Emirates Elevates Vegan Dining Experience
Emirates, the major UAE-based airline, is responding to a surge in demand for vegan meals by expanding its plant-based options for passengers. The airline now boasts an impressive array of 300 rotating plant-based recipes stored in its 'vegan vault.'
Growing Vegan Trend
Emirates witnessed a remarkable 40% year-on-year growth in vegan meal consumption, aligning with the increasing number of passengers. This trend is particularly pronounced in regions like Africa, where the demand for vegan meals has outpaced passenger volume growth. Even the airline's Cabin Crew members are embracing plant-based diets, reflecting the broader shift toward meat-free choices.
Extensive Vegan Menu Across Classes
Emirates ensures that passengers in all four classes—Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First—have access to a diverse selection of vegan dishes. In Economy, options include a chickpea crepe, pumpkin frittata, tofu tikka masala, and a chickpea kale stew. Delectable desserts range from coconut mousse with mango compote to banana cake with chocolate crumble.
Premium Economy passengers can savor jackfruit curry, squash and chestnut stew, alongside delightful desserts such as chocolate tofu cheesecake and raspberry parfait. Business class flyers enjoy gourmet offerings like roasted cauliflower with ancient grains and Asian tofu with shiitake mushrooms and glass noodles. First-class passengers indulge in luxurious options like creamy polenta cake with thyme mushroom ragout and sautéed spinach.
Long-standing Vegan Commitment
Emirates has been catering to vegan preferences since the 1990s, initially focusing on specific routes with cultural or religious dietary requirements. In recent years, vegan dishes have gained popularity on various international routes, particularly in the US, Australia, and parts of Europe and Asia. The airline introduced a gourmet vegan menu in 2022, initially exclusively for First and Business Class travelers.
Conclusion
Emirates' commitment to expanding its vegan offerings reflects a broader societal shift towards plant-based diets. With a wide variety of vegan choices across all classes, the airline is not only meeting the demands of its passengers but also contributing to the growing popularity of cruelty-free and environmentally conscious dining options in the aviation industry.
