As global consumers increasingly prioritise nutrition, health and wellbeing, Emirates is embracing a back-to-basics approach to plant-based cuisine. This Veganuary, the airline confirmed that new vegan menu concepts are in development, centred on real, whole and minimally processed ingredients rather than engineered meat substitutes.
The current development project brings together a team of chefs working on dishes designed to feel authentic, vibrant and rooted in culinary tradition. The new menus, expected to be introduced onboard in 2027, focus on legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and seasonal vegetables as the centrepiece of each plate.
“Our focus now is on legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and seasonal vegetables as the heroes of the plate,” said Doxis Bekris, Emirates’ vice president of food and beverage design. “Instead of replicating meat, we want to draw from cuisines that have always been plant-forward, like Mediterranean mezze, Levantine grain salads, Asian noodle bowls and African stews. This approach feels genuine and culturally rich.”
Bekris added that while lab-based alternatives have their place, whole foods better align with Emirates’ sustainability goals and growing passenger demand for transparency and health-conscious choices. “We want to shift from substitutes to a celebration of plants, where it’s not about what’s missing, but what’s gained in authenticity, flavour and creativity,” he said.
Half a million vegan meals a year
Emirates currently serves around half a million vegan meals annually and has 488 vegan recipes in rotation across its global network of 140 destinations. That represents a 60% increase in total vegan recipes compared with 2024, underlining the airline’s commitment to plant-based travellers.
Last year, the most popular destinations for vegan meal orders were London, Sydney and Bangkok, followed by Melbourne, Frankfurt, Manchester, Mumbai, Bali and Singapore. Emirates attributes part of this demand to non-vegan passengers opting for plant-based meals as a lighter option that is often considered easier to digest while flying.
Vegan meals can be ordered or pre-ordered on all Emirates flights, in every travel class, up to 24 hours before departure. On high-demand routes, plant-based dishes are also offered as part of the standard onboard menu.
Vegan cuisine across every class
Emirates offers vegan dining across Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class, alongside complementary products such as plant-based milk. Supporting its farm-to-fork philosophy, the airline sources leafy greens from Bustanica, the world’s largest hydroponic vertical farm and a joint venture with Emirates Flight Catering, supplying pesticide- and chemical-free produce directly to catering facilities.
In Economy Class, passengers can choose dishes such as pumpkin frittata with sautéed mushrooms, spinach cannelloni with tomato basil sauce, or desserts including vegan chocolate mousse cake and carrot cake with coconut cream.
Premium Economy customers can expect options like kimchi fried rice with roasted pumpkin and oyster mushrooms, followed by coconut cake with pineapple compote and pistachios.
Business Class menus include dishes such as braised mushrooms in five-spice soy sauce with jasmine rice and pak choi, alongside desserts like coconut panna cotta with raspberry mousse or chocolate tofu cheesecake.
In First Class, Emirates elevates vegan dining with plates such as pumpkin and barley risotto with caramelised walnuts, quinoa salad with grilled vegetables and red pepper coulis, and indulgent desserts including strawberry tart with vanilla custard or sticky date pudding with salted caramel sauce and candied pecans.
Plant-based dining in Emirates lounges
At Dubai International Airport, Emirates operates seven lounges in Terminal 3, all offering a wide range of vegan dishes. Options include spiced kofta in coconut gravy at buffet stations, à la carte breakfast dishes such as warm amaranth porridge in the First Class Lounge, and a selection of popular salads.
One of the most in-demand vegan items in the lounges is the Emirates Green Burger, made with soya and flax seed and served with a signature sauce and pickled cucumbers.
