Many people dread the thought of airplane food. Clearly, they haven’t flown Cathay Pacific lately, as the award-winning airline is pulling out all the stops in giving all passengers an unforgettable gourmet experience, whether they fly economy or business, pre-flight or in the air. From partnerships with Michelin-starred restaurants to an elevated dining experience at the lounges in Hong Kong, the airline is redefining in-flight dining.
Michelin-Starred Dining at 30,000 Feet
Michelin-starred Restaurant: Yat Tung Heen
Cathay Pacific has collaborated with some of Hong Kong’s most renowned dining establishments to bring world-class cuisine to the skies. When I took my trip in February, the Business class menu featured Duddell’s, a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant offering expertly crafted barbecue pork, shrimp dumplings, and braised abalone. Beginning in March 2025, the latest onboard menus feature dishes from Michelin-starred restaurants such as Yat Tung Heen, known for its exquisite Cantonese fare, and Louise, a one-star French restaurant in Central, Hong Kong, presenting elegant offerings such as coq au vin, slow-cooked beef cheek, and delicate French pastries .
In Premium Economy, the appetiser is inspired by Chiu Chow-style braised duck. Slices of smoked duck breast are paired with crunchy pickled mustard greens marinated in galangal spice.
The Economy class appetizer: chilled marinated cherry tomatoes with preserved plum. “The recipe for Cathay took a long time to perfect,” says Chef Tam. “It’s based on a refreshing starter at Yat Tung Heen, and we had to adjust the sauce to achieve the perfect blend of sweet and tangy.” After all, your taste buds change at 35,000 feet, and so every dish had to be individually tweaked for maximum effect in the skies.
On my return flight from Hong Kong to Toronto, I had the pleasure of indulging in Louise’s signature lamb shank , a dish I previously enjoyed while celebrating Valentine’s Day with my mother in Hong Kong. I also took the stewardess’s recommendation to try the clay pot rice , a comforting classic featuring juicy preserved duck leg, tender chicken, and crispy rice bits—a delightful surprise at cruising altitude.
The Secret Menu: Exclusive Pre-Order Meals
Braised Abalone
For those who love to plan ahead, Cathay Pacific offers an exclusive pre-order menu for premium cabin passengers, allowing them to reserve special dishes before their flight. Dubbed “Cathay Signatures,” this off-menu selection includes beloved Hong Kong flavours such as braised abalone and baked stuffed crabs , ensuring travellers can enjoy their favourite comfort foods at 30,000 feet. This initiative not only enhances the dining experience but also reduces food waste, as meals are prepared based on demand.
Baked Stuffed Crabs
A Rare Pour: Fine Chinese Wines Take Flight
Travel has always been about discovery – the thrill of encountering something unexpected that challenges our preconceptions and opens our minds to new possibilities. On my flight, there was a Chinese wine discovery menu. For a Canadian like me, premium Chinese wines are not widely available, so I took advantage of this opportunity to try. I chose the Tiansai Skyline of Gobi Marselan Selection 2018 (Xinjiang), which surprised me with its rich fruitiness and smooth tannins. This exceptional wine highlights the remarkable progress of China’s winemaking industry and aligns perfectly with Cathay Pacific’s commitment to showcasing local flavors.
Tiansai ‘Skyline of Gobi’ Selection Marselan
This wine is crafted by consultant winemaker Li Demei, known as the “Father of Marselan” in China.
Elevated Lounge Experience with Mott 32
Mott 32
Cathay Pacific’s commitment to culinary excellence extends beyond the aircraft cabin to its airport lounges. The airline has partnered with Mott 32 , one of the world’s most awarded Chinese restaurant brands, to elevate the dining experience at The Pier, First class lounge in Hong Kong International Airport. Guests can enjoy a rotating tasting menu featuring Mott 32’s signature dishes, such as crispy crab puffs, hand-wrapped Sichuan pork dumplings, and braised wagyu beef with aged tangerine peel . To complement the menu, a specially crafted Hong Kong Iced Tea cocktail is available, offering a refreshing mix of blackcurrant, tea, tequila, and Lillet Blanc, inspired by the city’s vibrant drinking culture.
Beyond the Flight: Culinary Comforts at Every Step
Cathay Pacific ensures that passengers can enjoy high-quality cuisine not just in the air, but at every stage of their journey.
- In Toronto Pearson International Airport , departing passengers can enjoy a comforting bowl of fish ball noodle soup before their flight.
- In Hong Kong International Airport’s Business Lounge , the famous Noodle Bar serves up made-to-order wonton noodles and dan dan noodles.
- For First Class Lounge guests, à la carte dining offers fine Cantonese dishes, dim sum, and premium seafood , further cementing Cathay Pacific’s reputation for culinary excellence.
With these culinary innovations, Cathay Pacific continues to set the bar high for inflight dining, bringing together the best of Hong Kong’s gastronomic scene with world-class service. Whether enjoying Michelin-starred meals onboard, savouring exclusive pre-order dishes, or indulging in gourmet airport lounge dining, every meal with Cathay Pacific is a journey in itself.
