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As global consumers increasingly prioritize health, nutrition, and wellbeing through a return to minimally processed, natural foods, Emirates is charting a new course in plant-based dining.
In celebration of Veganuary, the airline has confirmed that new culinary concepts are in development, highlighting whole, farm-to-fork ingredients and authentic cooking traditions. The refreshed plant-based menu will debut onboard in 2027.
Unlike the growing trend of using engineered meat substitutes, Emirates’ latest initiative focuses on real ingredients that deliver honest flavor, texture, and nourishment. The project is led by a team of chefs dedicated to creating dishes that are vibrant, satisfying, and rooted in global culinary heritage.
“Our focus now is on legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and seasonal vegetables as the central elements of every dish,” said Doxis Bekris, Emirates’ Vice President of Food & Beverage Design. “These ingredients naturally offer depth, variety, and nutrition without relying on ultra-processed alternatives.
We’re drawing inspiration from culinary traditions that have always embraced plant-forward dining—Mediterranean mezze, Levantine grain salads, Asian noodle bowls, and African stews. It’s a genuine, culturally rich approach.”
Bekris added that while lab-based protein substitutes have their place, Emirates is steering toward “real food” that aligns with its long-term sustainability goals and customers’ growing demand for transparency. “Our guests want to know what they’re eating—and to feel confident it’s both good for them and good for the planet. This shift isn’t about what’s missing from the plate, but about what’s gained in authenticity, creativity, and flavor,” he said.
Expanding vegan offerings in the sky
Emirates currently serves over half a million vegan meals annually, with a diverse menu of 488 plant-based recipes offered across 140 destinations worldwide. This marks a 60% increase in vegan recipes since 2024, demonstrating the airline’s continuing dedication to sustainability and choice.
Interest in vegan cuisine continues to rise alongside passenger traffic. In 2025, the routes with the highest demand for vegan options were London, followed by Sydney, Bangkok, Melbourne, Frankfurt, Manchester, Mumbai, Bali, and Singapore. Emirates attributes some of the demand to non-vegan travelers who select plant-based meals inflight, viewing them as lighter and easier to digest.
Vegan meals can be pre-ordered up to 24 hours before departure on all flights and across all classes of travel. On several high-demand routes, plant-based dishes have also been integrated directly into the main menu. Similar offerings are available throughout Emirates’ lounges, ensuring a consistent experience from the terminal to the skies.
Culinary excellence across every cabin
Reflecting its commitment to high-quality dining experiences, Emirates offers vegan options in every cabin, complemented by plant-based beverages including vegan milk.
The airline supports its “farm-to-fork” philosophy through Bustanica, the world’s largest hydroponic vertical farm and a joint venture with Emirates Flight Catering. The facility supplies fresh, chemical-free leafy greens—such as lettuce, arugula, spinach, and mixed salad varieties—directly to Emirates’ kitchens.
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Economy Class: Meals include pumpkin frittata with sautéed mushrooms and tomato concassé or spinach cannelloni with tomato basil sauce, followed by desserts like vegan chocolate mousse cake or carrot cake with coconut cream.
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Premium Economy: Highlights include kimchi fried rice with roasted pumpkin and oyster mushrooms, paired with coconut cake topped with pineapple compote and pistachios.
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Business Class: Passengers can enjoy braised mushrooms in five-spice soy sauce with jasmine rice and pak choi, along with desserts such as coconut panna cotta with raspberry mousse or vegan chocolate tofu cheesecake.
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First Class: The elevated menu features pumpkin and barley risotto with rocket and caramelized walnuts and quinoa salad with grilled aubergine, courgette, and red pepper coulis. Desserts include strawberry tart with vanilla custard and pistachios or sticky date pudding with salted caramel sauce and vegan cream cheese.
Thoughtfully crafted vegan lounges in Dubai
At Dubai International Airport, Emirates operates seven premium lounges in Terminal 3—three each for First and Business Class travelers, along with a shared Emirates Lounge accessible to all premium customers. Each features an extensive range of vegan options, from Baharat- and turmeric-spiced kofta in coconut gravy to à la carte breakfast offerings like warm amaranth porridge with green apples, grapes, raspberries, and walnuts in the First Class Lounge.
A standout favorite among frequent travelers is the Emirates Green Burger, crafted from soya and flax seeds and served with a signature sauce and pickled cucumbers—an example of how the airline elevates vegan dining with flavor, balance, and innovation.
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