish with white sauce. It is not very “appetizing” looking no matter where you get the ingredients….
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines usually offer the traditional Dutch sandwich on their shorter European flights. They are also usually vegetarian as the classic Dutch sandwich is just bread with cheese. On their shorter flights, you'll get a snack and a drink, but on the long-haul flights, they offer a 3-course full meal. This business class spread is just an example of how delicious their options can be. They also have an array of cuisine menus you can choose from.
This meal looks like it was ordered off the Indonesian menu. It's a sticky beef stew with yellow rice and caramelized onions. On the side some satay kebabs, a fresh bread roll, and some perfectly sliced cheesecake in a traditional Dutch bowl.
AEGEAN Airlines
If you have a weak spot for Greek food, you should consider flying with AEGEAN Airlines. They believe that they can portray locations through the flavors in dishes. They love to make their meals more of an experience and not just something to “feed” passengers with. With them, you should be able to feel the history, culture, and character of the country they are using as inspiration for their meals.
This business class lunch meal was Greek-inspired meatballs on a bed of infused rice. It also came alongside a platter of fruits, smoked beef slices, and tomatoes. The mini condiments it is just that little extra touch.
Swiss Airlines
When you think of Swiss Airlines, we are sure you would expect their service as well as their food to have a top-notch quality. However, it is hard to believe this passenger's in-flight meal has come from the business class section of Swiss Airlines. It looks more like something that is homemade by someone who is trying to make something fancy from the comfort of their kitchen, with very little cooking skills.
This disappointing sad meal is potato-crusted halibut, with a creamy white wine sauce and asparagus. And for some reason, just one whole tomato. Would you be impressed by this meal?
Cathay Pacific Doing What They Do
Another one of Cathay Pacific's dishes, which actually looks really tasty. This dish was served as a mid-flight snack meal from a flight from Frankfurt to Hong Kong. It seems Cathay Pacific has outdone themselves for this mid-flight meal for business class passengers, as it does not come across as a simple dish to prepare or serve. The plating also fits well with the dish and the Chinese soup spoon is a lovely touch.
This Chinese-inspired dish is a hot broth with some egg noodles, Chinese broccoli, onions, and fish balls. With a meal like that you can experience China before you land there.
Emirates Standards
Emirates has done it again. We do not think we have ever seen any of their in-flight meals looking like nothing but the best, no matter what class you’re flying you will enjoy the food you are served. Emirates knows how to keep their standards up by ensuring each of their meals, no matter for what time of the day, come out looking like it was served in a 5-start restaurant.
This beautiful dish was served to a passenger on first class. The dish is a braised lamb with rosemary jus, it was accompanied by some roasted pumpkin, creamy gratin potatoes, and sauteed zucchini.
Japan Airlines
Depending on where you're flying to or from, Japan Airlines has a different chef who is in charge of the different menus for different routes. Each of the chefs has different styles of cuisine which they use to inspire the in-flight menus. So, for this passenger's meal, which he received in business class while traveling from Taiwan to Tokyo, would have been a meal specially designed just for that trip.
This meal has many components to it. What we can make out for it is some miso soup, Japanese tea, some pickled fish, a fresh seafood mix, a meat dish with rice and vegetables, and a platter of other Japanese-inspired foods.
Air Canada Chef Antonio Park
Can you believe this is breakfast? Well, it is. Not only does Air Canada's business class offer you better seating, access to a lounge, and much more entertainment options, they also serve food fashioned by renowned Chef Antonio Park. On the longer flights, you can expect a meal made up of a starter, main, and dessert, and of course a fully packed bar with some of the world’s best liquors.
Surprisingly, this wonderful morning meal is a breakfast ravioli with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley. They serve it with some fresh cut fruit, a fresh roll, freshly squeezed orange juice, and coffee!