Emirates Expands Plant-Based Menu Options
Emirates Airlines is enhancing its plant-based offerings, focusing on authentic and culturally rich dishes. A new development project is underway, led by a team of chefs dedicated to creating vibrant meals that celebrate plant-based ingredients.
New Plant-Based Menu Concepts
Scheduled to launch in 2027, the forthcoming menu will highlight fundamental food groups such as:
- Legumes
- Grains
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Seasonal vegetables
Emirates aims to showcase these elements as primary components rather than relying on engineered meat substitutes. Doxis Bekris, Vice President of Food & Beverage Design at Emirates, emphasized the airline’s commitment to depth of flavor, texture, and nutrition without ultra-processed alternatives.
Culinary Traditions at the Forefront
The new menu will draw inspiration from plant-forward cuisines around the world. Emirates is looking to incorporate:
- Mediterranean mezze
- Levantine grain salads
- Asian noodle bowls
- African stews
This approach not only aligns with sustainability goals but also meets customer expectations for health-conscious dining options. The airline aims to reflect transparency, ensuring passengers understand what they are consuming.
Growing Demand for Vegan Options
Currently, Emirates serves approximately 500,000 vegan meals annually. The consumption of vegan meals is increasing, paralleling overall passenger volume growth. In the past year, the top destinations for vegan meal orders included:
- London
- Sydney
- Bangkok
- Melbourne
- Frankfurt
- Manchester
- Mumbai
- Bali
- Singapore
Notably, even non-vegan customers are choosing plant-based options for flights, as they are often perceived as lighter and easier to digest.
A Culinary Shift
Emirates is shifting its culinary focus from simple substitutes to a celebration of plant-based flavors. The objective is to enhance authenticity, creativity, and overall dining experience for passengers.
In summary, Emirates is poised to redefine its plant-based menu by prioritizing genuine culinary traditions, ensuring that its meals are not only healthier but also satisfying and flavorful.
