Emirates sees increase in demand for plant-based meals during Veganuary

Vegan meals are one of the most commonly requested special meals onboard Emirates flights and during the month of January, the airline witnesses an increase in demand for plant-based meals. This is because of Veganuary – a global movement to encourage a vegan diet that runs in January every year. In 2021, Emirates served up to 10% more vegan meals on its flights in January than other months and 2022 looks to follow the same trend. Overall, Emirates served more than 113,000 vegan meals during 2021.

 Long-time vegans and those signing up for the first time to Veganuary can look forward to savouring specially crafted vegan meals and desserts when flying with Emirates. Emirates’ vegan culinary repertoire spans more than 170 dishes designed by a team of award winning chefs and nutritionists. Keeping to its tradition of serving regionally inspired cuisine on its flights, Emirates serves recipes with flavours inspired by the origin or destination cities on its flights.

Some of the vegan meals served on Emirates flights include Grilled vegetable crêpes with spinach and tomato concassé, Mediterranean vegetable ravioli and Tagine vegetables with couscous. Vegan meals are also complemented by desserts such as caramel baked rice served with coconut cream and pineapple with pomelo and ginger syrup. Emirates also offers vegan choices for breakfast such as coconut oat and chia pudding served with mango and passion fruit compote. 

Customers can request vegan meals on all Emirates flights and across all classes of travel up to 24 hours before departure. However, on high-demand routes, plant-based meals are also provided as part of the main menu options. 

Emirates’ premium customers can also sample plant-based delicacies at Emirates’ lounges at Dubai. At Emirates’ First Class Lounge in Dubai, customers can enjoy a range of vegan treats including Vietnamese style rice paper rolls served with a mild spicy vinegar dip or the Green Burger prepared with a vegan patty and served with a rocket side salad. Business Class customers can enjoy Quinoa tabbouleh or vegetable and white bean soup. Both lounges also offer a selection of healthy vegan salads. Emirates’ dedicated airport lounges across Europe, Africa, US and Asia also offer plant-based dishes for customers before their flights. 

Customers not inclined to plant-based meals can continue to enjoy Emirates’ multi-course gourmet meals on all classes of travel with menus refreshed on a monthly basis. As a global airline, Emirates regularly serves special menus to celebrate regional festivals and holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Eid, Oktoberfest, Diwali and Lunar New Year. To find out more about what you can experience on your flight, visit https://www.emirates.com/english/experience/dining/