Airplane food takes on a whole new meaning with first-class dining options in the sky.
Gone are the days of sub-par airline food that most often come up in conversations about horrifying flight experiences.
For first-class fliers, the journey would not be complete without the increasingly gourmet fare we are served, ranging from prime-cut steaks to gorgeous desserts and luxury alcohol and cheese selections. The world’s best airlines are in a race, collaborating with top chefs and sommeliers to bring premium dining experiences to the skies, cocktails included.
Described as the Oscar’s of the airline industry, the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards recently named the top airlines of 2017, with Qatar taking the crown for best airline of the year. Closer to home, Singapore Airlines was named number 2 in the world, and best in Asia.
Here are the airlines that made the cut to the Best First Class Airline Catering list:
#10. Japan Airlines
Featuring a line-up of recognised chefs including Seiji Yamamoto from Ryugin and Yosuke Suga from SUGALABO, Japan Airline serves Japanese and Western cuisine that is innovative, healthy and fresh. W jal.co.jp
#9. Cathay Pacific
Prime Angus beef striploin is served in Cathay's first-class cabin, along with the likes of king prawns, Asian cuisine and premier cheese and desserts. W cathaypacific.com
#8. Garuda Indonesia
Expect global favourites on board this airline, with culinary delights from Indonesia and modern Europe with a Middle Eastern edge. Garuda promises a private feast above the clouds, and that's just what you get from their master chefs. W garuda-indonesia.com
#7. Qantas
A five-star, 12-course dining experience awaits you on every Qantas first-class flight, paired with award-winning wines (with Sommeliers in the Sky) and champagnes that showcase the diverse Australian range. W qantas.com
#6. Qatar Airways
Savour fresh three-course meals accompanied by mocktails and fruit juices, an experience comparable to the best fine dining restaurants on land. W qatarairways.com
#5. Emirates
Lobster in first class - why not? Dine gourmet-style aboard Emirates, which has also been receiving recognition for upping its business and economy class fares. You can choose the meal you get on board from the monthly menu. W emirates.com
#4. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines wants you to know that utmost care is put into crafting your airplane food, which is why it boasts a menu crafted to perfection 30,000 feet in the air. All dishes are tested in a simulated pressurised cabin to account for changing taste buds in that altitude. W singaporeair.com
#3. Air France
Creativity and soulfulness are hallmarks of Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud, on flights departing Los Angeles, New York and Washington to Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Guests can even choose to order in advance from the authentic a la carte menu, which boasts Asian inspirations and fresh seafood. W airfrance.us
#2. Lufthansa
Dining with class is about more than the meal itself, which is why this airline takes pride in presentation on fine china. Country-specific cuisine is tailored to regional tastes on international routes, and those with special dietary requirements will find their needs catered to without hassle. W lufthansa.com
#1. Etihad Airways
Inspired by the world's leading fine dining restaurants, Etihad's first class kitchen combines fresh ingredients with elegant presentation details and a boutique wine-and-Cognac service. Being best in the world is no easy feat, but this airline has managed to reinvent gastronomic delights with the help of expert inflight chefs, pleasing even the most critical frequent fliers among us. W etihad.com
(swipe left for more)
Discover the First Apartment on board Etihad Airways here:
Images courtesy of respective airlines.