Cathay Pacific has the 5th best first-class airplane food
It's something that we've all heard complaints about: Airplane food is the worst. Bland flavours, mushy textures, and lukewarm temperatures have not endeared passengers to the in-flight meals commonly found on commercial airliners. But is that stereotype truly the reality of dining at a flight altitude of 35,000 feet above sea level?
Certainly not when you're in first class, says Skytrax, which has just released its rankings for the top 10 airlines offering the best first-class food in the world. Hong Kong's home carrier, Cathay Pacific, would likewise disagree, having snagged fifth place on the global list, trailing behind Singapore Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, and Emirates. (While Lufthansa may have us beat in the Best First Class Onboard Catering category, Cathay Pacific is ranked 4th overall in the World's Best First Class Airlines of 2025.)
Photograph: Courtesy Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
Aside from food presentation, variety, and flavour, the availability of diverse and premium beverages sets airlines apart. Cathay Pacific's approach to in-flight dining blends Hong Kong flavours with international influences, presenting dishes designed around seasonal produce and paired with signature drinks, classic cocktails, a selection of wines sourced from France, New Zealand, Italy, and Portugal, as well as the airline's own citrus-forward Betsy pale ale by local brewery Gweilo Beer, finely tuned to be enjoyed at altitude.
Menus tend to differ between flight routes, but some of the dishes available on Cathay Pacific's first-class offerings include boneless US pork ribs with strawberry sauce served with braised bean curd rolls; white asparagus, carrots, and mushrooms in oyster sauce with steamed jasmine rice; pan-fried black cod with edamame and gremolata, sautéed kale, roasted artichokes, and cherry tomatoes; and smoked duck with sweet and sour dressing. Even Hong Kong's famous sampan congee with a selection of dim sum and Mak's signature wonton noodle soup is in the offing! Notably, Cathay Pacific also partners with award-winning restaurants in Hong Kong to present special menus and dining experiences, both in the air and in its lounges – Louise and Duddell's, for example.
Photograph: Courtesy Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
In comparison, the winner on the top of the list, Singapore Airlines, presents first-class menus that feature Iberico ham with slow-roasted tomato and padron peppers, Jerusalem artichoke soup, braised beef cheek in red wine sauce, Teochew-style pomfret porridge, Singapore carrot cake with prawns, chicken noodle soup, and pandan gula melaka cake.
We can probably all agree that airplane food, even in first class, is not going to win any fine-dining awards compared to prestigious brick-and-mortar restaurants, but at least the thought of noshing at 35,000 feet above sea level is no longer so dire.
Top 10 best first-class airplane food in 2025:
Singapore Airlines
Air France
Lufthansa
Emirates
Cathay Pacific Airways
Qantas Airways
ANA All Nippon Airways
Swiss International Air Lines
Etihad Airways
British Airways
Check out the full list with other ranked categories here.
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