Emirates trialling ‘Book the Cook’-style meal pre-orders
The Gulf carrier says it’s all about creating a ‘restaurant in the sky’ experience for its guests.
By Chris Ashton, July 21 2023
Emirates is joining the ranks of Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways this month with business class passengers on select flights able to pre-order hot meals before they fly – with more routes to be added following a trial period.
Initially debuting on flights from Dubai to London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted from July 25, the pre-ordering service will be available via Emirates.com and its app between 14 days and 24 hours prior to departure at no extra charge.
Qantas partner Emirates says the ability to choose mains in advance will not only ensure passengers get their preferred meal every time (no more missing out by one seat) but will also reduce food wastage, which is an issue many airlines are working to solve.
Beyond simply ‘chicken or beef’, the airline notes travellers will be able to peruse a range of regionally inspired dishes, in addition to special meals (vegan, vegetarian et al).
However, the exact menu is yet to be revealed and only mains will be able to be pre-selected, with appetisers, dessert and other menu options presented once you’re on board.
Travellers will be able to pre-order their main, then select sides once onboard.
Given the extensive menu choices available on other rival carriers – Singapore Airlines’ ‘Book the Cook’ spans 40+ dishes, including the perennial favourite lobster thermidor – it’s hoped the Gulf carrier will take wing with something similarly broad.
Emirates says it will be paying close attention to customer feedback during the initially roll out phase, before expanding the initiative “to more routes and classes in the near future”.
Meal ordering is the latest part of Emirates’ ongoing $2 billion overhaul of its inflight experience, which notably began with last year’s premium economy rollout and fleet-wide cabin refresh, in addition to the upgraded Champagne and caviar experience.
20 Jul 2023
Total posts 11
Doesnt matter what class of service your in, EK do the worst catering. Even in first it's unappetising. Please don't mention the mezze and UAE sourced caviar. Alcohol is excellent, catering isn't!
20 Jul 2023
Total posts 11
GIve me a beautifully prepared schnitzel anytime 😊
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Mar 2020
Total posts 19
I feel the whole food situation in EK J class is a step down from Qatar. For example the mezze is served with cold pita bread on EK compared to warm on QR - first world problems, but an expanded BTC type selection would be great.
04 Sep 2019
Total posts 41
Singapore airlines says to its competitors "welcome to the party guys"
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Feb 2015
Total posts 368
Yes, SIA is a well oiled machine.
I personally had the eye fillet ex Brisbane last week followed by the lobster ex Singapore. Delicious.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
19 Jan 2018
Total posts 23
That bloody mezze! I've been flying EK J class for several years and in that time not once has that mezze dish changed. Do you think they could mix it up a bit by adding at least one different food item to the plate? And at the risk of sounding like a total ingrate, they never (ever) give you enough pita bread... I always have leftover hommus and no bread to spread it on. I've actually stopped ordering it now... just can't do it anymore. I usually go with the soup or whatever the other alternative is. Hope they add the "Book the Cook" service to other routes soon. Most of the time I'm doing MEL/DXB/NCE and back.
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