Air India, under its new ownership of Tata Group, is currently in the process of improving passenger experience. As a part of this process, the airline has unveiled “refreshed menus” for international flights originating in India.
Ex-India passengers are in for a treat!
Air India has unveiled refreshed menus for international flights originating in India. The airline says that the new menus are created keeping in mind the customer feedback “and is designed to offer travellers an assortment of gourmet meals, trendy appetizers, decadent desserts, and showcase India’s locally sourced culinary influence while keeping in line with the healthy eating trend”.
Air India set up a team of in-house experts, catering partners, and multiple suppliers to design “an elevated dining experience”.
As part of our ongoing effort of transforming the Air India experience for guests, we have brought great thought and energy into our new menus. We want our guests to enjoy their food and beverage on board Air India flights much like they would at their favourite restaurants. Our underlying focus while designing the new menus has been on ensuring that they include nutritious options that are delicious, and on incorporating contemporary, sustainable practices.
said Sandeep Verma, Head of Inflight Services, Air India.
Details
New inspirations for main and light meals: The new menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, across all classes, feature a mix of fusion dishes and classics such as Mushroom Scrambled Egg, Turmeric Chilli Omelette, Mixed Vegetable Paratha, Achari Paneer and Emmenthal Sandwich in Multigrain Bread, Grilled Prawns in a Fennel Cream Sauce, Murgh Rezala Kofta, Murgh Elaichi Korma, Classic Chilli Chicken, Chicken Chettinad Kathi Roll, Baked Fillet of Fish with a Herb Almond and Garlic Crust, Masala Dal and Brown Rice Khichdi with Sprouts, Roast Tomato and Bocconcini Caprese with Kalamata Olives and Pesto, and Classic Tomato and Coriander Shorba with Crisp Namakpara, among others.
For the sweet tooth: Passengers will also be able to enjoy desserts such as Mango Passionfruit Delight, Quinoa Orange Kheer, Espresso Almond Crumble Mousse Cake, Khajur Tukda with Kesar Phirni, Single Origin Chocolate Slice, Chum-Chum Sandwich with Blueberry Sauce, and a seasonal fruit selection.
Vegan inclusions: Those travelling in First and Business Class customers who follow the vegan lifestyle will now be able to choose from a selection of delicious, plant-based meal options such as Subz Seekh Kebab, Thai Red Curry with Tofu and Vegetables, Broccoli and Millet Steak, and Lemon Sevaiyan Upma, Medu Wada and Masala Uttapam.
Stay up to date: Sign up for my newsletter to never miss latest Aviation and Travel news.
Bar Menu: Passengers on board will be able to indulge in sophistication with Air India’s bar menu, offering a fine wine list, including Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut champagne, wines from the renowned vineyards of Château de l’Hestrange, Les Oliviers, Chateau Milon, and Piedmont region of Northern Italy. In addition, the new beverages menu features a range of whiskeys, gin, vodka, and beers of premium brands.
Beverages: Ranging from the sparkling effervescence of fruity blends to the aromatic zest of spices, Air India’s selection of mocktails such as Virgin Mary, California Orange, Apple Spritzer, and juices would offer an array of flavours to fulfill the fine dining experience. For passengers who like to unwind with a hot beverage, a freshly brewed cup of coffee (Classic Coffee Blend and Cappuccino) or tea (Assam, Green, Earl Grey, and Masala) would also be available.
Thoughts
While this is a step in the right direction, Air India still has a long way to go in terms of the presentation of its meals and the most important thing, the taste. Of course, we cannot expect major changes in a nights’ time but it should be the main target of the airline.
Air India, for now, has just refreshed menus for flights ex-India so for those travelling from abroad to India will still get the old menus, something which changes passengers’ expectations right from the beginning so Air India should make it crystal clear to passengers beforehand only about what will be the menu like on their flight.
The inclusion of Vegan meals is a good thing. Again, I feel like it should be made available for Economy Class passengers also and not just to those sitting in front of the aircraft.
While these are small changes (and some recommendations), I am sure Air India will work on these if it truly wants to compete with the best of the best in the future.
Meanwhile, Air India recently launched Premium Economy Class on select flights.
Featured image by Air India
What do you think of Air India’s refreshed menus for international flights ex-India? Let me know in the comments section below.
Follow IH Aviation and Travel on Social Media on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.