Qatar Airways introduces Qatari savory meals on board

In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of the State of Qatar, Qatar Airways offers national flavors to passengers on board its flights and in its award-winning lounges. Chef Aisha Al Tamimi, a leading culinary artist who has won multiple awards for her outstanding traditional dishes, has worked with the airline to develop a menu renewal.

Inspired by local culture in Qatar, Chef Aisha’s dishes take passengers on a flavorful journey at 40,000 feet. Local Qatari dishes will be available for passengers on various routes including North America, Asia, Australia, Europe and GCC.

The new menu features some of the most iconic national dishes Qatar is known for, prepared with locally sourced organic ingredients and spices. The new meals include starters, main courses and desserts:

Qatari Chicken Machboos – A marinated chicken basmati rice dish served alongside a Daqoos red chilli sauce, infused with an abundance of aromatic local spices. The dish is garnished with crispy onions and chopped parsley.

· Qatari Madrubah – A slow-cooked dish consisting of ground oats with shredded boneless chicken. Qatari spice is added with dried lemon and natural green herbs.

Qatari Mashkool – A basmati rice dish made with fried chicken, eggplant and potatoes mixed with coconut milk. The dish is garnished with a layer of almonds and crispy onions.

Qatari Chicken Jareesh – A chopped chicken dish cooked with wheat, onions and Arabic gee, topped with crispy onions and green chilled salsa.

· Qatari Style Breakfast Plate – A selection of local dishes including saffron and cardamom, flavored balaleet noodles, scrambled eggs with eggs and tomatoes, and traditional beans with onion and garlic. The platter is served alongside a basket of Arabic bread.

The Minister of Culture of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani stated that the partnership with Qatar Airways will showcase, embrace and promote Qatari culture in various areas of the airline.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Food is a universal language treasured by all travelers and our country is admired for the aromatic flavors of its national dishes. Today, we are proud to welcome a world-class Qatari chef to our airline family, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture. The new onboard meals will further enhance the travel experience and bring passengers one step closer to eating in Qatar.”

Qatari culinary artist Aisha Al Tamimi said: “Food is an integral part of every civilization and one of the tangible elements that makes every citizen proud. In my partnership with Qatar Airways I have ensured that my dishes reflect the Qatari heritage of which I am very proud and I am delighted to bring my local cuisine on board this impressive airline.

“I would like to express my appreciation to His Excellency Sheikh, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Culture for his willingness to promote local dishes throughout the state’s national airline and I would also like to thank His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, for his confidence in my talent and for providing this opportunity.”

The airline’s Qatari menu refresh will introduce passengers to Qatari culture from a culinary perspective. With respect for local ingredients, the airline has chosen to use Chef Aisha’s personally prepared spices for all dishes. Their signature key ingredients include: cardamom, black pepper, salt, cumin, black lime, paprika, and red chili peppers.

Qatar Airways continues to improve its passenger experience by offering unparalleled service and dining options. In April 2022, the airline renewed its collaboration with an award-winning Thai celebrity chef, Chef Ian Kittichai, to launch a menu of signature Thai dishes for passengers departing from Bangkok and Phuket. Continuing the partnership established in 2019, the new and updated menu includes appetizers, entrees and desserts available to First and Business Class passengers onboard Qatar Airways flights.

Passengers with special dietary needs or restrictions can request special meals prior to their journey that do not compromise quality or taste. The specialty meals use locally sourced, high-quality ingredients tailored to the needs of each passenger. The airline has created meals for every dietary need, including vegan and vegetarian, religious, medical and even children’s meals. Passengers flying in the award-winning Qsuite Business Class seat can dine on request at any time during their flight.