Cathay Pacific has taken inflight dining to a new level by introducing its innovative ‘Chinese Classics’ menu for Business Class passengers, inspired by the legendary Eight Great Cuisines of China. This bold culinary initiative is transforming the airline’s onboard experience, positioning Cathay Pacific not just as an aviation leader, but as a cultural ambassador and promoter of China’s diverse gastronomic heritage.

The Eight Great Cuisines—Sichuan, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong, Anhui, and Hunan—each bring their unique regional flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. With this new menu, Cathay Pacific crafts an authentic journey for travelers, blending tradition with modern culinary innovation. The airline’s goal is to give passengers more than just a meal, offering them an immersive and genuine taste of China’s rich cultural tapestry while they soar above the clouds.

To achieve this, Cathay Pacific’s culinary team invested significant effort into researching authentic recipes, flavor profiles, and centuries-old techniques. Adapting these dishes to inflight catering is no small feat, as altitude and the unique cabin environment can diminish flavors and alter textures. By rigorously refining ingredients and cooking methods, the team ensures that the vibrant taste and visual excellence of each dish are preserved, allowing passengers to enjoy an exceptional meal experience that rivals what they’d find at ground-level fine dining establishments.

The ‘Chinese Classics’ collection is more than a showcase of iconic dishes—it’s a testament to culinary storytelling. Guests may find dishes like hearty biangbiang noodles, tender braised beef shin with cauliflower, delicate savory bao, or the crispy delight of scallion pancakes, among other delicacies. This ever-evolving menu introduces new dishes monthly, guaranteeing variety and fresh experiences for frequent flyers.

This new offering does not replace Cathay Pacific’s much-loved ‘Hong Kong Flavours’ and ‘International Favourites.’ Rather, it complements them, expanding the range of top-tier options available to Business Class travelers. Whether craving timeless Western classics, local Hong Kong comfort food, or regional Chinese specialties, every passenger is assured a meal designed with care, authenticity, and the highest quality in mind.

The airline’s commitment to this project extends beyond menus and food. To further promote Chinese culinary culture, Cathay Pacific is also producing a three-part documentary series, set to debut in July 2025. This series will explore the origins, philosophies, and artistry behind the Eight Great Cuisines, highlighting the nuanced stories and histories of each region’s signature dishes. It’s an initiative aimed at deepening passengers’ appreciation for China’s culinary evolution and regional diversity, extending the inflight journey into an educational and cultural experience.

For Cathay Pacific, redefining culinary standards at 30,000 feet is both a strategy and a philosophy. The airline recognizes that in today’s competitive aviation landscape, premium customers seek more than just comfort and convenience—they desire meaningful, memorable experiences that blend authenticity, artistry, and local culture. By infusing Business Class dining with the essence of China’s most celebrated regional cuisines, Cathay Pacific not only enhances passenger satisfaction but also elevates its brand as a gateway to Asia’s rich traditions.

As global tourism rebounds, travelers are increasingly drawn to experiences that offer immersion and discovery. With the ‘Chinese Classics’ menu, Cathay Pacific appeals directly to this spirit, turning a long-haul flight into an unexpected gastronomic adventure. It’s a move that strengthens the airline’s commitment to quality, innovation, and cultural tourism, while warmly inviting the world to savor the artistry that defines Chinese cuisine.

For frequent flyers and culinary enthusiasts alike, this new menu represents a compelling reason to rediscover Cathay Pacific’s Business Class. From meticulous research and passionate craftsmanship to the harmonious blend of heritage and modernity, the ‘Chinese Classics’ inflight dining experience marks a new era in airline hospitality—one where every meal is a journey, every flavor a story, and every flight a celebration of China’s illustrious food culture.