Ten of the World’s Best Airports for Food and Drinks, According to Experts
In today’s travel landscape, the journey is just as important as the destination, and airports have transformed into culinary hotspots. Gone are the days of bland airport food; now, passengers can indulge in exquisite dining experiences that rival top restaurants. From quick bites to leisurely meals during layovers, airports around the world are serving up local and international delicacies, setting the stage for an unforgettable travel experience.
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As summer travel season heats up, discover which airports are leading the way in gourmet offerings. According to Food & Wine’s latest rankings, these ten international airports are the crème de la crème for food and drink.
10. Vancouver Airport, Canada
Vancouver Airport ranks tenth thanks to its stunning runway views and the fresh, local fare of British Columbia. Globe@YVR and Salmon n’ Bannock On The Fly highlight sustainable seafood from the Pacific Northwest, while Jetside Lounge offers wines from the Okanagan region.
9. San Francisco International Airport, California, USA
Ninth on the list, San Francisco International, showcases the Bay Area’s culinary diversity. From farm-to-table eateries to iconic food trucks, this airport emphasizes sustainability and innovation. Highlights include Napa Farms Market, featuring local favorites like Cowgirl Cheese and Acme Bread, and The Plant Café Organic, known for its healthy salads and juices.
8. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia, USA
Atlanta’s airport is known for Southern hospitality and bold flavors. Enjoy fast food at Chick-fil-A or savor chicken dishes with Southern seasoning at Bantam and Biddy. For a more refined experience, try Japanese-inspired Southern dishes like shishito peppers and stacked burgers.
7. John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, USA
JFK offers a taste of New York with steakhouse meals at The Palm Bar & Grille. The airport’s international vibe is evident with options like ramen at Soy and Sake in Terminal 1 and Mexican cuisine at Mi Casa Cantina in Terminal 4.
6. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Netherlands
Schiphol is a culinary hub with Dutch specialties such as stroopwafels and cheese platters. Café Rembrandt offers snacks and cold beer, while Dutch Kitchen serves traditional pancakes and herring paired with Jenever, a Dutch gin.
5. Istanbul Airport, Turkey
Istanbul Airport, ranking fifth, is a gastronomic delight with a mix of European and Asian flavors. Simit Sarayi offers quick bites like simits and pastries, while Cuisine Anatolia serves in-depth meals with dishes like kebabs and lamb.
4. Heathrow Airport, London, England
Heathrow is a melting pot of global flavors, featuring traditional English pubs like the Prince of Wales and fine dining at Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar. Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food brings gourmet dining to Terminal 5.
3. Dubai International Airport, UAE
Dubai International is a culinary paradise with global flavors reflecting the city’s opulence. Enjoy Middle Eastern delicacies at Comptoir Libanais or gourmet pastries at L’Éclair de Génie. Popular chains like Shake Shack and Pret A Manger are also available.
2. Tokyo-Narita International Airport, Japan
Tokyo-Narita, second on the list, is famed for its authentic Japanese cuisine. The airport’s 88 restaurants and bars offer everything from sushi and ramen to set meals and dashi-chazuke, ensuring a true taste of Japan.
1. Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
Topping the list is Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport, known for its architectural marvels like the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. With over 100 food vendors, a hawker street market, and robot bartenders, Changi offers an unparalleled dining experience.
Whether you’re seeking gourmet treats, local delicacies, or international flavors, these airports provide the best in food and drink, making your travel experience even more memorable.
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