From Bibimbap to Beyond: Korean Air Redefines Inflight Cuisine

At 30,000 feet, airplane meals often land somewhere between forgettable and functional. But Korean Air is redefining what airline food can be, introducing a culinary refresh that reflects its international reach while offering the comfort of something far more personal.

Long praised for its award-winning service, the Seoul-based airline is now taking a fresh approach to in-flight dining by bringing together star chefs, seasonal ingredients, and a deeper commitment to Korean tradition and international tastes.

The result? A dining experience that feels less like airplane food and more like a restaurant at altitude.

From Seoul to the World—One Dish at a Time

At the center of Korean Air’s culinary transformation is Chef Seakyeong Kim of Seoul’s fine-dining restaurant Cesta, known for elegant, ingredient-driven cuisine.

His partnership with the airline has inspired a completely reimagined First Class menu, featuring refined amuse-bouches such as tuna tacos, grilled vegetables with bacon quiche, or lobster paired with mango salsa.

Photo: Amuse-bouche. Courtesy of Korean Air

Main courses are equally impressive. Think: Chilean seabass wrapped in zucchini, braised beef brisket bibimbap, or delicately steamed ray fish. 

Photo: Chilean seabass wrapped in zucchini. Courtesy of Korean Air

And because fine food deserves fine wine, a team of professional sommeliers has carefully selected global wine pairings for each course.

Photo: Braised beef brisket bibimbap, steamed ray fish. Courtesy of Korean Air

Business travelers aren’t left behind. In Prestige Class, passengers can also enjoy seasonal dishes such as young summer radish bibimbap in the summer and earthy mushroom rice bowls in the fall and winter.

Photo: Young summer radish bibimbap. Courtesy of Korean Air

Photo: Earthy mushroom rice bowls. Courtesy of Korean Air

And in Economy, Korean Air has stepped things up significantly: comfort food classics like beef bulgogi and braised pork & kimchi with rice now sit beside vegetarian options like tofu pad thai, spicy eggplant stir-fry, and even rosé pasta.

Photo: Economy Pork & Kimchi with Rice. Courtesy of Korean Air

Photo: Economy Rose Pasta. Courtesy of Korean Air

One signature that cuts across all cabins? Bibimbap, arguably Korea’s most famous dish, is served with variations that include salmon, octopus, brisket, and even deodeok (wild mountain root).

Photo: Salmon bibimbap. Courtesy of Korean Air

For premium passengers who like to plan ahead, Korean Air offers a meal pre-order system that allows for more personalized in-flight dining.

Sustainable, Seasonal, and Sky-Tuned

But it’s not just about taste, it’s about intention. Korean Air has designed its new menus with sustainability in mind. Flights departing Seoul feature locally sourced Korean produce, while international routes use regional ingredients from North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, helping to ensure freshness while lowering environmental impact.

Because taste perception changes in the sky—where altitude, dry air, and pressurized cabins dull our senses—the airline’s culinary team has spent months adjusting textures, spices, and cooking methods. The goal: deliver flavors that shine at 35,000 feet.

Award-Winning Wines That Actually Work at Altitude

Korean Air’s wine list is a standout in the sky. Regularly honored in the prestigious “Cellars in the Sky” awards, the selection spans vintage reds, crisp whites, rare champagnes, and rich ports. These aren’t just token offerings; they’re thoughtfully matched to each route and menu.

Whether it’s a veal tenderloin with king crab or a simple roasted beef sandwich, the wine pairings elevate every bite.

Heritage Meets Hospitality in Every Cabin

Serving more than 50,000 meals a day across over 100 international routes, Korean Air doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all. And this philosophy is clear in its inclusivity. For the first time, kimchi is available across all cabin classes, a celebration of Korean culinary identity and a nod to global palates.

Special dietary needs? Korean Air offers a wide range of pre-orderable meals: everything from baby and child options to seven types of vegetarian dishes. Of note is the Korean vegan meal, inspired by centuries of traditional temple food—earthy, mindful, and deeply rooted in Korean tradition. It’s been a quiet favorite since its launch two years ago.

Photo: Korean vegan meals. Courtesy of Korean Air

Religious meals and other specialized diets can also be requested up to 24 hours before departure. For the curious traveler, meal previews are available in advance on the airline’s website.

A New Standard for Airline Dining

Korean Air’s culinary renaissance is more than just a menu upgrade; it’s a philosophy in action. With every bibimbap bowl, glass of wine, and locally sourced vegetable, the airline is telling a story: that even in the sky, food has the power to connect us to places, to people, and to culture.

And that story is just beginning.

Photo: Courtesy of Korean Air

Explore upcoming menus or pre-order your next meal at koreanair.com.