As global interest peaked in Veganuary - an initiative that has highlighted the benefits of a vegan diet for the last decade, Emirates has noted a surge of 40 percent in customer demand for plant-based meals. To meet this demand in 2024, Emirates will introduce an array of new vegan dishes onboard and in lounges later in 2024, adding even more dishes to its ‘vegan vault’ of more than 300 curated plant-based recipes.
In 2023, Emirates had more than 300 vegan recipes in rotation across 140 destinations, up from 180 recipes in 2022. The same year, Emirates served more than 450,000 plant-based meals onboard, an increase from 280,000 plant-based meals served in 2022. The airline also saw an increase in demand in specific markets, such as Africa with an additional four percent increase, Southeast Asia with an additional five percent increase, and the Middle East showing a significant additional increase of 34 percent. The biggest increase in consumption of vegan meals occurred in Economy Class, with significant increases were noted specifically on Emirates routes to China, Japan and Philippines.
In Economy class, Emirates customers can enjoy moreish dishes like chickpea crepe stuffed with carrot, peppers, mushroom and tomato concasse, experience a textured pumpkin frittata, tuck into a tofu tikka masala or enjoy a hearty chickpea kale stew with parsley pilaf rice and baby spinach. Vegan desserts in Economy include a coconut mousse with mango compote, moist banana cake with chocolate crumble or luscious chocolate pudding with cocoa soil.
In Premium Economy class, customers who choose vegan cuisine will be served nutritiously delicious dishes like jackfruit curry with basmati rice, or a rich squash chestnut stew followed by a light chocolate tofu cheesecake or a smooth and satisfying raspberry parfait with a pop of orange compote.
In Business class, a range of elegant and creatively curated dishes are offered, including roasted cauliflower with ancient grains, caramelised pear and lovage pesto or a warming ragout of Asian tofu and shitake mushroom with glass noodles. Customers who have room for dessert can feast on a tropical coconut pineapple cake or indulge in a chocolate cheesecake accented by a dark chocolate cigar and strawberry compote.
In First class, customers will be treated to exceptionally elevated vegan cuisine like creamy polenta cake with thyme mushroom ragout, sautéed spinach drizzled in a rich root vegetable jus. Dishes offering a burst of sophisticated flavours include aubergine curry with charred rice and turmeric potato, with a dash of coconut and mint chutney. Decadent desserts feature curated contrasts including the tartness of rhubarb tempered with strawberry charlotte, Chantilly cream and raspberry tuille, or a tempting warm chocolate fondant, dashed with salted caramel sauce and whipped cashew cream.
Later in 2024, Emirates will launch a selection of new vegan main courses, new vegan snacks such as fruit muffins and vegan pizza, and an array of desserts, including chocolate pecan cake, pistachio raspberry and raspberry Tonka cake.
Vegan options are available to pre-order onboard and order directly in First Class, as well as in Emirates Lounges. Customers can request vegan meals on all Emirates flights and across all classes of travel up to 24 hours before departure.
