Emirates Launches New Business Class Menu with Moët & Chandon Pairings

Emirates is offering an update on its continuously updated Business Class dining experience with an exclusive menu featuring 18 new dishes, all carefully paired with Moët & Chandon champagnes.

Developed over a year-long collaboration between Moët & Chandon’s Head Chef, Jean-Michel Bardet, and the airline’s Vice President of Culinary Design, Doxis Bekris, the menu will be introduced on select routes beginning May 2025.

This collaborative initiative marks the first time Emirates offers curated champagne and cuisine pairing in the air, blending high-end gastronomy with the challenges of large-scale airline catering.

A Year-Long Collaboration

According to the airline, the development process of this upgraded menu required careful consideration of both flavor profiles and the practicalities of inflight dining.

Chef Jean-Michel Bardet brings a wealth of fine-dining experience to this collaboration. Having honed his craft in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels across Monaco, London, and Hong Kong, he has developed a philosophy of cuisine centered on balance and harmony.

Photo: Moët & Chandon’s Executive Chef, Jean Michel Bardet & Emirates VP of Culinary Design, Doxis Bekris. Courtesy of Emirates

As Moët & Chandon’s head chef, his expertise lies in crafting dishes that complement the complexities of champagne, ensuring that each pairing enhances the flavors of both food and wine.

Doxis Bekris, a seasoned culinary innovator, has been instrumental in shaping the airline’s inflight dining. Before joining Emirates in 2019, he worked as a restaurateur, F&B consultant, and culinary lecturer, with experience developing menus for luxury hospitality properties worldwide. His focus on high-quality ingredients and culturally inspired dishes has played a key role in refining Emirates’ global dining offerings.

Photo: Boeing 777-300ER, new Business Class. Courtesy of Emirates

Together with the airline’s culinary team, these chefs have ensured the upgraded menu could be efficiently prepared and served to Business Class passengers on the airline’s massive global network—one of the hardest challenges for any international carrier.

“Our goal was to design dishes that not only showcase culinary excellence but also seamlessly integrate with the inflight experience,” said Bekris. “Balancing flavors at 40,000 feet requires precision, and our partnership with Moët & Chandon has allowed us to achieve that.”

A Look at the New Menu

The new menu, as described by the airline, features a new array of dishes that have been meticulously paired with Moët & Chandon champagnes, enhancing the overall dining experience with a range of flavors.

For instance, the roasted duck is served with braised aubergine, chickpeas, and a raz el hanout-spiced couscous jus, complemented by cherry tomatoes that offer a balanced acidity, harmonizing with the fruity and structured notes of Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial.

Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

Another standout is the roasted turkey, accompanied by sage chicken jus, mashed potatoes, braised fennel, and almonds; this classic poultry dish finds its match in the bright bouquet and delicate vegetal notes of the Grand Vintage 2016, which enhance the rich textures and flavors.

Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

The seared Chilean seabass, which the airline says is “buttery and flaky,” pairs with artichoke purée, lemongrass sauce, and buttered sugar snap peas, while the purity of the Brut Impérial highlights the dish’s citrusy brightness and smooth textures.

Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

For those seeking a vegan option, Emirates produced a silken tofu dish, which features poached asparagus, soy emulsion, lemon gel, and cashew cream. Emirates says the umami-rich tofu and herbal dill contrast with the fresh, balanced notes of Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial.

Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

Additionally, the almond and Parmesan chicken, with its tender encrusted chicken served over a velvety cauliflower purée, complements the toasty notes and bright acidity of Brut Impérial seamlessly.

Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

The pan-fried halibut, firm and flaky, is paired with a butter sauce, citrus zest, and seasonal vegetables, with the Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016’s minerality and subtle floral notes enhancing the halibut’s natural flavors.

Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

Finally, the roasted chicken ballotine, stuffed with fine herbs and served alongside root vegetables and a light jus, finds harmony with Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial’s structured yet fruity profile, culminating in what the airline and its chefs hope to be a well-rounded and exceptional dining experience.

Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

A Legacy of Champagne Partnerships

Emirates has maintained a long-standing relationship with Moët Hennessy, securing exclusive rights to serve some of its most sought-after champagnes, including the acclaimed Dom Pérignon and the popular Veuve Clicquot.

As noted by the airline, Business Class passengers will continue to enjoy complimentary Moët & Chandon champagnes on every flight, while the new menu will be carefully paired with the special labels mentioned before.

Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

With this latest menu launch, Emirates is further enhancing its reputation for offering one of the most refined Business Class experiences in the skies.

As these new dishes roll out in May 2025, passengers can look forward to a carefully curated blend of fine dining and world-class champagne pairings, bringing a new culinary sophistication to long-haul travel.