Cathay Pacific Offers Vegetarian Passengers New Exclusive VEDA Dishes

In a pioneering move to elevate the inflight dining experience, Cathay Pacific is partnering with VEDA by Ovolo, a leading plant-based restaurant in Hong Kong, to introduce a contemporary range of vegetarian options.

For passengers travelling in Premium Economy and Economy class on selected long-haul flights departing from Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific now offers an extensive selection of plant-based meals. These options are thoughtfully crafted to focus on nutrition and flavours from international cuisines, while being enjoyed up in the air.

This partnership involved close collaboration with VEDA and Ovolo Hotels Executive Chef Raul Tronco. As a vegetarian chef, Tronco approached the creation of each dish with the same passion and precision as he does for VEDA

“Designing a meal to be enjoyed at 30,000 feet comes with its challenges,” Tronco notes. He had to consider factors ranging from how taste buds are affected at altitude to appropriate cooking techniques.

Premium economy passengers can select from refreshing Mediterranean-influenced appetizers including the refreshing Bombay carrot salad with cashews, raisins and cherry tomatoes, or the creamy and satisfying Hummus with harissa roasted cauliflower and pickled red onion. Main dishes for this tier of passengers focus on rich textures and flavours, introducing the dishes Panang dry curry tofu with cashews and coconut rice, Roasted vegetable tagine with halloumi cheese and pearl couscous, as well as Keralan-style coconut curry with mushrooms, red bell peppers and cumin rice.

For economy class, travellers can indulge in the flavours of Vegetable masala with green pulao rice, Paneer cheese in creamy smoked tomato gravy and cumin rice, or the Northern-Thai style Khao Soi curry noodles with mixed vegetables. Appetizers on offer include a vibrant Purple quinoa tabbouleh, or the hearty Mediterranean potato salad.

This collaboration extends beyond the menu—it reflects Cathay Pacific's broader brand values in the realm of sustainability and future-facing development.

The airline is moving towards a more eco-conscious use of resources in its catering equipment, aligning with global efforts to reduce environmental impact. In 2022, Cathay Pacific notably removed 56% of its single-use plastic consumption from its 2018 baseline.