The changes have been colossal, with on-board meals graduating from processed dishes to fresh and healthy dining that's infused with the tastes and cultures of the airlines that offer them.
When it comes to airline food, the changes have been colossal, with on-board meals graduating from processed dishes to fresh and healthy dining that's infused with the tastes and cultures of the airlines that offer them. To make sure you get the most flavorsome trip possible this year, be sure to check out this selection of the world's best economy class caterers.
1. EVA Air
1. EVA Air
The big winner is a Taiwanese airline, EVA Air. It offers a wide variety of meals, including vegetarian meals. You can find on their website a list of choices: "vegetarian oriental meal", "vegetarian ovo-lacto", "vegetarian Hindu", "raw vegetarian" or "vegan".
2. Singapour Airlines
Meals are tasty and varied, with a huge range of special meals to choose from, from post-weaning and baby meals for children to vegetarian Indian dishes, seafood meals and low-fat options.
3. Japan Airlines
The economy class meals were dreamt up by six young chefs from RED U-35, Japan’s largest culinary competition. The airline also collaborates with popular restaurants in Japan to keep menus current, and they change regularly. Dishes could include sautéed mushroom soup, bento in the sky and Hamburg steak with fettuccine. There’s even a self-service snack corner in case passengers get peckish.
4. Thai Airways
The award-winning meals in economy class are inspired by the flavours of Thailand, but there are also options from around the world. Seasonal ingredients are often used, fresh produce is sustainably sorted, and meals provide livelihoods for and support local Thai farmers.
5. Qatar Airways
Like many other companies, Qatar Airways offers travelers the choice of the menu option they prefer before the flight, so they can opt for low-calorie or gluten-free meals. On long-haul, travelers have the choice between several hot dishes, all halal.
6. ANA All Nippon Airways
With a motto that reads 'Inspiration of Japan', it's hardly surprising that the economy class food offering of ANA All Nippon is heavily influenced by the flavors of the east. But who's complaining? Not many apparently, especially with that line-up of passenger-voted dishes, those citrus-packed Aromatic Kabosu cocktails , Chardonnay reserves, spicy curries, steamed chicken quenelles, sockeye salmon fillets, yellowtails in soy sauce, bento-style fish cuts and Italian potato gnocchi on the menu!
7. Turkish Airlines
The meals are a treat. On short-haul flights, passengers get sandwiches, olive oil-based starters and desserts, while on longer flights dishes from all over the world are presented and made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. There’s also breakfast, and sometimes a snack service too.
8. Austrian Airlines
Whether you’re flying short or long haul, you’ll enjoy the food and beverage served on board: on short-haul flights, passengers are offered a range of drinks including Austrian beers and wines, while those on longer flights can choose between two different menus, and will also receive a snack or breakfast before landing. You can also order a special à la carte menu in advance for €15 (£13) to enjoy treats like wiener schnitzels, tapas, mezze or Japanese dishes.
9. Lufthansa
You won’t fail to feel full on a Lufthansa flight. Meals are changed regularly, and passengers will get a drinks service, a three-course meal with two hot mains to choose from, plus salads, dessert and hot drinks. On some international flights, there are occasionally dishes typical of the region you’re visiting.
10. Etihad Airways
Emirates offers a wide selection of halal-certified meals inspired by the region to which passengers are traveling. Emirates Flight Catering prepares 110 million plane meals a year - the largest catering service in the world.