From The Straits Times    |

In yet another frenzied attempt to one-up the competition, Qatar Airways has recruited an all-star lineup of international chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa and Tom Aikens of the UK to create a new multicultural menu the latest airline to tap star-powered Michelin talent for their in-flight dining program.

Michelin-starred chefs create Qatar in-flight menu
New menu on Qatar flights was created by an international line-up of Michelin-starred chefs

In a bid to represent the four corners of the earth, the Doha-based airline has recruited a team of what they call culinary ambassadors for their country to create the Qatar Airways Culinary World Menu, which has already rolled out on select flights.

Between the quartet of chefs, they share six Michelin stars and a worldwide fan base.

To represent the Middle East and the Arab world, Qatar tapped chef Ramzi Choeiri, a well-known Lebanese food personality whose TV show attracts a whopping 10 million viewers daily. He also holds the Guinness World Record for building the largest falafel on the planet back in 2010.

The only chef in India to obtain two Michelin stars, Vineet Bhatia, was also brought on board to work on the menu.

And British chef Tom Aikens, the youngest in the UK to earn two stars, will bring a European perspective, while Japanese restaurateur and mogul Nobu Matsuhisa whose empire spans 25 cities on 5 continents will bring an Asian sensibility to the in-flight dining experience. Matsuhisa’s cuisine also earned him two stars.

The announcement comes as Qatar prepares to add the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner to its fleet in the coming months, where the new menu will be served.

Airlines have been reaching for the stars when it comes to recruiting chefs to design their in-flight menus. British Airways, for instance, enlisted celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal to help create a special menu during the summer Olympics. Air France has also worked with Joël Robuchon.