To Dine Exquisitely, Make Yourself Fly First Class

Lifenews
BB.LV
Publiation data: 18.02.2026 14:14

Национальная корейская еда всегда выглядит прекрасно.

You can start getting to know the country already in the air.

From Malaysian satay skewers to Korean bibimbap - the dishes of airlines that expand the horizons of the typical in-flight menu.

Immersion in the culture of a country is no longer limited to visiting museums and cultural heritage sites - nowadays, it is equally important for travelers to try traditional dishes and drinks.

However, the first encounter with local flavors can happen long before you land at your destination: airlines, especially flagship ones, offer dishes from their countries on board.

Forget about standard chicken sandwiches or vegetable pastes - these airlines truly strive to impress with their offerings.

Scandinavian Delicacies on Finnair

Scandinavian countries have traditionally not been considered gourmet destinations, but in recent years, the situation has changed thanks to the emergence of a new Nordic cuisine. To sample Finland's gastronomic offerings, you don't necessarily have to book a table at the Palace restaurant in Helsinki or Kaskis in Turku, which is Michelin-starred: Finnair's in-flight menu is designed to showcase the delicacies of this country.

The exact menu depends on the route and flight time, but, for example, those flying business class to Helsinki from Doha will start their journey with dishes such as gravlax with orange and anise, cured salmon, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and then Finnish cheeses, including blue Aura and stout Vilho Herkkuaustola.

The drink menu also features local options, such as Ainoa Valokki, a cloudberry dessert wine, and spirits from Kyrö Distillery Company. Finnair's signature cocktail "Nordic Blush" includes gin, orange peel, bitters, and, of course, lingonberries.

Fresh Satay Skewers on Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia is perhaps best known for its satay. In business class, guests can order skewers of chicken, beef, or lion's mane mushrooms, served with peanut sauce.

Economy class customers on international flights can also try classic dishes such as ikan bakar with nasi beringin - rice in the southern Malaysian style served with fish in spicy coconut sauce, as well as sambal prawns or rendang chicken paired with Malaysia's national dish nasi lemak.

In 2026, Malaysia Airlines introduced a new Best of Malaysia menu on domestic flights from Sabah and Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur. The theme of the dishes will change every month. The February menu will feature dishes from Perak, including nasi vanggey with ayam berempah, a popular dish from Ipoh with chicken in curry sauce.

Famous Taiwanese Restaurant Din Tai Fung on EVA Air

Besides bubble tea, Taiwan's biggest cultural export might just be Din Tai Fung. Founded in 1958, the restaurant chain now has branches worldwide in countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, and most Southeast Asian countries.

You won't have to stand in long lines to taste the soup dumplings xiaolongbao: Taiwanese airline EVA Air has partnered with the brand and offers Din Tai Fung dishes on select flights from Taipei to destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo, and Bangkok.

Options include juicy pork dumplings, spicy wontons with shrimp and pork, and beef noodle soup, although the menu is constantly changing.