The food and drink website The Daily Meal has issued its list of top airlines for food in first class. As for the rest of you sitting in economy and grabbing overpriced crackers when the flight attendants pass by, look at what’s happening on the other side of the curtain.
First, The Daily Meal points out that heavy hitters such as Joel Robuchon, Heston Blumenthal, Gordon Ramsay and Neil Perry are among those lending their expertise to raise the culinary profile of air carriers. The ratings for the best of the best follow, with The Daily Meal’s comments:
1. Etihad Airways: “From the anytime snack-and-sandwich kitchen to the chef’s signature dishes on the Taste of Arabia menu and the extensive tea selection (rose with French vanilla or Arabian mint and honey), Etihad’s first-class offerings cater to all of your culinary whims. … If that’s not enough, they also have a chef on board whose job it is to explain menus and make sure that each guest has the best dining experience possible.”
2. Singapore Airlines: “Singapore Airlines is known for immersing first-class passengers in the traditions and tastes of Asian cuisines; take their baked Chilean bass in Oriental XO sauce with mixed vegetables and fried rice, as well as braised beef short ribs in Chinese wine and five-spice with mixed vegetables and egg noodles, as examples. The pecan-crusted veal with red onion marmalade and candied sweet potatoes paired with vintage Dom Perignon is a nontraditional delight, however, for those who may want something a little more familiar.”
3. Emirates: “The essence of the United Arab Emirates cuisine is evident in the regional and seasonal ingredients used in the seven-course first-class lunches and dinners. The meals include the passengers’ choice of three hors d’oeuvres; soup; salad; at least four entree options; two desserts along with five types of cheese, served with port; fresh seasonal fruit; and freshly brewed coffee, a selection of teas and liqueurs, and friandises/sweets.”
4.Thai Airways: “Timeless traditions are at the core of Thai Airways’ Royal First Class menu, which is evident in dishes like Prawn Chu-Chee, a traditional Thai dish made with prawns, chiles, coconut milk, fish sauce and Kaffir limes. With almost 40 dishes on the menu, Thai Airway’s advanced-order service caters to even the most innovative individual preferences.”
5. Swiss Airlines: “Swiss Airlines’ Taste of Switzerland program was designed to highlight different regions of the country on flights throughout the year. Until September, first-class passengers will enjoy meals inspired by the cuisine of Canton Nidwalden, featuring dishes such as beef tenderloin with ofetori, Nidwalden-style mashed potatoes made with veal bacon and cheese.”
For the complete list and comments, visit thedailymeal.com/best-airlines-first-class-food.
