Airport lounges offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of crowded terminals. While many travelers visit lounges for a quiet spot to relax, they also come for the food—often a pleasant surprise that rivals restaurants. Here’s a guide to the must-try food items available at airport lounges that will make your layover or pre-flight time a gourmet experience.

Elevate Your Travel Experience

1. Local Specialty Dishes

Many airport lounges showcase regional flavors. If you find yourself in a new country or city, this is the perfect opportunity to sample the local cuisine without leaving the airport. For example:

• Laksa in Singapore Changi Airport’s Lounges: A rich, spicy noodle soup with shrimp or chicken, giving travelers a taste of Southeast Asia.
• New England Clam Chowder at Boston Logan International: Creamy, hearty, and packed with local flavor, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.
• Mezze Platters in Middle Eastern Lounges: Hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ganoush offer a refreshing bite packed with flavors from the region.

2. Fresh Sushi

For the more adventurous palate, sushi at lounges like those in Tokyo Haneda or Narita Airports is a treat. These lounges often feature freshly prepared sushi made with high-quality fish, ensuring you get a taste of Japan’s finest offerings without having to step into the city.

3. Made-to-Order Noodles and Pasta

Many top-tier lounges offer stations where chefs prepare hot, made-to-order dishes like ramen, pho, or pasta. Notable lounges for this experience include:

• Cathay Pacific’s The Pier at Hong Kong International: Known for its noodle bar, offering an array of freshly made Asian noodle dishes, including wonton noodle soup.
• Qantas Lounges: In Australia, you’ll often find a pasta bar where you can customize your dish to your taste, a comforting and filling choice before a long-haul flight.

4. Gourmet Breakfast Offerings

Early-morning flights call for hearty breakfast options. Some lounges excel at providing high-quality breakfast foods, such as:

• Eggs Benedict and Avocado Toast: At premium lounges, you’ll often find chef-prepared eggs Benedict with perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, or the trendy avocado toast topped with fresh ingredients like feta or smoked salmon.
• Pancakes and Waffles: Freshly made pancakes or waffles, often accompanied by berries, syrup, and whipped cream, can satisfy your sweet tooth.

5. Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie Boards

For travelers who prefer light bites, many lounges offer a selection of gourmet cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and fresh bread. These spreads allow for a more refined snack experience, with options to pair with a glass of wine or champagne, especially in business or first-class lounges. Notable for this are:

• Air France La Première Lounge in Paris Charles de Gaulle: Known for its impressive cheese selection.
• Swiss Lounges in Zurich: Offering local cheeses and meats that reflect Swiss culinary traditions.

6. Salad and Superfood Bars

For health-conscious travelers, many airport lounges feature salad bars stocked with fresh greens, grains, seeds, and a variety of toppings, letting you create a nutritious meal. Look for these in lounges known for their wellness focus:

• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses: Known for superfood bowls packed with quinoa, kale, and avocado, giving travelers a healthy energy boost.
• Lufthansa First Class Lounges: These offer a fresh selection of salads with options like beetroot, smoked salmon, and a range of dressings.

7. Signature Desserts

End your lounge experience with a sweet treat. Many lounges offer signature desserts that are both indulgent and unique:

• Tiramisu and Gelato at Alitalia Lounges: Authentic Italian desserts that are a must-try when flying through Italy.
• Macarons at Charles de Gaulle’s Lounges: A sweet, delicate French treat that’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

8. Exclusive Beverages and Cocktails

While not technically food, the beverage offerings in airport lounges deserve mention. Many lounges feature locally inspired cocktails, craft beers, or an extensive wine list. Some notable options include:

• Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris Lounge: Known for the Singapore Sling, a cocktail you can’t miss while in transit.
• Delta Sky Club in Atlanta: Features premium cocktails made by professional mixologists.

The next time you find yourself in an airport lounge, don’t just settle for the basics. Take advantage of the culinary offerings and indulge in local specialties, freshly made dishes, and gourmet treats. These must-try foods can transform your layover into a memorable dining experience, setting the stage for an enjoyable journey ahead.