Air India launches new global menu on international and domestic flights
New Delhi, November 20
Air India on Thursday launched a new global menu across its fleet, offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines on most international and domestic flights, with options for First, Business, Premium Economy classes, and special dietary preferences.
The new menu has been introduced on most international ex-India routes, including flights from Delhi to London Heathrow, New York, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto and Dubai; from Mumbai and Bengaluru to San Francisco; and from Mumbai to New York, to name a few.
The new menu features a variety of offerings across all classes. Signature Indian dishes include Awadhi Paneer Anjeer Pasanda in the Veg Awadhi Thali, Murgh Massalam in the Non-Veg Awadhi Thali, and a South Indian platter available in First and Business Class.
Premium Economy passengers can enjoy Rajasthani besan chilla, malabari chicken curry, and malai palak kofta.
International cuisine options include Japanese Teppanyaki Bowl, citrus tiger prawns, and oriental napa cabbage and tofu rollmops in First Class, while Business Class offers Seoul flamed prawns, manicotti forestiere, and Mediterranean tapas.
Gen Z passengers can enjoy chicken bibimbap and matcha delice in Business Class.
Homestyle comfort foods such as masala dal khichdi and stuffed parantha in Business Class. The menu also caters to plant-based and special dietary needs with dedicated vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-conscious options.
It will be progressively rolled out across all international sectors as well as on domestic routes. The menu weaves a delicious story that combines the flavours of India with influences from global cuisines. To strike a chord with every traveller, there is a portfolio mix of region-inspired meals and global cuisines such as European bistros and pan-Asian.
The region-inspired meals like south-Indian cuisine brings alive the heritage of India giving the travellers an authentic dining experience. Guests travelling First Class will enjoy gourmet meals, artisanal breads, signature desserts, and bespoke wine and champagne pairings.
The exquisite new menu has been curated by Chef Sandeep Kalra, who joined Air India recently as the airline continues with its transformation programme, with new and upgraded aircraft joining the fleet and the introduction of new cabin and the new Air India experience across its fleet.
The new menu has taken inspiration from the diverse culinary experiences that India offers from the classic Delhi Street food to the real southern India tiffin, apart from international cuisine that appeal to today's young travellers such as Korean Bibimbap and Matcha.
The Air India cabin crew have also gone through specialised training to enhance customer experience onboard.
"At the very core, the new food and beverage enhancements draw inspiration from Air India's commitment to continuous innovation and transforming the customer experience. We are reimagining the inflight dining experience that resonates with the tastes and preferences of global travellers. Our thoughtfully curated menu caters to guests from different cultural affinities who prefer delectable gourmet meals. We endeavour to master the art of menu design and presentation to ensure every inflight meal goes beyond taste into serving care and culinary excellence," said Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India.
Air India will also offer over 18 special meal types, one of the few airlines worldwide to do so, accommodating modern travellers' lifestyles and dietary preferences for a truly inclusive and personalised experience.
The airline is also trying to reduce its environmental impact across the cycle such as in responsible sourcing, packaging, and waste reduction.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see Air India focusing on both Indian and international cuisines. The Gen Z options like chicken bibimbap and matcha delice show they're thinking about younger travelers. Hope the quality matches the description when actually served onboard.
As an expat living in Delhi, I'm impressed by the diverse options. The 18 special meal types including vegan and gluten-free is fantastic. Air India seems to be genuinely trying to cater to modern dietary needs. Looking forward to my next flight with them!
While the menu sounds impressive on paper, I hope Air India maintains consistent quality across all flights. In the past, there's been a gap between promise and delivery. The environmental focus is commendable though - responsible sourcing is important.
Masala dal khichdi and stuffed parantha in Business Class? That's like getting home food at 35,000 feet! 😠Perfect comfort food for long international flights. Hope they maintain the authentic taste and don't westernize our traditional dishes too much.
The Japanese Teppanyaki Bowl and Mediterranean tapas sound interesting. Good to see Air India competing with international carriers on food quality. The crew training mentioned is crucial - service matters as much as the food itself.
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