Emirates Business Class is taking in-flight dining to new heights this summer with the launch of 18 exciting new dishes curated in collaboration with Moët & Chandon, states an official press release by the airline. This exclusive culinary experience is set to bring an exceptional fusion of gourmet cuisine and premium champagne, creating a one-of-a-kind pairing experience at 40,000 ft.
Crafted by Jean-Michel Bardet (Head Chef of Moët & Chandon, ex-chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant, and culinary expert), alongside Emirates’ Vice President of Culinary Design, Doxis Bekris, these new dishes have been meticulously designed to pair with Moët & Chandon’s finest champagnes. Starting in May 2025, Emirates Business Class passengers will enjoy this remarkable combination of world-class dining and champagne, enhancing their journey in the sky.
The menu, a year in the making, has been developed through close collaboration between top chefs from Emirates and the prestigious Moët & Chandon Maison in France. Together, they crafted sophisticated, high-quality dishes that could be served at scale, considering the needs of Emirates' global network. The chefs worked on balancing premium ingredients with the demands of mass production, ensuring that every dish maintains exceptional quality when served on board. The collaboration between Chef Bardet and Emirates' culinary team ensures that every dish not only complements the champagne but also takes into account the altitude and conditions of the inflight experience.
The new menu includes a variety of starters, main courses, and vegan options that will elevate the dining experience. Starters such as poached scallops with green melon, kumquat, lemon gel, and roasted almonds are paired with Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016, where the saltiness of the scallops complements the delicate champagne.
For vegan options, silken tofu with poached asparagus, soy emulsion, and cashew cream is paired with Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial. This dish highlights the champagne’s bright and umami flavours, with a hint of dill for an extra layer of depth.
The main courses will feature rich offerings like roasted duck with aubergine, chickpeas, and couscous, complemented by the Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, which brings a subtle yet intriguing balance between the spicy couscous and the wine's structure. Another standout dish is the roasted turkey, served with sage chicken jus, mashed potatoes, and braised fennel, perfectly paired with Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016. For seafood lovers, seared Chilean seabass with artichoke puree, lemongrass sauce, and sugar snap peas will be paired with Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial, offering an elegant experience that harmonises with the dish’s fresh flavours.
For vegan diners, a comforting dish of braised lentils with coconut, spiced cauliflower, and naan is paired with Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial. The coral lentils and curry seasoning will bring out the champagne’s fruity bouquet with just the right amount of spice, creating a delicate and flavourful pairing.
Jean-Michel Bardet brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and prestigious hotels worldwide. His expertise in pairing cuisine with champagne is unparalleled, and his dishes are known for their balance, simplicity, and texture. Before joining Moët & Chandon, Bardet honed his skills in renowned establishments like Claridge’s in London and the Flocon de Sel in Megève, France.
Doxis Bekris, newly appointed Vice President of Culinary Design at Emirates, has an extensive background in the culinary world. A seasoned chef and restaurateur, he has spent years honing his craft and has led culinary teams at prestigious hotels and restaurants around the world. Bekris' deep respect for diverse culinary traditions and a commitment to innovation will continue to shape the future of Emirates’ inflight dining.
Emirates has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Moët Hennessy for over 30 years. Moët & Chandon champagnes are a signature feature of the Emirates experience, available in all Emirates lounges and served complimentary in First and Business Class. Emirates is proud to offer exclusive rights to serve premium Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon selections onboard, ensuring passengers enjoy a unique and luxurious experience at 40,000 feet. With these new offerings, Emirates Business Class passengers can look forward to an unparalleled culinary journey, pairing world-class dishes with the finest champagne in the skies.