A Foodie’s Guide To Airline Food

Do you ever consider airline food other than cost, time and destination when selecting an airline to fly? It’s easy to forget that airline food can play an important part in the whole flying experience. Who can forget the irate letter from a Virgin Airlines passenger who was left bemused by his in-flight meal? Of course, food is unlikely to be the deciding factor of selecting an airline. That being said, if you’re planning a holiday and want to be sure that you will be served some tasty airline food whilst in the air, this guide could be of assistance.

Guide To Airline Food

Hawaiian Airline Sushi Meal | (c) Photo By The Wall Street Journal

Passengers on flights to Bodrum, Dalaman or anywhere else in Turkey rejoice. In a recent study, Turkish Airlines was found to have the best airline food based on taste and presentation. Their menu includes Turkish treats such as stuffed eggplant, as well as world cuisines. It’s no wonder their airline food came on top. Their policy aims to bring Turkish airlines passengers fresh food with a “restaurant experience and taste.”

Singapore Airlines came in second for best airline food. No small wonder since Gordon Ramsay is a consultant on their culinary panel. They’ve even released their own recipe book so that satisfied customers can recreate their airline food at home. It’s surprising that they didn’t come first, really. Perhaps porcini crusted sea scallop just doesn’t taste the same at 30,000 feet in the air?

Etihad missed out on the second spot on airline food just by one point. Airline food served on this Arabian airline carrier is Halal certified. It is made from fresh ingredients, wherever possible. They also offer an astonishing number of special airline food for religious purposes and also dietary requirements (raw vegetables, low sodium, and seafood).

Surprisingly, the Irish airline carrier Aer Lingus beat out the luxury airline Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Qantas in the study. Perhaps the pre-departure champagne service on their long haul flights had something to do with that?

Foodies on a diet might want to book flights with Air Canada. In a recent North American survey it was found that Air Canada in-flight meals has the lowest calorie content. The top picks are chicken ramen noodle soup, chicken or beef wraps and vegetarian sandwiches. Virgin America is also taking steps to offering sensible healthy options including a protein meal with hummus, nuts and tuna. This is perfect for keeping energy up and keeping fried foods at bay.

Then again, foodies trying to cut down on food could also fly with a budget airline such as Ryanair. Faced with the choice of a lukewarm cheese and ham Panini or a Batchelor’s Cup-a-Soup – all at premium prices. Personally I would prefer to skip lunch altogether because of airline hygienic factors.

There you have it. A guide to airline food to all the concerned foodies out there.