Thaindian News

New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Vineet Bhatia, India’s only two-star Michlen chef, has joined his counterparts from Japan, Lebanon and Britain to create a new in-flight dining experience on Qatar Airways with their signature dishes that represent the finest international cuisine from every corner of the world.

“Handpicked to set a new standard for dining in the sky while representing the finest international cuisine from every corner of the world, the all-star team of culinary ambassadors has collaborated to create the Qatar Airways Culinary World Menu - a new range of tempting signature dishes to satisfy the tastes of the airline’s discerning passengers,” an airline statement said Tuesday.

Mumbai-born Chef Vineet Bhatia brings his unique blend of exotic Indian food, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa adds a touch of Asian fusion cuisine, Chef Ramzi Choueiri from Lebanon brings his exquisite experience of Middle East cuisine to the fore, and Chef Tom Aikens from Britain provides his own variety of European culinary offering.

The chefs were unveiled Tuesday at an international press conference in Doha, Qatar Airways’ hub city, where they delighted the media with a live cooking demonstration of some of their favourite dishes.

Internationally renowned and multi-award winning Chef Vineet Bhatia said: “My cooking comes from the heart.”

“I believe in my food and I believe in what I do. As a child, I dreamt of being a pilot, so I jumped at the chance to work with Qatar Airways and share my passion with such an established and rapidly growing award-winning airline that is bringing a whole new travel experience to the world. My objective is to match the service with a 5-star dining experience,” he added.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said the airline’s collaboration with such global icons and gastronomic pioneers further proves Qatar Airways’ commitment to redefining the passenger experience by offering a truly 5-star service.

“Qatar Airways continues to challenge and lead the aviation industry, enhancing different service elements of air travel today and pushing the boundaries of genuine luxury and comfort,” Al Baker said.

“The imminent arrival of one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, our new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, heralds the start of an exciting new era for travellers worldwide and today’s introduction of a unique food offering is part of the overhaul of the entire travel experience for our passengers.

“Whether for business or pleasure, modern-day travellers want to arrive relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated regardless of time zones or destinations. Yet as a truly global airline we understand that beyond superior service, travellers also want to enjoy the journey of discovery, exploring new tastes and cuisines.

“That is why we’ve travelled the world to assemble a team of culinary experts to offer our passengers the very best dining experience available in the sky,” added Al Baker, himself an admirer of food from different parts of the world,” Al Baker added.

Having been selected to create a unique and diverse menu for all international flights, the renowned chefs spent several months adapting and testing their specialities for Qatar Airways’ passengers.

Their menus have begun to be rolled out on flights to and from Doha International Airport.

The chefs took into account not only the flavours, textures, arrangements, aromas and tastes required for a memorable dining experience, but also how the taste buds are altered at 35,000 feet, and what types of food are most suited to long-haul flights.

The exquisite gourmet offering, already available on selected flights, will be introduced to passengers onboard the airline’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliner when the next generation aircraft starts flying in Qatar Airways’ colours in the coming months.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 15 years of operation, currently flying a modern fleet of 111 aircraft to 118 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, West Asia, Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America and South America.