Many travellers perceive airline food as merely sustenance, but what if you could tuck into exquisite restaurant-quality meals more than 30,000 feet in the air? Whether your tastes lean more towards decadent European classics like Lobster Thermidor, local favourites like Hainanese chicken rice or you’re more inclined to go with a healthier option, Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) unique Book the Cook initiative has you covered. The programme reimagines and enhances the typical inflight meal, making eating on board a truly epicurean experience. Read on to discover the delightful culinary creations that await you on your next journey with Singapore Airlines.
Savour fantastic Japanese, Indian and Western dishes, along with local hawker favourites
Under Book the Cook, travellers can choose from a wide selection of meals from Western, Japanese and Indian cuisines. SIA is the first airline to launch such an advanced meal ordering service. Available for those in Suites, First, Business and Premium Economy class for flight times above 1.5 hours, orders must be placed at least 24 hours before the flight.
Singaporeans looking for a taste of home or travellers keen on exploring quintessential Singapore fare will love the introduction of hawker fare as part of a collaboration between SIA and catering partner SATS. Introduced in September 2021, the dishes were a celebration of the country’s hawker culture being officially added to the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is also part of SIA’s Singapore Showcase programme to promote this colourful aspect of Singapore’s rich culture.
Featuring a selection of popular local dishes from renowned hawkers prepared by SATS, travellers are truly spoilt for choice. Fun fact: In September 2022, the most popular Book the Cook hawker dishes among both First and Business Class passengers were the iconic Boon Tong Kee chicken rice, the delightfully springy Kok Kee wanton noodles and Song Fa bak kut teh – famed for its heady, peppery broth and tender pork ribs. Other favourites include the legendary Beach Road prawn noodle soup with its rich, savoury broth and plump prawns.
In both First and Business class, the most popular dish across all cuisines was – not surprisingly – the Lobster Thermidor. Other popular picks include local favourites like Nyonya ikan assam pedas dan sambal udang and the nasi lemak.
Opt for healthier and equally exquisite inflight dining
Trying to keep to your diet and fitness goals? The health-conscious traveller can also choose dishes rich in vitamins and nutrients, under the airline’s Deliciously Wholesome selection of meals. This was an initiative launched in 2016.
Created by a team of acclaimed chefs and a nutrition expert, the dishes are prepared using a variety of carefully selected ingredients meant to restore and rejuvenate the body, as well as combat factors such as dehydration, exhaustion, jet lag and other travel-related stress. The meals are also available for pre-ordering by Suites, First and Business Class customers through the Book the Cook service.
In September 2019, SIA took this one step further by working with Singapore-based wellness brand COMO Shambhala to launch a series of specially curated wellness dishes on selected flights. The flavourful and immunity-boosting dishes contain ingredients rich in antioxidants and micronutrients, such as kiwi, yoghurt, beetroot and strawberries, ensuring travellers feel refreshed even after a long flight.
How to Book the Cook on Singapore Airlines
You may select a meal from the Book the Cook service via the Manage Booking page on SIA’s website. Simply enter your booking reference number and surname, select your flight and order your meal from the available options. Orders have to be made at least 24 hours before the flight (Newark and Auckland require longer lead times).
Please note that not all flights offer the Book the Cook service and choices may differ depending on cabin class and location.
