Emirates Focuses on Whole Foods, Conventional Cuisine for In-Flight Dining
Emirates is taking a different approach to expanding its plant-based meal options, focusing on naturally flavorful, whole foods rather than meat substitutes. This strategy, announced in early 2024, centers on leveraging the strengths of cuisines where plant-based dishes are already central.
According to Doxis Bekris, Vice President of Food & Beverage Design at Emirates, the airline is prioritizing ingredients like legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and seasonal vegetables. “These ingredients offer inherent flavour, pleasing textures, and valuable nutrients without relying on highly processed alternatives,” bekris stated.
The airline is drawing inspiration from culinary traditions around the world, including Mediterranean mezze, Levantine grain salads, Asian noodle soups, and African stews. These dishes are being adapted for the unique challenges of in-flight service, where maintaining texture and moisture during reheating can be arduous.
This approach represents a subtle critique of the current trend towards mimicking meat-based dishes with plant-based alternatives.Emirates believes that simpler, wholesome dishes often perform better in the airplane surroundings.
This shift in strategy was initially reported in january 2024 by Buisness Traveller. Emirates has been steadily expanding its vegetarian and vegan options in recent years, responding to growing passenger demand for more diverse dietary choices. The airline offers a dedicated vegetarian menu across all classes, and vegan options can be pre-ordered.
Recent menu additions include dishes like a zucchini tart (pictured), highlighting the airline’s commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients. Emirates continues to invest in culinary innovation, aiming to provide passengers with a high-quality and flavorful dining experience at 30,000 feet.
Sources:
* Business Traveller: Emirates eschews meat alternatives in favour of wholefoods
* Emirates Official Website – dining
* Gulf News: Emirates ramps up vegan and vegetarian options