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SWISS Presents Next Inflight Menu Program from Canton Aargau

The Swiss carrier will delight passengers with the award-winning cuisine of the FAHR restaurant in Canton Aargau

by George Gomez

September 10, 2024

Photo: Courtesy of SWISS

For the next three months, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will treat travelers to the next installment of its extraordinary inflight dining experience, this time with dishes from Canton Aargau.

This special offering, part of the airline’s acclaimed “Taste of Switzerland” culinary program, showcases the work of celebrated chef Manuel Steigmeier, head of the Michelin-starred FAHR restaurant.

Photo: Courtesy of SWISS

With this new menu, passengers in First, Business, and Premium Economy classes will savor the flavors of one of Switzerland’s most picturesque and gastronomically rich regions, all while flying high above the clouds.

The FAHR Experience Takes Flight

The FAHR restaurant in the charming Aargau village of Künten is known for its contemporary, locally sourced cuisine. With its Michelin star and 17 GaultMillau points, FAHR has established itself as a premier destination for gourmet dining in Switzerland.

Now, under the direction of 29-year-old chef Manuel Steigmeier, this culinary excellence is available aboard the Zurich-based airline’s long-haul flights.

Photo: Courtesy of SWISS

Steigmeier, who runs FAHR alongside his wife, Alexandra, has a philosophy of blending classic ingredients with a fresh, modern twist. His carefully crafted dishes showcase the best of Swiss produce, offering a dining experience that is as innovative as it is delicious.

“The concoctions of Manuel Steigmeier blend classic elements with a fresh creative touch – a combination that fits excellently with SWISS,” says SWISS Head of Brand Experience Julia Hillenbrand. “And I’m delighted we can now take our inflight guests, too, on this exciting culinary journey.”

The collaboration between SWISS and FAHR isn’t just about great food—it’s personal. “It’s a genuine honor for our FAHR culinary team to represent Canton Aargau aloft,” Steinmeier says. “Our restaurant guests often see SWISS aircraft flying over from our garden terrace. And knowing that our meal creations will now be served so high above the clouds makes us all truly proud.”

First Class: Veal Cheeks and Char Tatar

First Class passengers are in for a gourmet treat. The menu starts with a delicate char tatar, accompanied by dill mayonnaise, cucumber, and yogurt mousse.

Photo: Courtesy of SWISS

This fresh and light appetizer is followed by two mouth-watering main course options: braised veal cheeks with cremolata, cherry jus, and mascarpone polenta, or sautéed cod served with chimichurri, creamy fregola sarda, and roasted autumn vegetables.

Photo: Courtesy of SWISS

And what’s a fine meal without a sweet finish? First Class, travelers will end their dining experience with a rich and indulgent chocolate financier, adding a final note of decadence to their flight.

Business Class: Salmon Trout and Beef Stroganoff

In Business Class, passengers will also enjoy Steigmeier’s artistry. The meal begins with marinated salmon trout paired with wild herb salad, an elegant dish that balances fresh flavors with a hint of earthiness.

Photo: Courtesy of SWISS

For the main course, travelers can choose between a comforting Beef Stroganoff served with spätzli, beetroot, and sour cream or a perfectly sautéed pikeperch accompanied by Riesling beurre blanc, lye bread dumpling, and broccolini.

Photo: Courtesy of SWISS

To top it all off, a chestnut cake served with vanilla whipped cream, mandarin, and calamansi gel offers a delightful fusion of flavors, bringing a touch of the festive season to the skies.

Premium Economy: A Taste of Aargau’s Best

Even Premium Economy passengers won’t miss out on the Canton Aargau experience. SWISS has introduced a new three-course meal for this class, showcasing regional specialties that capture the essence of Aargau’s cuisine.

Photo: Courtesy of SWISS

Guests can enjoy selections of Habsburger Ritterkäse and Aarenberger cheeses, followed by the canton’s famous ‘Rüeblikuchen’ carrot cake, paired with a crème diplomate. This dessert is a true highlight, offering a delicious nod to the region’s culinary heritage.

A Tradition of Excellence: SWISS Taste of Switzerland

For over 21 years, SWISS has been delighting passengers with its “Taste of Switzerland” program, which brings the flavors of Switzerland’s diverse regions to the skies.

Premium Economy inflight meal / Photo: Courtesy of Swiss International Air Lines

Every three months, a new top chef is invited to create dishes inspired by their home canton in collaboration with SWISS’s catering partner, gategourmet. These meals are designed to reflect the chef’s unique culinary style while showcasing the best local ingredients, wines, and cheeses.

According to SWISS, Gategourmet—a subsidiary of gategroup—plays a crucial role in ensuring that each dish reaches the same high standards aboard the aircraft as it would in a five-star restaurant.

A Culinary Journey in the Skies

With its new menu from Canton Aargau, SWISS continues to raise the bar for inflight dining. Whether enjoying the veal cheeks in First Class, the salmon trout in Business, or the Rüeblikuchen in Premium Economy, travelers are treated to a culinary experience that combines local Swiss flavors with world-class execution.

Swiss Airbus A330-300 / Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Airlines

In the words of chef Manuel Steigmeier, “Knowing that our meal creations will now be served so high above the clouds makes us all truly proud.” It’s a sentiment that every passenger will feel as they embark on this delicious journey above the clouds.

For travelers seeking more than just a flight, SWISS’s partnership with Canton Aargau’s finest culinary talents provides a memorable experience that delights the senses. By showcasing the talents of chef Manuel Steigmeier and his team at FAHR, SWISS ensures that its inflight dining is not only a meal but a celebration of Swiss culture and creativity.

Senses Cabins Debut Next Year

The airline’s special meal programs will also be available in the all-new Senses cabins, which will feature all-new First, Business, and Premium Economy seats.

Once the new hard product is introduced, SWISS will offer these special meal programs in seats carefully designed for comfort, privacy, and tranquility.

Photo: Courtesy of SWISS / Pearson Lloyd

These cocoon-like seats, developed with Lufthansa’s Allegris product, feature soft, rounded, and enveloping shapes to ensure a relaxing and restful journey. Timeless colors such as claret and anthracite and high-quality materials inspired by Switzerland’s natural landscapes and architectural heritage have been used to craft an environment that exudes elegance and coziness at cruising altitude.

With SWISS set to launch this exciting new business class next year, the airline continues its mission to lead the way in premium travel experiences. For passengers flying SWISS, the future promises exquisite meals and an inflight environment that’s as luxurious as restful.