Airline meals used to be the stuff of jokes, but in business class, they’ve become a serious part of the journey.
Carriers now work with celebrity chefs, wine experts, and regional specialists to bring dishes that reflect their culture and identity, served with the polish you’d expect from a fine restaurant.
Best Business Class Onboard Catering 2025
For 2025, Skytrax has recognised ten airlines whose in-flight catering truly stands out, setting benchmarks for quality, freshness, and presentation.

1. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines has long had a reputation for its outstanding catering, and in 2025, it once again took the top spot.
Business class passengers are welcomed with an impressive array of appetisers, from fresh mezze spreads and warm bread straight from the oven to beautifully spiced lentil soups.
The airline is one of the few that still uses onboard “flying chefs”, who add a personal touch to the presentation and service.
Turkish specialities, such as kebabs, grilled seabass, and baklava, are complemented by international choices, ensuring there’s always something to suit every palate. Wine lists lean heavily on Turkey’s growing vineyards, though fine international selections are also offered.

2. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways brings fine dining into the sky with its carefully curated business class menus. Passengers are invited to dine at their convenience, thanks to the airline’s flexible à la carte service.
Each meal is plated beautifully, with restaurant-style presentation rather than the usual tray. Middle Eastern classics such as lamb machboos sit alongside more international dishes like seared salmon or tender beef fillet.
Starters often feature Arabic mezze, fresh salads, and delicate soups, while desserts can range from baklava to indulgent chocolate creations. The wine and champagne selection is consistently strong, with vintages chosen to taste their best even at altitude.

3. Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines has steadily carved out a name for itself in the premium cabin, and catering is one of its strongest features. The airline leans heavily on Chinese culinary traditions, offering authentic regional flavours with high-quality ingredients.
Passengers can enjoy dishes such as braised beef with black bean sauce, dim sum assortments, or steamed fish with ginger and soy.
Presentation is always elegant, with ceramic dishes and careful plating that reflect fine dining standards.
For Western travellers, international options are available too, but it’s the authentic Chinese menus that truly shine. Tea service is taken seriously, with fine Chinese teas paired thoughtfully with meals, alongside wines and spirits.

4. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has long been known for its “Book the Cook” service, and in 2025, it remains one of the highlights of its business class.
Passengers departing from major hubs can pre-order from an extensive menu, choosing from local favourites like Singapore laksa or satay, as well as global classics such as wagyu beef or lobster thermidor.
Meals are plated restaurant-style, with porcelain tableware and elegant cutlery that enhance the dining experience.
Wines are selected by a panel of experts, while champagne often features alongside. The airline’s cabin crew are trained to serve each dish with precision, keeping the service personal yet unobtrusive.

5. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
ANA’s business class dining brings the subtle artistry of Japanese cuisine to the skies.
The airline offers both Japanese and Western meal sets, but it’s the kaiseki-inspired Japanese menu that wins hearts. Expect seasonal appetisers like sashimi, simmered vegetables, or miso-marinated fish, presented with a meticulous eye for detail.
The main courses often include rice, soup, and delicately grilled proteins, accompanied by pickled sides that balance flavour and freshness.
ANA also caters to international tastes, offering dishes like steak or pasta with the same refinement. Sake and plum wine feature alongside premium Western wines, adding to the variety.

6. Emirates
Emirates is all about luxury, and its business class catering reflects that ethos perfectly. The airline offers multi-course dining with menus influenced by the routes it flies.
Middle Eastern classics such as lamb with saffron rice or mezze platters sit alongside international favourites like steak, seafood, and pasta.
Presentation is always refined, with white linen, fine glassware, and beautifully arranged plates.
The airline’s extensive wine cellar is particularly impressive, often featuring vintages from prestigious estates, including Bordeaux and Burgundy, while dessert lovers are treated to indulgent choices ranging from Arabic sweets to rich cakes and mousses.

7. Air France
Air France brings the charm of French gastronomy into its business class cabins. Menus are created with input from Michelin-starred chefs, ensuring a standard of cuisine that reflects France’s culinary reputation.
Starters might include smoked salmon or seasonal salads, while mains often feature dishes like duck confit, seared cod, or braised beef with red wine.
Presentation is luxurious yet understated, focusing on flavours and textures that work well at altitude. Cheese service is a highlight, with French varieties such as camembert or comté paired with fine wines.
Desserts lean towards delicate pastries, fruit tarts, or chocolate mousse, always elegantly prepared. Wines are carefully selected, with a particular emphasis on French vineyards.

8. STARLUX Airlines
A relative newcomer, STARLUX Airlines has quickly established itself as a rising star in premium travel, and its catering is a big reason why.
The airline blends Taiwanese influences with international favourites, creating menus that feel modern and adventurous. Passengers can enjoy dishes like braised pork belly, Taiwanese beef noodle soup, or fresh seafood, all presented with restaurant-style finesse.
Western options are also available, from steak to pasta, crafted to high standards.
The airline’s drinks menu is surprisingly robust, including carefully sourced teas, fine wines, and premium spirits. Presentation is sleek, with stylish tableware that reflects the airline’s youthful brand.

9. Qantas Airways
Qantas has long been committed to making its business class catering stand out, and 2025 is no different. The airline works with top Australian chefs to design menus that celebrate local ingredients and flavours.
Starters often feature fresh produce and seafood, such as prawns or smoked salmon, while mains highlight dishes like lamb cutlets, grilled barramundi, or vegetarian creations inspired by modern Australian cuisine.
Qantas also emphasises healthy options, offering lighter meals alongside heartier choices.
Wines come almost exclusively from Australia’s best vineyards, showcasing the country’s diverse regions. Presentation is casual yet elegant, echoing the relaxed but premium style Qantas is known for.

10. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic brings a distinctly stylish and modern approach to onboard catering in business class. The airline’s “Upper Class” dining experience allows passengers to dine either at their seat or at the bar-style social area on selected aircraft, giving it a more informal, social edge.
Menus include British classics alongside global dishes, such as beef with Yorkshire pudding, fresh salads, or Asian-inspired curries.
The presentation is always polished, with thoughtful touches like artisan bread and quality condiments.
Desserts are often indulgent, with favourites like sticky toffee pudding or rich chocolate creations making an appearance. The drinks list includes British gins, cocktails, and wines, enhancing the overall dining mood.

Bottom line
Business class dining has become more than just a meal at altitude—it’s now a showcase of each airline’s culture, creativity, and attention to detail.
Together, these airlines prove that food can be just as memorable as the journey itself, offering travellers an elevated experience where every bite feels part of the adventure.
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