Let’s be honest for a moment. You and I both know airplane food is at the bottom of the rankings. However, in the modern age, things are evolving for the better. There are some airlines that are stepping up their inflight dining services. We’re speaking about gourmet meals, Michelin star-rated dishes, and culinary delights that astound five-star restaurants. If you happen to travel on any of these best of the best airlines in 2025, you will enjoy more than just a window view.
Allow me to introduce you to five airlines that truly skyrocketed to the top of airline food services.
Gourmet giant of Dubai, Emirates
The content creators are not surprised at this one. Emirates is basically the bouncy castle of an airplane cuisine. They are not joking around when they say For real though, they bought the biggest vertical farm in the world to continue serving fresh veggies onboard.
Yeah, he worked at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin, so it’s only natural that Emirates had to purchase countless other airline catering businesses to make a profit. Their executive chef Hugh Styles (no biggie) runs a kitchen that prepares between 115K and 115,000 meals a day, not exclusively for Emirates. There industry works for around 190 other airlines in Dubai are too. Lets put this in perspective: These people are currently supplying around 50 percent of air travellers.
Singapore Airlines – Merging Hawker Culture and First-Class Cuisine
Singapore Airlines knows how to elevate the famous Southeast Asian flavors. We mean real congee, Singaporean curry, and gourmet hawker-style samplings like satay and bak chor mee all served with a sophisticated flair.
They allow you to pre-order meals so you won’t need to endure the dreaded ‘chicken or pasta’ debate at 35,000 feet. “Veteran chef” Dennis Littley proclaims that their cuisine competes with some of the best restaurants on the ground.
Singapore to Los Angeles, a 15-hour flight of utter culinary bliss is done while serving super long-haul routes.
Qatar Airways – Enjoy A Royal Feast 30,000 Feet Above Ground
Qatar Airways business class isn’t simply about getting from point A to B but it is centered on offering an experience to their guests. Your tray table will be host to award winning burrata, roasted lamb featuring silky mashed potatoes, and pistachio mousse.
Their crew is specially trained unlike other airliners to ensure that you receive an authentic interactiveness as opposed to a quick drop and go. Definitely not your average airplane food.
Air New Zealand
The food reflects New Zealand’s native ingredients and rich culture. Rewarewa honey glazed duck red curry served with jasmine rice and succulent daikon, this isn’t your average inflight chicken breast.
Most airline meals are created to be edible, at best. Even the sauces have soul.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) – Japan’s Culinary Showcase
Legimit gourmet food is served on long haul flights, especially in first class with ANA. Their primary selling point is japanese vs western menu selection per passenger class but I highly suggest Japanese cuisine.
Expect miso marinated pomfret, conger eel, chrysanthemum leaves and of course fancy snacks before landing like dried fish and premium saké. No instant noodles here folks.
So Which Airline Would You Like To Take A Bite Out Of First?
If you’ve been criticizing airplane meals based on pathetic sandwiches and overcooked pasta, perhaps it’s time to reconsider. These five airlines are the proof that you do not have to give up on flavor while flying. And who knows, the next meal you fall in love with could be served at 10,000 feet.
