Turkish Airlines: A Business Class Experience with a Flying Chef

Turkish Airlines has been named as Europe’s best airline for business class and catering in 2025 by Skytrax. As an avid traveler, I decided to experience this award-winning service for myself on a recent 10-hour flight from Istanbul to New York. From the ‘flying chef’ to the restaurant-style service, here’s what you can expect when flying business class with Turkish Airlines.

The Seat and Amenities

I chose to fly on the Boeing 787 for its modern business class cabin design. The lie-flat seat, large TV, and restaurant-style meals made the cabin feel like my own living room. The pillow and dual-texture blanket provided a comfortable sleeping experience, and the 1-2-1 cabin layout allowed easy access to the aisle. The seat also had plenty of storage space, including a cabinet, footrest cubby, and seatback pocket. The amenity kit provided the basics, and slippers were also provided for added comfort.

Dining on Demand

One of the unique features of Turkish Airlines’ business class is the ‘flying chef’ who oversees the premium dining experience. The chef takes food orders, plates meals, and preps appetizer and dessert carts. While most of the menu is pre-prepared on the ground, the chef adds the finishing touches on board. The dining-on-demand strategy allows passengers to choose when and what they want to eat, making the experience feel more like a restaurant than a typical airline.

In-Flight Meals

The meal service on Turkish Airlines was impressive, with a wide variety of options to choose from. The breakfast started with appetizers, followed by a choice of entrée options. I opted for the poached eggs, which were prepared on the ground but still tasted fresh and fluffy on the plane. The lunch service included a smorgasbord of appetizers, followed by a choice of grilled spring lamb chops, ricotta cappellacci, or swordfish for the main course. The meals were served on proper plating with silver cutlery, adding to the overall dining experience.

Flying Chefs

Turkish Airlines is one of the few airlines that still employs flying chefs on their long-haul flights. These culinary specialists are separate from flight attendants and are responsible for providing a high-quality dining experience for business class passengers. They also take feedback from customers to help improve and develop meals in catering kitchens on the ground.

Overall Experience

My experience flying business class with Turkish Airlines was exceptional. The seat was comfortable, the food was delicious, and the service was top-notch. I also appreciated the attention to detail, from the restaurant-style meals to the use of real dishware and flatware. Turkish Airlines truly lives up to its reputation as Europe’s best airline for business class and catering.