For many travelers, inflight dining is more than just a necessity — it’s an experience. European airlines, known for their high standards in onboard hospitality, continue to elevate the dining experience at 35,000 feet.
Lufthansa and Finnair, two of Europe’s most prestigious carriers, have recently introduced new menus that bring fresh flavors, seasonal ingredients, and regional specialties to passengers in various classes. No matter your destination, these new culinary offerings are designed to satisfy both casual and discerning palates.
Lufthansa’s business class dining gets a refresh
Lufthansa has reimagined its business class dining on short- and medium-haul routes, promising a more refined and diverse selection of meals. According to a Lufthansa Group press release, the airline will introduce a new catering concept from February 26, 2025, with more choices of starters, main courses, and desserts.
Photo: Lufthansa Group
The airline’s latest culinary update brings together international flavors, premium ingredients, and a greater focus on variety. Passengers in business class can now expect an entirely new selection of dishes that highlight Lufthansa’s commitment to quality and presentation.
One of the most notable updates is the airline’s move toward more European dishes. Travelers flying on Lufthansa can now indulge in meals featuring ingredients and recipes that combine local German cuisine with European influences. Created in conjunction with celebrity chef Johann Lafer, Lufthansa’s culinary teams, and catering partner Gate Gourmet, the meals are crafted with high-quality ingredients sourced from all around Europe.
Heiko Reitz, Chief Customer Officer of Lufthansa Airlines said:
“When developing the meals, we attached great importance to regional origin and sustainability. We made a conscious decision to use local and selected European products. Lufthansa guests can look forward to a new treat for the palate.”
The airline has also placed an emphasis on well-balanced meals, incorporating high-quality proteins, fresh vegetables, and seasonal components. For flights lasting under three hours, Lufthansa passengers will soon have a broader selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cold dishes. On longer routes of three hours or more, travelers will have three hot meal options to choose from, an increase from the previous two.
Photo: Lufthansa Group
Lufthansa’s updated menu also brings a refined approach to presentation, ensuring that Business Class passengers are treated to a dining experience that rivals that of a premium restaurant. The airline has placed a stronger emphasis on plating and serving styles, making the meal service feel more curated and luxurious.
Order from home with “Pre-Select”
In addition to an upgraded menu, Lufthansa is also introducing a new feature for its short-and medium-haul passengers. Like on long-haul flights, those looking to plan their in-flight dining experience in advance can now do so effortlessly with Lufthansa’s “Pre-Select” service. Available at no extra cost, this feature allows travelers on flights longer than two hours to pre-order from a selection of up to nine hot dishes from the comfort of their home.
Photo: Lufthansa Group
By offering a greater variety of meal choices, Pre-Select enhances the onboard experience while also contributing to more efficient catering logistics. This initiative not only ensures passengers receive their preferred meal but also supports Lufthansa’s commitment to sustainability. By allowing more precise meal planning, the airline can reduce unnecessary overstocking and minimize food waste.
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Caroline Drischel, Lufthansa Group’s Senior Vice President, Customer Journey, said:
“The introduction of ‘Pre-Select’ on Lufthansa’s short and medium-haul routes underlines our ongoing efforts to offer our guests a consistently high-quality and uniform travel experience. The option of pre-ordering meals is already offered on SWISS flights and is also planned for Austrian Airlines.”
Finnair has taken a different but equally enticing approach with its latest onboard dining update, introducing a seasonal winter-spring menu that reflects the simplicity and purity of Nordic cuisine, according to a statement shared with Simple Flying.
Photo: Finnair
Available from January 29 to May 20, 2025, the updated menu spans all classes, with business class, premium economy, and Economy passengers enjoying thoughtfully crafted meals that highlight both Finnish culinary traditions and international flavors.
Business class: choices galore
For long-haul flights departing from Helsinki, Finnair’s business class passengers are in for a treat. Inspired by seasonal ingredients and regional influences, the airline’s new menu features a new selection of starters and a refined choice of main courses. Every business class passenger will have the opportunity to begin their meal with a pumpkin-based starter paired with feta cheese and pumpkin seed oil. This dish sets the tone for a menu that emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Photo: Finnair
For the main course, passengers can choose from the following options:
- Porcini Mushroom Risotto: A creamy and aromatic dish, enhanced with pumpkin, broccoli, corn, and black garlic sauce, paired with meat or fish.
- Potato Purée with Oven-Baked Root Vegetables: This dish is complemented by broccolini, cabbage, and dill cream sauce, bringing out the earthy flavors of Nordic cuisine – also paired with either meat or fish.
- A Third Route-Specific Option: For those flying on select routes, an additional choice will be available, offering a unique taste experience based on the region.
Photo: Finnair
Desserts include a range of indulgent treats:
- Brownie with salted caramel and nuts, served with raspberry sauce.
- Blueberry cake, a nod to Finland’s love for wild berries.
- Cheese Selection, featuring Peltola’s blue cheese and Herkkujuustola’s Mouhitaler, accompanied by fig compote.
Finnair business class passengers can pre-select their main course via the airline’s website up to 24 hours before departure, ensuring that their preferred meal is ready upon boarding.
Premium economy: elevated comfort food
Finnair has also enhanced its premium economy meal offerings, giving passengers a taste of comfort with a gourmet twist. Travelers in this cabin class will enjoy two main course options, each designed to offer a balance of flavors and textures:
- Meat Stew with Creamy Polenta and Green Vegetables, complemented by a rich red wine sauce.
- Grilled Chicken Breast with Pea Purée, accompanied by carrots and buttermilk sauce.
Photo: Finnair
In addition to the main meal, premium economy passengers will receive a second light meal or snack before arrival, ensuring they stay refreshed throughout the flight. Complimentary beverages, both hot and cold, are included in the meal service, with the exception of sparkling wine.
Economy class: thoughtful and satisfying meals
Even in Economy Class, Finnair has worked to enhance the onboard dining experience. Passengers on long-haul flights will receive a hot meal paired with non-alcoholic beverages, along with a complimentary glass of wine or a mild alcoholic drink (excluding sparkling wine). For flights to destinations such as Delhi, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai, Seoul, and Singapore, Economy Class passengers will have the option to choose between two main courses. On other routes, a set meal will be provided.
Photo: Finnair
On longer flights, a second light meal or snack will be served before arrival, ensuring that travelers remain satisfied throughout their journey. Finnair has also expanded its inflight purchasing options, allowing passengers to buy additional food and drinks through the inflight entertainment system, with cabin crew delivering orders directly to their seats.
A fresh approach to airline dining
Both Lufthansa and Finnair have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the inflight dining experience, proving that airline food can be just as exciting as a meal at a top-tier restaurant. Lufthansa’s approach focuses on providing business class passengers with a greater, more premium variety of high-quality, globally inspired dishes on short- and medium-haul routes. The airline’s emphasis on fresh ingredients, balanced meals, and visually appealing presentation makes it a standout option for travelers looking for a refined dining experience.
Meanwhile, Finnair’s seasonal approach offers passengers a rotating menu that highlights the best of Nordic flavors, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The airline’s thoughtful meal planning across all cabin classes ensures that every passenger — whether in business class, premium economy, or economy — has a pleasant and satisfying dining experience.
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Finnair’s New Nordic Winter Menu
Finnair has unveiled a new exquisite winter menu. The long-haul business class menu combines fresh Nordic and local flavors from the airline’s destinations.
“Seasonal ingredients and flavors have inspired the autumn and winter menu. In business class on long-haul flights departing from Helsinki, we serve smoked whitefish, crayfish tails and Shimeji mushrooms or salmon tartare and spicy sriracha shrimp served with trout roe and cucumber in scallop cream as a starter. In addition, goat cheese tartlet with semi-dried cherry tomatoes and redcurrant compote is served as a second starter. For the main course, we serve slow-cooked beef entrecôte with garlic mashed potatoes, root vegetables and sautéed porcini mushrooms in blackberry sauce or pike-perch and salmon terrine with creamy kohlrabi and roasted vegetables in lobster sauce as a fish alternative. In addition, there is always a third, route-specific option,” said Development Chef Sami Oksava from Finnair Kitchen in the airline’s ann
For food-loving travelers, these updates make Lufthansa and Finnair even more attractive options when choosing an airline for their next journey. Whether you’re indulging in Lufthansa’s premium business class meals or savoring Finnair’s Nordic-inspired creations, these new menus offer a taste of Europe that’s worth flying for.
Are you excited about Lufthansa’s new Business Class meals? Have you experienced Finnair’s seasonal menu? Share your thoughts and favorite dishes in the comments below!