Chef's meals in the POLARIS class. Photo: UNITED AIRLINES There's a new flavor in the air. United Airlines has announced the launch of a large-scale culinary initiative in its Polaris International Business Class, which will feature 30 new dishes, developed by 11 world-renowned chefs in collaboration with the culinary content brand "Chef's Table," known from the award-winning Netflix series.
The new menus include appetizers, salads, and main courses inspired by the chefs' hometowns, aiming to connect the flight experience with the local food culture. Examples include:
Burrata with roasted leeks by chef Nancy Silverton from Los Angeles, Brazilian stew by chef Manu Baffa, and steamed scallops with yuzu by chef Tashi Giammatsu from Tokyo.
According to the company's statement, this is a change in the perception of the in-flight dining experience, while adapting to high-altitude serving conditions and maintaining quality and flavors. Each meal will include three full courses and will be available to passengers on select long-haul flights.
In addition to the menu itself, United and Chef's Table are also launching original video content that will be shown on in-flight entertainment systems, documenting the creation process of the dishes, from the idea to the passenger's plate. The content will offer a glimpse into the chefs' personal stories and sources of inspiration.
Polaris Class passengers will be able to pre-order meals through United's website and app up to 24 hours before their flight, as part of a broader trend toward personalization of the in-flight experience.
The new move places United in line with airlines that are trying to turn the flying experience itself into a culinary attraction, rather than just a means of getting to a destination.