Hawaiian Airlines prides itself on being the airline of Hawaii. The airline prides itself on providing local hospitality wherever it flies. Part of this philosophy, according to CEO Mark Dunkerley, is catering. Food is an important part of local culture, which is why the airline always continued to offer complimentary meals in all classes of service. But in recent years, Hawaiian has made strides to give its catering a sense of place. And now the airline is expanding this philosophy on one of its international routes, as Hawaiian Air partners with Korean Celebrity Chef Chang-Wook Chung.
Chef Chung is based out of Bistro Chaugi in Seoul, South Korea. He’s said to be an expert in Japanese and French Cuisine, but will be Pan Asian and island-style food for Hawaiian. Chef Chung’s menus will be available in all cabins on flights from Seoul to Honolulu only. So far, Pacific Business Reports that Business Class passengers will enjoy dishes like braised Korean kalbi (short ribs) with radish, miso soup, brown rice, kimchi and pickled radishes. Extra Comfort passengers will enjoy dishes like steamed beef with burdock and thin konjac, white rice, celery and pineapple salad, and a Honolulu Cookie Co macadamia nut cookie. No sample menu was offered for economy class passengers. Menus will be rotated every 6 months and adjusted to account for seasonal availability.
Currently, Hawaiian is running a special program featuring menus from a few local celebrity chefs. The program began earlier this year and will end in late 2017. The current featured chef is Andrew Le of my beloved The Pig and the Lady in Honolulu. Menus from these chefs are only available on routes out of Honolulu to the U.S. Mainland, and only in Business Class. Menus for all other routes and classes of service continue to be overseen by Hawaiian Air’s corporate executive chef, Chai Chaowasaree.
On my last flight with Hawaiian to the U.S. Mainland, I enjoyed the quality of my meal in economy. The flavors were vibrant and fresh, but the serving size was tiny. So my hope is that their meals in all cabins retain their existing quality, and ideally, become more substantial.
Hmmm…looks good – I wish Delta and United would do that, but it is too specialized. I know you said you’re coming out to NY/NJ soon so if you love Korean food, I can recommend some great places in K-Town in the NYC.
@Amanda, perhaps with time? Delta and AA did add meal service back to certain flights to Hawaii after all. ? I know what you mean, though. AA kind of does it in First Class with their Sam Choy catering to Hawaii and Asia, but meh… lol.
Oh, can you recommend great places in particular? We know a few big name places we want to try like Le Bernardin, Sushi Nakazawa, Noreetuh, Momofuku Group, Shake Shack, Papaya King, Marea, and Big Gay Ice Cream, but outside of that we’re not so certain. Especially since I’ve seen really mixed reviews about Daniel Boulud’s casual restaurants and what not. Definitely want to check out places that are uniquely NYC. The wife does love Korean, though I’m not a huge fan… Too spicy for me a lot of the times, but I’m trying to get better about it ?
Not sure where you’re staying, but in Korean town (K-town if you want to sound like a local – ha) I recommend New Wonjo (http://newwonjo.com/) and ask for the BBQ – not the regular table. I promise if you don’t eat the Kimchee your mouth will not be on fire. Foragers Market in Chelsea has really good farm to table eats – great brunch. And you can never go wrong with Cookshop on 20th and 10th. If you like Tapas there Toro around 14th Street. These places are all casual. Le Bernardin is always great – bring a jacket! Ate their in August in 99 degree weather with 100% humidity and the poor men were dying in their jackets….
My grammar is horrible. Sorry! I just read what I wrote…
Wow! Thanks for all the great recommendations, Amanda! I’ll be sure to check them out. Foragers looks amazing, by the way. And yeah, one of the many reasons why I’ve ruled out visiting NYC, DC, European cities, Tokyo, etc. during summer months lol.
And no worries about the grammar… My grammar isn’t so great either!