Airlines are often criticized for their subpar services, but some carriers have been making significant strides to enhance passenger satisfaction. United Airlines has upgraded its in-flight entertainment with seatback TVs and free Wi-Fi, while Southwest impresses with spacious seating and straightforward policies. However, Emirates stands out by addressing one of the most common complaints about air travel: the quality of food, particularly vegan options. Traditionally, airplane meals are notorious for being unappetizing, even to renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay. For vegans, the choices are usually limited and unsatisfying. Yet, Emirates is changing this narrative with an extensive and appetizing vegan menu.

In early 2025, Emirates unveiled a major enhancement to its vegan offerings, collaborating with top chefs to create plant-based dishes that appeal even to non-vegans. The airline has nearly doubled its plant-based menu from 180 dishes in 2022 to over 300, available across all classes on 140 destinations. This expansion includes curated meals for children and innovative ingredients like legume-based egg substitutes. The new menu aims to provide a delightful dining experience for all passengers, regardless of their cabin class.

Pioneering Vegan Offerings Across All Classes

Emirates has long catered to plant-based diets, albeit on a smaller scale and limited routes since the 1990s. Now, the airline is expanding these offerings significantly, ensuring that every traveler can enjoy high-quality vegan cuisine. Economy class passengers can savor dishes such as sautéed carrots, peppers, mushrooms with tomato concassé, and curried vegetable puffs. These meals aim to offer a flavorful alternative to the usual uninspired options.

The premium economy class elevates the experience with braised mushrooms and a raspberry tonka mousse cake drizzled with berry coulis. Business class presents even more sophisticated plates, including Thai red curry tofu, chocolate pecan cake, and tropical coconut pineapple cake. First-class passengers indulge in luxurious options like aubergine curry, creamy polenta cake, sautéed spinach, and rich chocolate fondant. Children's menus also feature appealing items such as vegan pizza, sweet and sour vegetable casserole, vegetable fajitas, cauliflower bites, and vegan muffins. Snacks include fruit muffins, chocolate pecan cake, and raspberry tonka cake, adding variety and delight to the journey.

Sourcing Globally for Culinary Excellence

To achieve this culinary revolution, Emirates sources ingredients from around the world. Plant-based proteins come from California, vegan curry paste from Thailand, and almond milk from Italy, ensuring the highest quality and flavor. Passengers can pre-order vegan meals up to 24 hours before their flight or select them onboard. Lounge access provides additional vegan options, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Emirates' commitment to improving vegan dining extends beyond mere quantity; it focuses on quality and innovation. The airline’s efforts reflect a broader trend towards catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences. By offering such a wide array of delicious vegan dishes, Emirates not only caters to vegans but also introduces non-vegan passengers to the delights of plant-based cuisine. This initiative sets a new standard for airline food, potentially transforming the perception of in-flight dining from merely tolerable to genuinely enjoyable.