Emirates to Launch New Plant-Based Dishes Focusing on Real, Whole Foods

As more travelers embrace healthy, minimally processed food, Emirates is developing new plant-based dishes for Veganuary and beyond, set to launch onboard in 2027. The airline’s culinary team is creating meals that highlight natural ingredients like legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and seasonal vegetables—without relying on processed plant-based meat substitutes.

Doxis Bekris, Emirates Vice President of Food & Beverage Design, said:
"Our goal is to celebrate plants in their authentic form. Instead of replicating meat, we draw inspiration from cuisines that have always been plant-forward, like Mediterranean mezze, Levantine grain salads, Asian noodle bowls, and African stews. This approach adds flavor, texture, and cultural richness while staying sustainable and healthy."

Expanding Vegan Options

Emirates currently offers 488 vegan recipes across 140 destinations—a 60% increase from 2024—and serves around half a million vegan meals annually. Popular destinations for vegan meals include London, Sydney, Bangkok, Melbourne, Frankfurt, Manchester, Mumbai, Bali, and Singapore. Many non-vegan passengers also choose plant-based options for lighter, easier-to-digest meals.

Vegan meals can be ordered up to 24 hours before departure and are available in all classes, including Emirates Lounges. On high-demand routes, plant-based dishes are also offered as part of the main menu.

Vegan Cuisine Across All Classes

Emirates works with Bustanica, the world’s largest hydroponic vertical farm, to source fresh, chemical-free greens for its meals.

• Economy Class: Dishes include pumpkin frittata with mushrooms, spinach cannelloni, vegan chocolate mousse cake, and carrot cake with coconut cream.

• Premium Economy: Options include kimchi fried rice with roasted pumpkin, and coconut cake with pineapple compote.

• Business Class: Guests can enjoy braised mushrooms with jasmine rice, coconut panna cotta with raspberry mousse, or chocolate tofu cheesecake.

• First Class: Signature dishes feature pumpkin and barley risotto, quinoa salad with grilled vegetables, strawberry tart with pistachios, and sticky date pudding with salted caramel sauce.

Emirates says the focus on whole, farm-to-fork plant foods reflects both customer demand for health-conscious meals and the airline’s commitment to sustainability, flavor, and culinary creativity.