Vietnam Airlines Named World's Best Culinary Airline at 2026 World Culinary Awards

The seventh annual World Culinary Awards ceremony, held at Princess Grand Jamaica, recognised excellence in airline and airport dining worldwide. Vietnam Airlines claimed the World's Best Culinary Airline 2026 title, making history as the first Asian carrier to receive the honour. The airline's seasonal, route-specific menus were central to its win — business class passengers on South Korean routes might be served bibimbap, bulgogi, or ginseng chicken soup, while those flying between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City could enjoy the Hanoi pork speciality bún chả or chewy cao lầu noodles. Executive vice president Dang Anh Tuan said the prize was "a proud milestone for Vietnam Airlines and a testament to our commitment to delivering an exceptional in-flight dining experience." The carrier is also aiming for five-star service standards by 2030. Turkish Airlines took the World's Best Airline Lounge for Dining award with its international buffet. On the airport side, London Heathrow was crowned World's Best Airport for Dining 2026, beating rivals in Dubai, Hong Kong, New York JFK, and Paris; its lineup includes a restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Cyril Lignac and Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food Market. London Gatwick's Clubrooms at the South Terminal won World's Best Airport Lounge for Dining, recognised for dishes such as eggs Benedict and gochujang chicken thighs.