Emirates is taking inflight dining to new heights with a world-first culinary collaboration: 18 meticulously curated dishes now served with exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne pairings—available globally across most medium to long-haul Business Class flights.
The new menu, over a year in the making, is the result of a creative partnership between Michelin-starred chef Jean Michel Bardet, Head Chef of Moët & Chandon, and Doxis Bekris, Emirates’ Vice President of Culinary Design. Each dish has been designed not only to impress but to harmonize exquisitely with the nuanced profiles of the Maison’s most iconic Champagnes.
Culinary Creations at 40,000 Feet
Each pairing is marked with a crown icon on the inflight menu, allowing guests to preview the luxurious combinations before their flight.
Standout starters include:
- Poached scallops with green melon, kumquat, and lemon gel—paired with Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016, enhancing the scallops’ delicate salinity and citrus accents.
- Silken tofu with asparagus and cashew cream—beautifully matched with Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial, showcasing the tofu’s umami depth and the Champagne’s crisp freshness.
Main courses elevate the journey further:
- Roasted duck with raz el hanout couscous and braised aubergine, paired with the fruit-forward Rosé Impérial, blending warmth and spice with elegant fizz.
- Roasted turkey served with sage chicken jus and fennel, paired again with the Grand Vintage 2016, emphasizing savory richness and vegetal balance.
- Seared Chilean seabass complemented by lemongrass sauce and artichoke puree, which amplifies the Brut Impérial’s refined sparkle.
Vegan travellers aren’t left out. Highlights include:
- Braised lentils with coconut, spiced cauliflower and naan, paired with Rosé Impérial, where curry spices and coriander playfully interact with Champagne’s fruity bouquet.
A Year-Long Culinary Journey
Creating a restaurant-quality meal at cruising altitude is no small feat. The collaboration between Dubai and France focused on developing dishes that could maintain both culinary integrity and scale—with Emirates serving more than 77 million meals annually. The chefs had to account for altitude’s impact on taste, onboard preparation, and crew-friendly plating, ensuring a seamless premium dining experience in the sky.
Champagne in the Clouds
This new pairing menu deepens Emirates’ 33-year partnership with Moët Hennessy. The airline now boasts the largest airline Champagne selection in the world—including exclusive pours like Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015, Dom Pérignon Rosé 2009, and Veuve Clicquot Vintage Blanc 2015. Moët & Chandon selections are available throughout First and Business Class cabins, in Emirates lounges, and for purchase in Premium Economy and Economy.
