Which Airline Has the Best Food?

If you're an experienced flier, you'll know that the quality of airplane food can vary significantly between airlines. Although some dish out meals that wouldn't be out of place at a restaurant, others can leave you feeling pretty underwhelmed. It goes without saying that most of us have our standards set quite low when it comes to airplane food, but some airlines have really gone the extra mile over the years to serve up tasty grub. With that in mind, it leads us to the question of which airline has the best food. Listed below, you'll find the best airlines in the business for high-quality in-flight fare.

Etihad Airways

Among the most esteemed airlines of recent times, Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways offers delicious meals no matter what class you're flying in. The menus are ever-changing but typically include a mix of Emirati favorites and dishes inspired by the destination the plane is flying to. Meals in first class are even prepared onboard by a professional chef using the freshest possible ingredients, meaning you'll enjoy five-star service from the skies.

Emirates

Staying in the Middle East for a little longer, Dubai's primary airline, Emirates, is known for its delightful in-flight offerings, typically consisting of multi-course meals. You can expect everything from vegetarian options like Spanish paella to pan-fried salmon, topped with crispy bread rolls, indulgent desserts, and salads made from seasonal vegetables. The food isn't limited to long-haul flights, as sandwiches and complimentary drinks are also provided for shorter routes.

Singapore Airlines

Regularly considered to be the top airline on the planet, it's no surprise to find Singapore Airlines on this list. Luckily, you don't have to splash out on one of their iconic first-class cabins to tuck into some delectable food. Foods from every corner of the globe make their way onto Singapore Airlines' in-flight menus, much like they do in Singapore itself. You can find the likes of spicy Indian curries, dreamy Italian pasta, and flavorful Chinese noodles onboard, plus warm bread rolls and a stellar drinks selection.

Oman Air

Oman's national airline, Oman Air, doesn't quite get the same acclaim as those from its Middle Eastern counterparts like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, but it's steadily making its way up the ranks. Oman Air offers three-course meals, and the seasonal menu ensures that each dish is created using quality ingredients. For your main course, you'll usually have multiple choices, with mouthwatering options like braised lamb and risotto being common features.

Turkish Airlines

Sitting at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey is celebrated for its top-drawer cuisine, which has spilled over into its national carrier, Turkish Airlines. While the first and business-class menus are among the most extensive of any airline, with over a dozen meat-based and vegetarian options, the economy line-up isn't too shabby either. There's a blend of local and international options, including Mediterranean-style baguettes for short flights and grilled chicken breast or veggie-filled pasta for longer journeys.

Air France

France's national carrier, Air France, is another airline that offers a fantastic sky dining experience that could give many of the restaurants in the country a run for their money. Air France's in-flight menu has been crafted with the help of some of the greatest chefs to ever hail from the country, including Glenn Viel and Philippe Rigollot. As you can imagine, this means you'll be in store for some pretty incredible eats as you cruise at 30,000 feet, including the likes of beef stew, cheese boards, and creamy baked chicken.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has earned itself quite a commendable reputation in both the aviation and hospitality world, so much so that the Qatari airline has won numerous awards for their culinary offering on board. With a mix of dishes that are created to cater to a slew of different tastes and dietary requirements, you'll have your pick of everything from vegan pasta and hearty soups to chicken kapsa and braised beef. Dining is on demand for first and business-class menus, giving you a chance to indulge in a plethora of amazing bites.

Cathay Pacific

Hailing from Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is among the most sophisticated airlines in all of Asia. Their in-flight meals are curated to offer passengers a unique blend of international delights and local delicacies. Aiming to include nourishing and eco-conscious dishes in their food selection, you'll find fresh fish, fruit salad bowls, and crunchy salads available on many routes. Things are taken up a notch in first class, where caviar and smoked duck are standard additions to the menu. Cathay Pacific has even developed their own craft beer, which proves just how seriously these guys take their gastronomic offerings!

Korean Air

Another airline that has been on the receiving end of quite a few awards for its top-quality fare is Korean Air, South Korea's flagship carrier. Giving customers a taste of the country's most sought-after dishes, Korean Air whips up some nakji deopbap, stir-fried octopus, and jeyuk ssambap, pork-filled wraps, on many of their routes. Not only that but their selection of wines has been put together with the help of Marc Almert, one of the world's most celebrated sommeliers.

All Nippon Airways

With a team of world-class chefs at the helm, All Nippon Airways boasts an in-flight dining adventure that will impress even the most discerning foodies. While they typically have some fusion dishes on their roster, Japanese and French food is where this Tokyo-based airline really shines. First-class passengers will enjoy dishes like melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef ribs and duck confit, while Japanese curries and grilled mackerel are often available for those traveling in economy. In short, you'll be in for an outstanding meal no matter where you're seated.

And That’s the Airlines With the Best Food!

As is the case with anything, people will have varying opinions, meaning that there's no guarantee you'll enjoy the food from the above airlines just because others were impressed by it! However, these airlines have a better reputation than most, so you likely won't go too far wrong with these recommendations.