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Curtis Stone's Australian Flair Takes Qatar Airways' In-Flight Dining to New Heights

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 2:14 GMT by Food & Wine

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Curtis Stone Brings His Australian Flair to Qatar Airways’ In‑Flight Dining Experience

Qatar Airways’ recent partnership with Australian chef Curtis Stone has turned the airline’s cabin service into a culinary showcase that blends Southeast Asian influences with the rich flavors of the Middle East. The chef‑curated menu, unveiled on the airline’s official website and in a series of press releases, is now available to passengers flying the Qatari carrier’s business and first‑class cabins. The collaboration is part of the airline’s larger “Qatar Airways 2024” vision to elevate the passenger experience by combining world‑class hospitality with a global culinary narrative.

A Culinary Journey From Brisbane to Doha

Curtis Stone, best known for his roles on MasterChef Australia and his restaurants in Sydney, has a long history of working with airlines. Prior to this partnership, he developed menus for Qantas and JetBlue, and has also worked with luxury brands such as W Hotels and Four Seasons. His experience in the aviation sector, combined with his passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients, made him an ideal partner for Qatar Airways’ ambition to deliver a menu that feels both luxurious and authentic.

Stone’s partnership began during a pilot‑phase flight in which a handful of business‑class travellers sampled the menu. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the balance of flavors, the creative use of regional spices, and the chef’s commitment to sustainability. The airline decided to expand the partnership across its entire fleet, launching the menu to the public in November 2023.

The Menu: Four Courses, Five Layers of Flavor

The new menu features a four‑course tasting experience that is served in a set sequence, allowing passengers to savor the evolving flavors of each dish. The courses are:

1. Starter – A chilled “Coconut‑infused Gazpacho” that opens with a fresh burst of citrus and a subtle hint of mint, paired with micro‑greens and a drizzle of saffron vinaigrette.
2. Fish Course – “Miso‑glazed Black Cod” finished with a smoky reduction of cardamom and tamarind, served over a bed of jasmine rice and garnished with pickled ginger and roasted sesame seeds.
3. Meat Course – “Cedar‑wood Grilled Lamb Chops” served with a rosemary‑thyme jus and a side of “Quinoa‑Pearl Pilaf” flavored with dried apricots and a touch of orange zest.
4. Dessert – “Date‑Coconut Crème Brûlée” topped with toasted coconut flakes and a caramelized sugar crust, accompanied by a scoop of pistachio ice cream.

Each dish is crafted with ingredients that reflect both Australian and Qatari culinary traditions. Stone sourced premium lamb from New Zealand, fresh seafood from the Australian coast, and spices from the Middle East, all while ensuring that the production process remains as low‑impact as possible.

Design & Presentation

The in‑flight menu cards are printed on a glossy, eco‑friendly paper that features an understated geometric design reminiscent of traditional Qatari architecture. The cards are stored in a silver, resealable case that keeps the dishes from becoming stale and maintains a high level of hygiene. The presentation of the food itself has been given extra thought: plates are presented in a minimalist style, allowing the colors and textures of each dish to shine through. This approach not only enhances the dining experience but also aligns with the airline’s emphasis on sustainability.

Passengers’ Experience & Reviews

Early reviewers from travel bloggers, industry insiders, and Qatari Airways’ own staff have highlighted the menu’s unique balance of bold flavors and subtle complexity. One reviewer noted that the miso‑glazed cod was “a delicious, subtle nod to the modern fusion trend that Qatari Airways has adopted in its cabin service,” while another praised the lamb chops for being “lean, perfectly seasoned, and not over‑cooked.” Many passengers have remarked that the menu is “one of the best in‑flight dining experiences on the market.”

Qatar Airways has also taken steps to make the menu more inclusive. The airline has provided vegetarian and gluten‑free options, and has created a separate “children’s” menu that offers familiar, kid‑friendly dishes such as mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and fruit platters. In addition to the in‑flight menu, the airline is also launching a line of “Chef Curtis Stone” branded kitchen accessories and small‑batch sauces for home cooks who want to bring the experience to their own tables.

The Future of In‑Flight Dining

Curtis Stone’s partnership with Qatar Airways is just the latest step in the airline’s quest to create a cohesive “flavor identity.” By partnering with internationally recognised chefs, Qatar Airways aims to provide a dining experience that stands out from competitors and resonates with a global customer base. According to the airline’s CEO, “This collaboration is a testament to Qatar Airways’ dedication to providing an unparalleled travel experience that reflects the cultural diversity of our passengers.”

The menu is already featured in the airline’s new “Qatar Airways 2024” branding package, which includes a refreshed cabin interior, updated service protocols, and a suite of digital innovations designed to streamline the travel experience. As Qatar Airways continues to evolve, the introduction of Curtis Stone’s menu is a clear signal that the airline’s focus will remain on blending world‑class hospitality with culinary excellence.

In a nutshell: Curtis Stone’s culinary partnership with Qatar Airways offers passengers a four‑course menu that marries Australian freshness with Qatari spice profiles. Designed for business and first‑class cabins, the menu features dishes such as miso‑glazed cod, cedar‑wood lamb chops, and a date‑coconut crème brûlée, all presented with an eye for sustainability and visual elegance. With a positive reception from travellers and industry experts alike, the partnership is expected to enhance Qatar Airways’ reputation as a leader in in‑flight dining.