Vietnam Airlines Becomes First Asian Carrier to Win World's Best Culinary Airline 2026

Vietnam Airlines has become the first Asian airline to receive the World's Best Culinary Airline 2026 award. The airline secured the honor ahead of several leading global carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Cathay Pacific and Turkish Airlines.

About the Award
- The recognition was presented by the World Culinary Awards.
- The awards program is affiliated with the World Travel Awards.
- It celebrates excellence and innovation across the global culinary industry.

Recognition of Inflight Dining Excellence
- The award recognizes Vietnam Airlines' continued investment in enhancing its inflight dining experience.
- The achievement supports the airline's broader goal of attaining five-star service standards by 2030.
- The airline combines Vietnam's culinary heritage with locally sourced ingredients and contemporary culinary techniques.

Vietnamese Cuisine at the Forefront
- Vietnam Airlines' menus feature renowned Vietnamese dishes, including:
- Pho.
- Hue-style beef noodle soup.
- Quang-style noodles.
- Banh Mi Hoi An.
- Each dish is specially adapted for inflight service while preserving authentic flavors.
- Menu planning considers changes in taste perception that occur at high altitudes.

Focus on Quality and Consistency
- Vietnam Airlines works closely with catering partners to maintain food quality.
- Cabin crews are trained to ensure consistent presentation and serving standards.
- Special attention is given to serving temperatures and meal presentation across all flights.

Promoting Vietnam's Agricultural Heritage
- The airline incorporates locally sourced produce into its menus.
- Seasonal ingredients featured onboard include:
- Strawberries and plums from Son La.
- Lychees from Luc Ngan.
- Egg lychees and longan from Hung Yen.
- Macadamia nuts from Dien Bien.
- Cashews from Dong Nai.
- Dragon fruit and melons from Lam Dong.
- Ingredient selections vary according to seasonal availability and catering requirements.

Support for Local Farmers
- During the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam Airlines and its affiliated catering companies used 2,260 tonnes of domestically grown fruits and vegetables.
- The initiative supports local producers while showcasing Vietnamese flavors to travelers worldwide.

Sharing Cultural Stories Through Food
- The airline collaborates with local authorities to highlight the origins of ingredients and regional culinary traditions.
- Passengers can learn about Vietnamese food culture through:
- Heritage magazine.
- Inflight entertainment systems.
- Other onboard communication channels.
- These initiatives help connect travelers with Vietnam's regional identities and traditions.

Statement from Vietnam Airlines
- Dang Anh Tuan, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, described the award as a significant milestone for the airline.
- He noted that the recognition demonstrates the growing international appeal of Vietnamese cuisine.
- He emphasized the airline's commitment to showcasing Vietnam's culinary heritage, regional produce and hospitality.
- He reaffirmed the airline's objective of achieving five-star service standards by 2030 while maintaining its distinctive Vietnamese identity.
- He stated that Vietnam Airlines aims to make every onboard meal a memorable part of the travel experience.

Vietnamese Culture Throughout the Passenger Journey
- Vietnam Airlines incorporates Vietnamese cultural elements across multiple customer touchpoints.
- The airline's brand identity is centered around the Golden Lotus symbol.
- Cabin crew uniforms feature the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai.
- Aircraft designs incorporate the historic Lac Bird motif.
- Vietnamese cuisine serves as an important cultural ambassador, introducing international travelers to the country's regional flavors and traditions.