Miss Flying? These Emirates Chefs Will Teach You How to Make Their Most Popular In-flight Dishes

If you’ve never had the chance to fly Emirates, make sure it’s the first ticket you book once travel restrictions are lifted and quarantine is a thing of the past. For now, though we can’t experience one of Emirates’ luxurious onboard bars on a trip to beachy Ras al Khaimah, the Dubai-based airline is bringing a taste of the sky into our homes.

Ranked year after year as one of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Airlines, Emirates' in-flight dining experience is unlike any other in the air — and now the airline is sharing recipes so you can treat yourself to a business class meal in your very own kitchen. In normal operations (outside of the pandemic) Emirates creates thousands of meals each day for people flying all over the world. These include regional specialties and meals catering to dietary, religious, or personal preferences — and all are paired with the perfect glass of wine designed to maximize flavor 36,000 feet in the air.

While we’re stuck on the ground, though, just head to Emirates’ online food channel for at-home versions of your favorite in-flight meals. From savory soups to mouthwatering desserts and classic Emirati dishes, you're bound to find something you love to recreate at home.

Apple and Raisin Crepes

Chef Udo Leick wants you to remember, “When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your taste.” And that’s easy to do when you’re putting together this sweet treat that’s both refreshingly sweet and fun to make.

Get Emirates’ apple and raisin crepe recipe here.

Arabic Lentil Soup

Emirates chef Said El Alam says it best: “There is no such thing as the perfect dish.” But the same chef may have a recipe for the perfect traditional Middle Eastern soup. Combining hearty ingredients like celery, potatoes, onions, and lentils, this soup is perfect for beginners and good for the soul.

Get Emirates’ Arabic lentil soup recipe here.

Sticky Date Pudding With Butterscotch Sauce

If you’re like me and would rather jump straight to dessert, Emirates has the perfect treat made with dates, a Middle Eastern staple food. Just make sure you don’t let your sweet tooth convince you to eat too much.

Get Emirates’ sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce recipe here.

Prawn Machboos

One of the most popular Emirati dishes, according to chef Said El Alam, machboos is a rice dish that’s packed with authentic flavors. Though this recipe calls for prawns, it can easily be made with chicken, lamb, or other types of seafood.

Get Emirates’ prawn machboos recipe here.

Lamb Biryani and Yogurt Raita

Chef Ravi Nage wants you to know that “nobody is born a great cook, one learns by doing.” So start by following along as he makes one of his personal favorites, lamb biryani. A signature menu item available in all three Emirates classes, you can find this dish on tons of routes, or just make it at home right now.

Get Emirates’ lamb biryani and yogurt raita here.