The journey is as important as the destination when it comes to travelling, especially when the skies offer more than just breathtaking views. As airlines across the globe continue to elevate the in-flight experience, a select few have taken it to a new height – by offering Michelin-starred dining at 30,000 feet. From expertly crafted menus by world-renowned chefs to dishes that tantalise the palate even at cruising altitude, these airlines are redefining what it means to dine onboard.
Japan Airlines
Demonstrating Japanese hospitality at its finest, first- and business-class passengers on Japan Airlines (JAL) departing from and arriving at Tokyo are to indulge in a wide range of top-notch selections crafted by renowned Michelin-starred Japanese chefs. In fact, even the premium economy and economy standard meals on JAL are known to be some of the best in-flight foods globally. Think sushi, udon, decadent meats, bento boxes, and other international favourites.
Triple Michelin-starred chefs Ishikawa Hideki and Koizumi Kouji of Ishikawa and Kohaku restaurants are behind the first-class menu for those flying from Tokyo, whereas those entering the country will be served mouthwatering creations from Chef Teshi Riyuji, the owner of one-Michelin-star restaurant PAGES. Kishida Kuzo of Quintessence, which has won three Michelin stars 16 years in a row, is also serving up some of his Italian creations. Last but not least, the Michelin-starred chefs in charge of the business-class menu include chef Namae Shinobu, owner of three-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Effervescence.
Swiss International Air Lines
As part of the Swiss Taste of Switzerland in-flight culinary programme, a new Michelin-starred chef is invited to concoct a five-star menu with specialties from their canton every couple of months for SWISS First, Business, and Premium Economy passengers on long-haul flights departing from Zurich and Geneva.
Currently, the culinary creations are from the canton of Vaud, created by Franck Giovannini, the general manager and head chef of the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville in Crissier. Amongst some of Giovannini’s creations include Langoustine with tomato mousse, cucumber and tomato chips with a fillet of Balik salmon, Veal filet mignon with mustard cream sauce and conchiglioni pasta filled with aubergine caviar, and chocolate parfait with meringue and strawberry.
Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong has nearly 80 restaurants with Michelin stars, and in February 2023, Cathay Pacific partnered with Michelin-starred restaurant Duddell’s for an exclusively curated Hong Kong Flavours menu for premium passengers flying out of Hong Kong. The collaboration, which has been extended in 2024, highlights Asian flavours that represents the city’s heritage, diversity, and ingenuity.
For first-class flyers, mains include sautéed abalone and chicken with Sichuan pepper and crispy greens, steamed cod fillets with Chinese ham and shiitake mushrooms, and more. For those on business class, there are options like tender braised pork ribs with hawthorn sauce and green apples, as well as hearty braised beef ribs with port wine.
Singapore Airlines
Named the second best airline in 2024, Singapore Airlines (SIA) evidently does not compromise on quality, with all of its in-flight meals prepared on the ground, overseen by celebrated chefs and culinary experts. Those travelling in the suites, first class, and business class are served delicious offerings from a five-member International Culinary Panel comprising France’s three-Michelin-starred icon, Georges Blanc; Australian chef Matthew Moran; India’s Sanjeev Kapoor, a Mercury Gold Award winner; Japanese culinary maestro and Kaiseki master Yoshihiro Murata; and SIA’s Chinese chef Zhu Jun.
The diverse gastronomic delights that SIA offers include a wide range of Malaysian, Japanese, Italian, and Indian cuisine. Passengers can ensure that they receive these special meals via the Book the Cook service at least 24 hours before departure for flights of a minimum 90-minute duration.
KLM Airlines
The Dutch Royal airline, in 2022, revealed a new menu for KLM World Business flyers which is put together by famous three-Michelin-starred chef Jonnie Boer of De Librije restaurant in Zwolle, Amsterdam, alongside sommelier Thérèse Boer of the same restaurant to present a selection of complementary wines. His menu includes signature dishes like baked salmon with broccolini, roasted tomatoes and couscous, and chicken thigh in a star anise gravy served with stewed green cabbage and mashed potatoes, though it does change every three months.
From time to time, KLM also invites other renowned chefs to curate a seasonal menu. For instance, in 2023, World Business and Premium Comfort flyers departing from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were treated to a special menu by chef Rodrigo Oliveira, which was available for three months onboard. His establishment, Mocotó, an award-winning traditional restaurant serving sertaneja cuisine located in Vila Medeiros, is listed on the Bib Gourmand list of the Michelin Guide.
Air France
Food is not just sustenance but an art form in France. It is easy to see why the country, with all of its Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning chefs, is an emblem of gastronomical excellence. In line with that, France’s flag carrier, Air France, is acclaimed for its food menus, comprising lavish dishes for its La Première and Air France business class cabins. In fact, Air France was awarded the World’s Best First Class Onboard Catering in 2024 by Skytrax.
The enchanting creations on the celebrated menu are expertly crafted by a diverse panel of French’s best chefs, including triple Michelin-starred Glenn Viel and Arnaud Lallement, as well as other eminent chefs like Philippe Rigollot and Nina Métayer. Additionally, Air France also offers the best of French terroirs with an exclusive wine and champagne list prepared with the expertise of the airline’s new Head Sommelier, Xavier Thuizat.
Featured image: Cathay Pacific
