Etihad’s Business Class Menus: Crafty Dining at 35,000 Feet

As I settled into my lie-flat seat in Etihad’s business class cabin, I was eager to experience the highly touted dining. Across all cabins, Etihad Airways focuses on providing quality inflight cuisine celebrating flavors from around the world.

In this extensive post, I’ll explore the globetrotting food and drink menus that exceeded my expectations, along with the exceptional dining experience offered in Etihad’s long-haul Business Class. Read on for a taste of the masterful cuisine, craft cocktails, and genuinely thoughtful service that made dining in Etihad business class a memorable luxury culinary journey for me.

Overview of Etihad’s Business Class Dining:

Inspired menus spanning Arabic mezze to destination-based dishes using authentic ingredients from worldwide cuisines

Craft cocktails featuring boutique gins, artisanal liqueurs, bitters and fresh herbs
Extensive wine lists with Old World to New World varietals and champagne
Genuinely thoughtful hospitality and tableside service that exceeded my expectations

With finesse and care that I could taste, Etihad business class dining was phenomenal.

My Introduction to Etihad’s Business Class Dining

As I prepared for my Abu Dhabi to New York flight in Etihad business class, I had high expectations for the dining based on reviews. Etihad is known for extraordinarily refined cuisine across all long-haul routes, celebrating world flavors. With this in mind, I settled in, glass of champagne in hand, ready to enjoy a culinary experience at 35,000 feet.

The service only heightened my anticipation. The table settings felt elegant yet understated. My personal flight attendant provided thoughtful recommendations. It was clear care had been put into every detail. With this hospitality and focus on global flavors, I knew I was in for a treat.

Now, let me share the details of Etihad’s business class food and drink that made my palate feel pampered and transported throughout the flight. It was first class luxury!

Etihad’s Stylish Business Class Service and Details

The evocative table settings and genuine service distinguished Etihad’s business class dining:

Designer Place Settings – Fine linens, glassware, orchid on tray

Warm Hospitality – Attentive crew providing individualized attention
Custom-Prepared Dishes – Meals cooked fresh upon request
Thoughtful Touches – Hot towels, refreshing cold towels

With welcoming hospitality, sommelier-selected wines and elegant place settings, Etihad exceeded my expectations.

Globally Inspired, Destination-Based Cuisine

Etihad’s menus cradled my palate in the flavors of my upcoming destination:

North America Routes – Grass-fed beef sliders, Maryland crab cakes

Asia Routes – Chicken tikka masala, garlic naan bread
Australia Routes – Grilled Wagyu steak, fine Aussie wines
Europe Routes – Wild mushroom risotto, Spanish tapas

It was first class cuisine transporting my senses to the region ahead.

Celebrating Arabic Culinary Traditions

In addition to destination dishes, Etihad spotlighted Arabic culinary influences:

Cold Mezze – Tabouli, hummus, baba ghanoush, labneh

Hot Mezze – Falafel, kebbeh, spinach pies
Main Dishes – Chicken machboos, lamb ouzi
Desserts – Umm ali pudding, baklava

The authentic middle eastern flavors were a highlight I looked forward to each meal service.

Crafting Cocktails 35,000 Feet Up

Etihad’s passionate bartenders designed unique business class cocktails:

The Etihad Swizzle – Gin, elderflower, cucumber, lemon

Bloody Shiraz Mary – Vodka, shiraz wine, spices
Arabian Delight – Saffron-infused gin, orange liqueur, tonic
Desert Rose – Vodka, rose extract, pomegranate juice

Thoughtfully incorporating local flavors, it was craft cocktails on a new level.

Complimentary Top-Tier Pourings

Etihad also provided an abundance of complimentary quality beverages:

Champagne – Pol Roger Brut, Charles Heidsieck Brut

Wine – Hand-selected bottles from esteemed Old and New World vineyards
Cocktails – Classic bloody marys, manhattans and negronis
Beer – Headliner brews like Boddingtons Pub Ale

It was an incredible array of premium drinks generously included.

Why Etihad Offers an Exceptional Dining Experience

From inspired global cuisine to thoughtful hospitality, Etihad business class dining exceeded my lofty expectations:

Destination-based and Arabic-influenced menus that engrossed my palate

Custom-prepared dishes and cocktails made with finesse
Complimentary champagne, fine wines and specialty cocktails
Caring service and attention to detail that made me feel pampered

Elegant place settings and ambiance that enhanced the experience

It was luxury dining redefined – a new favorite way to cross oceans!

The Magic of Dining Across the Globe

From mezze and hummus upon boarding in Abu Dhabi to risotto served before landing in Rome, Etihad business class dining made every mealtime an event. With authentic dishes, handcrafted cocktails, caring hospitality and sommelier-selected wines, Etihad delivered a phenomenal culinary journey that nurtured my palate across latitudes.

I can’t wait for my next chance to fly Etihad business class and indulge in their exceptional dining program once more. It will be a voyage my tastebuds never forget!

Exploring Etihad’s Business Class Menus Further

Now that I’ve shared the essence of Etihad’s business class dining experience, let me highlight some details from sample menus:

Europe Route Dinner

My London to Abu Dhabi menu included:

Starter – Burrata salad with tomato basil relish
Main – Osso buco-style braised lamb shank with saffron risotto
Dessert – Warm sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream

It was refined cuisine with hand-selected ingredients.

Asia Route Lunch

On my Seoul to Abu Dhabi flight I enjoyed:

Appetizer – Korean beef bulgogi lettuce wraps

Soup – Miso with dashi broth, enoki mushrooms
Main – Bibimbap rice bowl with pickled veggies
Dessert – Green tea and red bean ice cream

The Korean-inspired dishes provided a tasty prequel to my trip.

So you see how Etihad’s menus capture the essence of your destination. It’s incredible dining prepared with care!

First Class Hospitality On Board and On the Ground

With inspired cuisine, premium drinks and caring service, my Etihad business class dining experience was phenomenal.

Yet their exclusive First Class apartments take lavish culinary journeys to even greater heights. And that’s an epicurean adventure I hope to experience and describe soon!

For now, cheers to Etihad for the business class meal service of a lifetime! From the cuisine to the hospitality, they delivered an unforgettable experience.