With a partnership rooted in the mission to provide the best flight experience possible, AirAsia and its food brand Santan keep working on culinary innovations aimed at capturing, if not enhancing, the Southeast Asian flavors in every meal that makes it on their menu.
“We are not just about flying, increasing capacity, and doing more routes and all that. Being a people’s airline means we provide the best service end-to-end,” said AirAsia Deputy CEO for Operations Captain Chester Voo, underlining their commitment to quality.
Established in 2015 as a separate brand under the AirAsia group, Santan stood out as a key feature in the airline’s operations. Over the years, it has curated different in-flight meal programs that not only delights the palate of every casual diner, but also brings a sense of comfort to travelers.
In a recent interview with journalists based in Southeast Asia, Voo proudly shared how Santan puts a premium on quality in every meal it prepares. He said the key ingredient is found in its “narrative of love and care.”
“Santan is a homegrown product and is one of the best-tasting food you can try… So, if you actually tried the Nasi Lemak, or even the one-time meal, you’ll realize that it’s very, very similar to (what you can eat) on the ground. A lot of effort was put in it, a lot of personal touch,” Voo explained.
Nasi Lemak is considered as a national dish in Malaysia, where Santan has its own restaurant. It is made of rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves to render its appetizing and irresistible fragrance. It is usually served with sambal—a spicy sauce—and various other side dishes.
For the Filipinos, however, the best sellers include breakfast favorite ‘Beef Tapa with Scrambled Eggs’ and the recently introduced ‘Bacolod Chicken Inasal’ from JT’s Manukan Grille, according to AirAsia Ancillary Manager Pax Paloma.
He also mentioned the Pak Nasser Nasi Lemak, Uncle Chin’s Chicken Rice, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Gyudon, Chicken Lasagna, Siomai Egg Fried Rice, and the classic Pinoy Spaghetti with Sausage among the top food choices of travelers.
‘Halal-certified’
Paloma said they prepare over 1,000 meals per day or about 32,000 to 35,000 on average a month. AirAsia’s kitchen staff in the Philippines is led by Chef Katrina Bianca de Persia, who carefully curates every dish for the in-flight meal program.
De Persia noted that all their meals are “Halal-certified,” which means the food is prepared in accordance with Islamic Law. This is a standard requirement by countries with Muslim populations, including the Philippines.
Last August 15, AirAsia participated in the First Kadayawan Halal Friendly Culinary Cup in Davao City, which celebrated the vibrant culture and cuisine of the Davao region. The Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo organized the event as part of the 39th Kadayawan Festival.
The airline plans to integrate some of the winning dishes from the said competition in its future in-flight menu. “We will develop a meal as inspired by the winning dishes from this Halal culinary cup,” De Persia said, adding that they aim to launch this project by January 2025.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, the AirAsia and Santan collaboration promises to make air travel a delicious adventure, ensuring that every meal served onboard is part of a satisfying journey.
All food and drinks under the Santan in-flight menu can be pre-booked online at affordable rates starting at P200. Each meal comes with a drink, but can also be served a la carte. Santan is also proud of its own line of zero sugar drinks and coffee capsules developed using freeze-dried technology.
The pre-booking system allows passengers to choose their meals ahead of time. This not only ensures that travelers get their preferred dishes, but also helps reduce food waste, in keeping with the airline’s sustainability initiatives.
