Air India has unveiled a completely new global menu for passengers across its fleet, inspired by India’s rich and diverse food culture while bringing in flavours from around the world. The airline says the refreshed menu reflects tastes from the royal kitchens of Awadh, the coastal regions of South India, and popular global cuisines such as Pan-Asian and European bistro-style dishes.

The new menu has already been introduced on most international flights departing from India. These include routes from Delhi to London, New York, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto and Dubai; from Mumbai and Bengaluru to San Francisco; and from Mumbai to New York. Air India will gradually extend the menu to all its international routes and later to domestic flights as well.

According to the airline, the aim is to offer meals that feel familiar to Indian travellers while still appealing to global passengers. The menu combines region-inspired dishes such as authentic South Indian meals with international favourites. The airline says this mix is designed to give passengers a dining experience that feels both comforting and gourmet.

The upgraded dining experience is different across cabins. First Class passengers will be served gourmet meals, freshly baked artisanal breads, signature desserts and specially selected wine and champagne pairings. Business Class guests will enjoy multi-course meals with the option to customise their choices alongside premium beverages. Premium Economy and Economy passengers will receive improved meal trays with wholesome dishes, upgraded presentation and a selection of familiar regional flavours.

Highlights of the new menu include:

Signature Indian dishes: Awadhi Paneer Anjeer Pasanda (Veg Awadhi Thali), Murgh Massalam (Non-veg Awadhi Thali), and south Indian platter in First and Business Class. Rajasthani besan chilla, malabari chicken curry, and malai palak kofta in Premium Economy

International cuisine: Japanese Teppanyaki Bowl, citrus tiger prawns, and oriental napa cabbage and tofu rollmops in First Class and Seoul flamed prawns, manicotti forestiere, and Mediterranean tapas in Business Class

GenZ Delights: chicken bibimbap and matcha delice in Business Class

Home-made comfort food: homestyle masala dal khichdi and homestyle stuffed parantha in Business Class

Plant-Based & Special Dietary Options: A dedicated vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-conscious menu

The menu has been curated by Chef Sandeep Kalra, who recently joined Air India as part of the airline’s ongoing transformation programme. The dishes draw inspiration from India’s classic street foods, traditional tiffin items from South India, and global favourites that appeal to today’s travellers. Air India’s cabin crew have also undergone special training to enhance the onboard dining service.

Air India’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, Rajesh Dogra, said the new menu reflects the airline’s efforts to improve the customer experience. He said the focus is on creating meals that are not only delicious but also thoughtful, beautifully presented and suited to a wide range of preferences.

The airline will now offer more than 18 different types of special meals—making it one of the few airlines in the world to provide such an extensive range. These include options for passengers with dietary restrictions or lifestyle-based preferences. Travellers can pre-select their meals through the Air India app, where they can also see chef’s notes, allergen details and customisation choices.

Air India has also introduced several sustainability measures in the catering process. The airline is using more locally sourced, seasonal produce to support farmers and reduce the distance food travels. It is also increasing the use of compostable cutlery, paper meal boxes and other eco-friendly materials to reduce single-use plastic. Waste segregation for recycling and composting is being improved to further reduce the airline’s carbon footprint.