Qantas has just announced a multi-million dollar investment in its catering, with plans to bring new dishes both onboard flights and to lounges.
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Qantas makes catering improvements
Qantas is promising a bigger and better inflight and lounge dining experience across its regional, domestic, and international network. The airline is rolling out menu improvements as of this month, with a focus on using high-quality ingredients from Australian producers.
Qantas claims that this is the single biggest investment in inflight and lounge dining in a decade. Qantas overhauled its domestic economy menus in October 2022, offering more variety and catering to several dietary requirements, including a vegetarian option for all meals.
The new menus have begun rolling out on domestic flights, and will launch on international flights as of March 29, 2023, coinciding with the launch of the autumn menu.
Here’s how Markus Svensson, Qantas’ Chief Customer Officer, describes these changes:
“Premium food and wine is one of the top three reasons our customers choose to fly with Qantas, so this significant boost means we will be able further our efforts to deliver a world-class experience in the sky. We are proud to work with established and emerging Australian food and wine producers to offer the best possible dining experience to our customers.”
Here’s how Neil Perry, Qantas’ Creative Director of Food, Beverage, and Service, describes these changes:
“We are spoilt for choice in Australia when it comes to being able to source top quality food from fantastic Australian producers, and together with generous servings and great service, these are the key ingredients to creating an enjoyable meal. Over time, it’s been fantastic to see a broader curiosity around international cuisines and plant-based dining, which has allowed us to become more adventurous with our menus.”
What Qantas meal changes travelers can expect
What changes should Qantas travelers expect? Let me just share what Qantas is highlighting about the changes, broken down by product type.
For international first class, Qantas is promising:
- Additional investment in premium produce with new dishes including Calvisius Caviar on Buckwheat Blinis with Pepe Saya Crème Fraiche, Queensland Spanner Crab and Sweet Pork Salad with Green Mango, Cashews and Nam Jim Dressing, Crumbed Margra Lamb Cutlets with Lemon Myrtle Celeriac Puree, Seared Glacier 51 Toothfish with Saffron Sauce, Steamed Potatoes and Braised Fennel, and Riverine Beef fillet with Green Beans and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
For international business class, Qantas is promising:
- Additional investment in premium produce with new dishes including Seared Grasslands Beef Fillet with Café de Paris Butter, Bannockburn Free-range chicken Kyiv and Seared Snapper with Black Bean Sauce, Seasonal Greens and Salted Chilli
- More substantial second meal on long flights between Australia and Asia in Business and Economy. Business dishes include a Crumbed Snapper Roll with Pickled Cabbage and Tartare sauce, and Stir-fried Noodles with Wombok, Cucumber, Sesame and Chilli Oil
For international premium economy, Qantas is promising:
- New dishes include Salmon with Tomato Fennel Sauce, Red Quinoa and Brown Rice, and Braised Lamb Shank with Red Wine Mushroom Sauce and Potato Puree
- Introduction of a starter salad, as well as an ice-cream service on all flights
For international economy, Qantas is promising:
- New dishes in Economy with premium quality ingredients including Cajun Prawns with Spiced Rice, Korean Chilli and Garlic Chicken with Kimchi and Black Pepper Beef with Oyster Mushrooms
- New second meal dishes on long flights between Australia and Asia include Chicken Fried Rice, and Sage and Lemon ravioli with Kale and Napolitana sauce
For domestic flights, Qantas is promising:
- A continuation of the new domestic Economy menu that launched in October 2022, offering more choice across the network including vegetarian options
- An increased range of lighter options in Business including Ploughman’s and Cheese plates featuring a selection of cheese, Free-range Chicken and Pistachio Terrine, Charcuterie and accompaniments along with Chicken and Corn soup with Dill and Green Pea soup with Mint
- The addition of starter salads in Business on long flights, which include Grilled Prawns with Asian slaw and Edamame and Tasmanian Smoked Salmon with Kale and Sweet Potato salad
- Premium snacks in Business from Koko Black, Brookfarm and Carman’s
- Return of pre-take off water and juice in Business on long domestic flights
For lounges, Qantas is promising:
- Return of premium cakes such as Decadent Chocolate Ganache cake
- Enhanced plate of the day including Steamed Blue Eye with Pickled Daikon, Sesame and Shiso Vinaigrette, and Eight-hour Beef Brisket with Potato Puree, Tarragon and Shallot Butter in International First Lounges
- The International Business Lounges will offer plates of Fresh Ricotta and Crisp Pancetta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Sourdough, and Beef, Bacon and Dark Ale Pies
- Ice cream served in Qantas Clubs and international and domestic Business Lounges
Bottom line
It’s always nice to see airlines investing in their inflight product, so this is a positive development from Qantas. The airline claims that this is its largest investment in catering in a decade. As you can tell, we’re seeing a lot of minor changes, but hopefully they add up to a significantly improved experience.
In fairness, I would approach this with a certain level of skepticism, and wouldn’t expect this to be life changing. That’s true just about any time that an airline announces some big catering initiative.
What do you make of Qantas’ catering changes?
Interesting that after razoring the loyalty out of airline staff and customers during the pandemic as well as record breaking product cuts, Qantas now uses the resulting record profits to drip feed basic lip service. Where is the missing staff resource and remuneration?
Deceptive headline. Should read "Qantas *restores* ...
Think like a blogger journalist, not a PR shill!
Just flew Qantas J Sydney to Tokyo and was stunned with how poor the food offering was.
The menu looked OK (far from amazing) but then we have been told that the menu was for decoration only - the actual food on offer was a lot more limited (you could have an appetizer or a main course, but not both). Some of the dishes weren't available at all.
Breakfast on the way back...
Just flew Qantas J Sydney to Tokyo and was stunned with how poor the food offering was.
The menu looked OK (far from amazing) but then we have been told that the menu was for decoration only - the actual food on offer was a lot more limited (you could have an appetizer or a main course, but not both). Some of the dishes weren't available at all.
Breakfast on the way back was even poorer with very cold toast and plastic eggs. Also - no Vegemite on offer, which is absolutely unaustralian ;)
I applaud the current food offerings served by Qantas in international F and domestic business as I much prefer the concept of small plate dining when travelling by air. The food is generally fresh, nutritious and the crew will often use their initiative when serving a dish as evidenced by the FA who presented me with some warmed honey and yoghurt after I said that I was not a fan of breakfast ..... and it...
I applaud the current food offerings served by Qantas in international F and domestic business as I much prefer the concept of small plate dining when travelling by air. The food is generally fresh, nutritious and the crew will often use their initiative when serving a dish as evidenced by the FA who presented me with some warmed honey and yoghurt after I said that I was not a fan of breakfast ..... and it was a delicious treat (not ground breaking in a gourmet sense or even inventive but just what was needed).
It makes me so happy to read of the return of the caviar service which is an extremely welcome addition although I hope that the appropriate accompaniments are thoughtful and considered ..... a warm blini would be an excellent start.
Good for them - i suspect if properly asked food and beverage would be in the top 3 reasons for other carriers as well.
Wake up United, American, and Delta
My flight dining in Business to Syd Australia was poor back in November on Qantas LAX to SYD the food was blah
Syd to Hono even worse and the aircraft past its usable life in my perception.A330?
Years ago it was sensational with Neil Perry cuisine
I decided to fly other carriers next month
An interesting spread of opinions from good quality & good portion size all the way thru to bad quality and pitiful portions(!) My own experience from four decades flying QF is that quality has come down (but not drastically), and portion sizes have downsized substantially from their 1990s peak. But, QF portion sizes have started increasing again. I will say this though, compared to miserly Air New Zealand's portions child-sized servings (even in business class),...
An interesting spread of opinions from good quality & good portion size all the way thru to bad quality and pitiful portions(!) My own experience from four decades flying QF is that quality has come down (but not drastically), and portion sizes have downsized substantially from their 1990s peak. But, QF portion sizes have started increasing again. I will say this though, compared to miserly Air New Zealand's portions child-sized servings (even in business class), QF catering still appears generous.
Looks good but it would be better if ticket prices were more affordable instead as ticket prices are really expensive
No upgrade to the brown gunge in the Sydney domestic business lounge it seems, but there might be ice cream for afters. Some traditions are not to be messed with. At least they fixed the dishwasher.
Ed - I thought I was the only one noticing how filthy the dishes were!
As of last week - still disgusting.
Filthy dishes may be considered and upgrade from paper plates, or it may not.
Brown gunge still in effect, however I am tucking into what I assume is an upgraded cake, some form of apple and blueberry layer cake. It’s quite nice.
I'll get to check out the catering next month in PE (or J if I get an upgrade). I'm typically not a demanding customer, and an enjoyable meal even if not world beating is fine by me. Even in Y a couple of years back, after a passable meal service, QF came round every couple of hours on a SYD-US flight with a snack, some of them quite substantial, and in one case I remember...
I'll get to check out the catering next month in PE (or J if I get an upgrade). I'm typically not a demanding customer, and an enjoyable meal even if not world beating is fine by me. Even in Y a couple of years back, after a passable meal service, QF came round every couple of hours on a SYD-US flight with a snack, some of them quite substantial, and in one case I remember the FA kept coming back with more wine (!). That said, I do notice if something is good. A couple of months ago I had a delightful Thai green chicken curry on a Virgin Australia J flight.
When I hear chef director of creative food and beverage I cringe. When will it be understood most people do not want a meal covered in random ingredients. Leave that to the food network hacks that continually need to stay relevant by ruining food. Trying to translate restaurant food that is both prepared and served in minutes to catering on a flight will not happen. Like others here have suggested quality ingredients would make an...
When I hear chef director of creative food and beverage I cringe. When will it be understood most people do not want a meal covered in random ingredients. Leave that to the food network hacks that continually need to stay relevant by ruining food. Trying to translate restaurant food that is both prepared and served in minutes to catering on a flight will not happen. Like others here have suggested quality ingredients would make an impact but also remember what is $5 more in a store will likely be $50 more through catering. But hey, on a premium ticket maybe they can find the dough
Gotta go with the cheapest ingredients and also more food like meatloaf, lasagna, and mac and cheese. Or let Applebee's do the catering.
Are you 'serious'?
One thing about Qantas international menus is that they are generally light on the stomach (vs Mac & Cheese), usually fairly balanced in nutritional composition ... and quite digestible for a traveller. Australian's love of quality food shifted QF away from stodgy, carb-loaded menus years ago.
Neil Perry is one of Australia's 'better' chefs and Qantas is not alone is employing celebrity chefs to oversee catering. To one of the comments below,...
Are you 'serious'?
One thing about Qantas international menus is that they are generally light on the stomach (vs Mac & Cheese), usually fairly balanced in nutritional composition ... and quite digestible for a traveller. Australian's love of quality food shifted QF away from stodgy, carb-loaded menus years ago.
Neil Perry is one of Australia's 'better' chefs and Qantas is not alone is employing celebrity chefs to oversee catering. To one of the comments below, have a look in your next inflight mag and see how many are employed by DL, UA and AA etc. My one gripe is that Neil has - for my taste - been at Qantas for way too long. 20 years plus, in fact.
'Cheapest ingredients' might work well on LCC's and some legacy carriers. It does not work on 'Premium' carriers. Hence, why QF is re-introducing a long discarded caviar service in First.
United, take notes
American take note. Rubbish on their flights, 2 x 2.5hr b2b flight and in so called first we were served a snack box. Why can't American carriers get it?
Nice to hear that Qantas is putting greater emphasis on its in flight catering. Larger portions are not the norm for Airline food. The proof will be in the feedback that Qantas, airline bloggers & reporters give. Great news.
QF has pretty good meals and generous portions, at least that was my experience on SFO-SYD in 2019.
Long overdue if this is a serious upgrade rather than their usual marketing-speak. QF’s food has been huge weakness for some time IMO and the mediocre quality and pitiful portions are a real shortcoming compared to many of their competitors. I know several people who aren’t really tuned in to aviation or soft product differentiators who’ve remarked on it and on my travels in the last five years or so SQ, CX and even BA...
Long overdue if this is a serious upgrade rather than their usual marketing-speak. QF’s food has been huge weakness for some time IMO and the mediocre quality and pitiful portions are a real shortcoming compared to many of their competitors. I know several people who aren’t really tuned in to aviation or soft product differentiators who’ve remarked on it and on my travels in the last five years or so SQ, CX and even BA since their catering changes have been head and shoulders above Qantas food-wise.
I feel like they try to replicate “fancy” restaurant food rather than understanding that many dishes just don’t work well coming from galleys and eaten at altitude and I’m not sure that will change while Perry is still involved.
I cringe whenever Neil Perry’s name is mentioned. Worst business class food- from Johannesburg to Sydney in 2018 inedible.
When my son was five years old, he could tell the difference between USDA Choice and USDA Prime beef. An airline can shift a single serving of beef from USDA Choice to USDA Prime for under $5. TACK THE $5 ON THE PRICE OF THAT FIRST CLASS TICKET. Ask a typical first class passenger whether one would want 1) the better beef and pay $5 more in airfare or 2) the cheaper beef and save $5 in airfare. True premium airlines get it.
“True premium airlines get it.”
As do regular premium flyers.
Your point is 100% spot on.
Or just serve some Australian Wagyu, its not that expensive anyways.
And if I'm vegan why do I have to pay an extra $5?
There is always going to be haters.
This just make you sound like an entitled snob.
If the airline tries to charge you an extra $5 on top of the expensive first class ticket, guess the amount of backlash they will get.
They put an extra $5 into ALL of the meals, including vegan. But, you're saying that there will be backlash over raising a $5000 ticket by $5? Really? And, if a person were just some guy who busted his butt for decades to save up for an enjoyable retirement, would you still call the person an entitled snob? If the same guy were to take his grandson to a Yankees game and get box seats...
They put an extra $5 into ALL of the meals, including vegan. But, you're saying that there will be backlash over raising a $5000 ticket by $5? Really? And, if a person were just some guy who busted his butt for decades to save up for an enjoyable retirement, would you still call the person an entitled snob? If the same guy were to take his grandson to a Yankees game and get box seats instead of bleachers, would you still call the person an entitled snob? Lose the chip.
@Lee
You are missing the point completely. But that's the thing with most entitled snobs, they don't realize it and use the same excuses.
Then there's they where does this end. The next snob wants to pay extra for fresh Oysters, more for Foie Gras, then more for Caviar, even more for some vintage Margaux, then a live 3 star Michelin chef on board?
There is always a richer snob who sees $5k...
@Lee
You are missing the point completely. But that's the thing with most entitled snobs, they don't realize it and use the same excuses.
Then there's they where does this end. The next snob wants to pay extra for fresh Oysters, more for Foie Gras, then more for Caviar, even more for some vintage Margaux, then a live 3 star Michelin chef on board?
There is always a richer snob who sees $5k as a spare change just like how you see $5.
Take his grandson to a Yankees game and get box seats, yes totally agree to splurge your hard earned money the way you want. Nothing snobbish at all.
What you are asking is not about spending $10k on Yankees box seats. It's saying you would rather spend $5 more so they serve Wagyu hotdogs instead of Nathan's.
With the $5, they can instead serve you organic pasta + organic veggies.
QF meals are generally pretty good. However, I find myself constantly hungry since their serving size apparently caters to aussie wannabe influencers who don't eat anything.
This is not an upgrade. Qantas are still using Neil Perry. They are still serving side salads with Neil’s vinaigrette.
This menu is the same rubbish that has existed for decades. Lipstick on a pig.
Agree about the Neil Perry. See comment above
Absolutely agree.
Neil Perry really managed to tarnish his own brand with his endorsement of the Qantas food offering.
We usually refer to the Sydney International Lounge as "Breakfast at Neil's". Neil Eggs is the unique combo of scrambled eggs that are simultaneously dry and covered in water ; Neil Hash are those slippery, soggy hash browns that accompany said eggs.