Emirates Develops New Vegan Dishes Focused on Whole, Minimally Processed Ingredients
Emirates has confirmed it is developing new vegan meal concepts that focus on minimally processed, plant-based ingredients in response to changing customer preferences around nutrition, health, and wellbeing. Announced during Veganuary, the airline said the updated dishes are designed around whole foods and traditional culinary styles, rather than relying on engineered meat alternatives. The new onboard vegan dishes are expected to be introduced in 2027.
Emirates’ Vice President of Food & Beverage Design, Doxis Bekris, said the airline’s approach is centred on ingredients such as legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and seasonal vegetables, aiming to deliver flavour, texture, and nutritional value through natural components. He added that the new dishes will draw inspiration from cuisines with long-standing plant-forward traditions, including Mediterranean, Levantine, Asian, and African food cultures.
Emirates also highlighted that this direction supports its sustainability goals and addresses customer interest in ingredient transparency and health-conscious dining.
Vegan Meal Demand Continues Across Emirates Network
Emirates said it currently serves around half a million vegan meals each year. The airline has 488 vegan recipes in rotation across 140 destinations, representing a 60% increase in total recipes since 2024.
According to Emirates, destinations with the highest volume of vegan meal orders over the past year included London, followed by Sydney, Bangkok, Melbourne, Frankfurt, Manchester, Mumbai, Bali, and Singapore. The airline noted that vegan meal choices are also being selected by non-vegan travellers as an alternative onboard option.
Vegan meals can be requested on all Emirates flights up to 24 hours before departure, and plant-based options are also available on selected routes as part of the main onboard menu. Vegan options are also offered in Emirates lounges.
Vegan Options Across All Travel Classes
Emirates offers vegan dishes across Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, as well as additional items such as vegan milk.
In Economy Class, examples include pumpkin frittata with sautéed mushrooms, spinach cannelloni with tomato basil sauce, and desserts such as vegan chocolate mousse cake and carrot cake with coconut cream.
In Premium Economy, vegan meal options include dishes such as kimchi fried rice with roasted pumpkin and sautéed oyster mushrooms, followed by desserts like coconut cake with pineapple compote and pistachios.
In Business Class, options include dishes such as braised mushrooms with vegetables in five-spice soy sauce, served with jasmine rice and pak choi, as well as desserts including coconut panna cotta with raspberry mousse and chocolate tofu cheesecake.
In First Class, vegan dishes include pumpkin and barley risotto, quinoa salad with grilled vegetables, and desserts such as strawberry tart with vanilla custard and sticky date pudding with salted caramel sauce.
Plant-Based Dining in Emirates Lounges in Dubai
At Dubai International Airport, the airline operates seven lounges in Terminal 3, offering a selection of vegan menu items across buffet and à la carte dining. Options include spiced kofta in coconut gravy, amaranth porridge with fruit and walnuts, and a variety of salads. It also highlighted demand for the Emirates Green Burger, made with soya and flaxseed, served with signature sauce and pickles.
Supporting Farm-to-Fork Sourcing
The airline also sources fresh produce from Bustanica, a hydroponic vertical farm operated as a joint venture with Emirates Flight Catering. The farm supplies pesticide- and chemical-free leafy greens, including lettuce, arugula, mixed salad greens, and spinach, delivered directly to Emirates’ catering facilities.
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