Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links below. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
I flew on 174 flights in 2025. These were all in First or Business Class. This led me to dine at 35,000 feet more times than I maybe would have liked. Most of the meals were passable with a few being absolutely awful. There were also some highlights with dishes that I would gladly order again if given the chance.
Here are my 10 favorite in-flight meals from this past year:
10. Taste Test: Golden Brown Apple Pancakes on Air Canada Rouge
I found myself flying to Canada a few times in 2025. The meal that stood out most was the Golden Brown Apple Pancakes. There was something homey and comforting about this breakfast.
9. Taste Test: United’s Newark Signature Dish
Steaks on a plane are often overcooked. United did a good job with one of it’s Newark Signature Dishes and served me a steak (that while not as rare as I would like) was pretty darn good.
8. Taste Test: Classic American Sliders & Fries on American Airlines
These were not as good as what Delta Air Lines and Shake Shack are serving, but I enjoyed these sliders.
7. Taste Test: French Toast Bread Pudding on Delta Air Lines
The French Toast Bread Pudding was served with mango compote, citrus ricotta, and toasted coconut. It was sweet, but not overly so, and pretty tasty.
6. Taste Test: United’s Chicago Signature Dish – Pan Seared Pierogi
The Chicago Signature Dish – Pan Seared Pierogi is only available if preordered before a flight. It’s described as having a “caramelized onion, cream sauce, bacon lardons, and scallions.” I’m not sure the calorie content here, but this was one tasty plate.
5. Double Taste Test: Cheese Ravioli and Stuffed Chicken on Aeromexico
Both entrees served on a flight between Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Mexico City International Airport were quite tasty.
4. Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes in Delta One®
These crab cakes were not as massive or loaded with crab as what United was serving out of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), but I still loved the dish while flying Delta One® to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN).
3. Caviar and Wiener Schnitzel on Lufthansa
Lufthansa First Class is always a treat. I loved the caviar service and Wiener Schnitzel entree this summer.
2. Taste Test: Afternoon Tea on British Airways
I’m a sucker for scones with clotted cream. Everything on the tray was excellent. I also loved that British Airways served tea on such a short flight.
1. Taste Test: Shake Shack Burger on Delta Air Lines
Some people don’t think burgers belong in First Class. I disagree and when they’re done right (like this Shake Shack collab), I’ll be gladly ordering them to enjoy while in flight.
Anthony’s Take: I’m finding that the quality of the catering is improving on all three US carriers. While United does a great job domestically, Polaris® is still hot garbage. Delta and American are a bit more consistent (although there are some complaints from me around the desserts both airlines serve).
User Generated Content Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat encourages constructive discussions, comments, and questions. Responses are not provided by or commissioned by any bank advertisers. These responses have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the responsibility of the bank advertiser to respond to comments.
Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
