El Al Takes Flight Dining to New Heights with Passenger-Chosen Menu
El Al Israel Airlines has revolutionized its approach to kosher in-flight dining by putting the power of menu selection directly into passengers’ hands. The airline’s latest culinary initiative represents a refreshing departure from traditional top-down menu planning, instead embracing a democratic approach that lets frequent flyers determine what they’ll be served at 30,000 feet.
A Menu Born from Passenger Feedback
Working alongside renowned Chef Assaf Granit, El Al has transformed thousands of passenger survey responses into a carefully curated menu that reflects genuine traveler preferences. This collaborative approach to menu development ensures that the dishes served on board aren’t just chef-approved, they’re passenger-tested and passenger-approved.
The airline refreshes its in-flight offerings every few months, but this latest iteration marks a significant shift in philosophy. Rather than relying solely on culinary expertise or market trends, El Al has chosen to prioritize the authentic voices and taste preferences of the people who matter most: their passengers.
Global Reach with Local Appeal
The new passenger-selected menu will be available on all flights departing from Tel Aviv to international destinations, as well as on certain short-haul routes connecting Europe and the UAE to Israel. This wide-reaching implementation ensures that whether passengers are traveling for business to London or vacation to New York, they’ll enjoy the same thoughtfully chosen kosher cuisine. As we have previously covered, there are ways to utilize points and miles for El Al flights to and from Israel.
A Taste of What’s Taking Flight
The menu showcases an impressive range of dishes that blend comfort food appeal with sophisticated preparation techniques, and will differ depending on cabin class of travel as well as route:
Protein-Forward Options:
- Chicken patties enhanced with coconut, served alongside chard and chickpea sauce
- Baked salmon complemented by a delicate nutmeg sauce
- A pretzel sandwich featuring chipotle-seasoned brisket and onions
International Flavors:
- Rigatoni pasta in a creamy tomato-rosa sauce with spinach
- Sweet potato tortellini offering a unique twist on Italian classics
- Shawarma wrap bringing Middle Eastern street food to the skies
This diverse selection showcases how passenger preferences range from familiar comfort foods to more adventurous international cuisines, all prepared to meet stringent kosher standards.
The Granit Touch
Chef Assaf Granit’s involvement brings restaurant-quality standards to airline catering. Known for his innovative approach to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, Granit has helped translate passenger preferences into professionally executed dishes that can withstand the unique challenges of high-altitude service.
Setting New Standards for Kosher Air Travel
El Al’s passenger-driven menu development sets a new benchmark for kosher airline catering. By actively soliciting and implementing customer feedback, the airline demonstrates that kosher doesn’t mean compromise; it means cuisine that’s both religiously compliant and genuinely delicious.
This initiative also highlights the growing sophistication of kosher travelers who expect their dietary needs to be met without sacrificing culinary quality or variety. The resulting menu proves that passenger input, when properly channeled through professional culinary expertise, can create in-flight dining experiences that passengers actually look forward to.
For kosher travelers who have long resigned themselves to predictable airline meals, El Al’s new approach offers something refreshing: the knowledge that their preferences have been heard, valued, and transformed into the very dishes they’ll enjoy during their journey.
The success of this passenger-selected menu may well influence how other airlines approach in-flight catering, potentially ushering in a new era where traveler satisfaction takes precedence over convenience and cost-cutting in airline food service.
