37 unforgettable airport meals around the world

Would you believe me if I said one of the things I look forward to most when I land in India is an idli-vada combo in a cup at Hyderabad International Airport? Probably not. Would you roll your eyes at me if I said I actively crave it when I’m back home in New York City? Likely.

I wouldn’t blame you. Airport meals don’t have the best reputation for being memorable – at least not for the right reasons. Ask any traveller what they think of airport food in general, and you’ll likely hear the words boring, sloppy, tasteless, and highway robbery thrown about. None of which sits well in a setting where your fate is somehow always teetering precipitously on the brink of disaster.

But surely it doesn't have to be so. Could it be that we're missing a trick or two and that, in the morass of generally unappealing airport food, there lie some real gems? We put the ask out to our favourite travel editors and writers around the world and were flooded with responses in the affirmative. So much so that we had to get them to drop their pins on these spots – and share their favourite dish at each – all in the name of urgently needed public service.

Some of these are outposts of beloved dining establishments that let travellers savour that last little slice of local culture before they leave. Others are childhood favourites that continue to serve up Proustian Madeleines as adults. Still, others are surprising discoveries that become an opportunity to try something you’d never gravitate toward under usual circumstances. All of them have, at some time or other, served up comfort, even deliciousness, in the liminal space that is an airport.

Bookmark these for the next time you find yourself wondering what to eat at the airport – you may even find yourself looking forward to a long layover.

Jamón ibérico de bellota bocadillo and espresso in Madrid

Adolfo Suárez Madrid, Barajas Airport

Several years ago I discovered Enrique Tomás on account of a flight landing earlier than expected in Madrid. I hadn't eaten on the seven-and-a-half-hour trip, so I was positively hangry when I landed and stopped at the first thing I saw open: this spot, which I assumed was a regular airport café with mediocre, overpriced sandwiches. When I got closer, I was ecstatic to discover it was, in fact, a Spanish jamón bar that also had exceptional espresso – we're talking the 100 per cent Iberian acorn-fed ham kind of ham stand. It was everything I needed at that moment: a jamón ibérico de bellota bocadillo that came in under 10 euros, which is a steal for airport food and just the right size for pre- or postflight fuel. En route to Madrid, it's a great wake-up snack when paired with a doppio espresso; on the way back to the States, it's a last-taste type of satisfaction, knowing I won’t be able to get it for a while. Jamón ibérico is one of my favourite things to eat, and I've started taking a few packages of it sliced to go – only to consume them before the plane even takes off. Jenn Rice, Durham, N.C.

Fried piraña nuggets in Colombia

Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport, Leticia, Colombia

A few hours before boarding a 50-year-old DC-3 headed to a strip runway in the Peruvian Amazon forest, I felt a very specific growl from my stomach. After over 23 hours of flying, starting in Heathrow, connecting in New York, and making a quick pit stop in Bogotá, I was terribly famished. Leticia Airport, roughly the size of a Prêt-à-Manger fitted with check-in desks, offered only one tiny café, El Nativo. The café offered a small selection on its humble printed menu – to my surprise, one of the dishes listed was a fried piraña, something I had never encountered at the 67-plus country airports I’ve eaten at. I ordered it, imagining it’d be a whole fried fish; instead, it arrived looking like breaded chicken fingers. For less than $6, I received 15 piraña “nuggets” served with a side of yucca chips, not something you might typically pick when deciding what to eat at the airport. The breading was super crunchy, and the meat was the perfect balance of chewy and gushingly juicy. Niccolo Serratt, Barcelona

Miso soup, edamame beans, nigiri assortment, and sake in Mexico City

Terminal 2, Benito Juarez International Airport, Mexico City

I’m headed back to New York City on the 2.25pm Delta flight after a few days of running around, reporting, and eating my way through Mexico City. Even though it is lunchtime, I’m not hungry. But there is no way I’m going to miss my favourite pre-flight meal from one of the city's best sushi restaurants, Sushi Iwashi. I start with a miso soup and some edamame beans, followed by an assortment of nigiri: toro, salmon, kampachi. At the end of it, I’m really glad I succumbed. This isn’t my first time here. On other trips, I’ve tried the salmon sashimi or a hand roll and, depending on my mood, washed it down with either sake or a chilled mojito tea. I always end with a tamago sashimi. Inevitably, I leave Mexico City with a bit of a heavy heart, but having my last meal at Sushi Iwashi is the perfect soft landing before flying back to the US. I used to hate flying through Terminal 2, but now I look forward to that icy hojita tea and salmon nigiri… unless, of course, I get stuck in Terminal 1. Mary Holland, New York City

Mixed dumplings in Beijing

Beijing Capital International Airport

During a return to London from Australia, my layover was longer than expected, as my second flight had been delayed. I found a place serving dumplings, and they were just so delicious that I ended up going back twice during my long wait. I ordered a portion of the mixed dumplings, and from what I remember, it wasn't particularly cheap, but it was very tasty. Honestly, I think just the cosiness of dumplings as I was waiting in an unfamiliar airport I'd never been to felt really warming to me. It helped to make a very boring few hours feel much more agreeable! Abbi Malbon, London

Pulled-pork sandwich with coleslaw and mac and cheese in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, North Carolina

I was travelling from Phoenix to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for work and had a connection in Charlotte. I had eaten much earlier in the morning with colleagues, so I thought I'd grab a meal at the airport prior to boarding. However, I underestimated Phoenix traffic and subsequently arrived at the airport a bit later than I would have liked and wasn't able to buy something to eat prior to departure. Sure, the airline had snacks and food for purchase, but being in the main cabin toward the back, there wasn't much left by the time they got to me. It was a long, hungry four hours. Luckily, that was followed by a three-hour layover in Charlotte, and I knew I'd be able to find something there. When I walked into the main atrium, my stomach did the thinking for me and led me to the first place it knew we'd find a substantial meal: Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ. I ordered a pulled pork barbecue sandwich with extra sauce. It came with a side of coleslaw and macaroni and cheese. The sandwich was piled high with pulled pork on a freshly baked roll, so much so it was overflowing onto the plate. The mac and cheese and coleslaw were also hearty portions. The meal with a drink came in at roughly $15. The flavour, the heartiness, the freshly baked roll, and that warm feeling that only real comfort food can replicate all came together to make this one of the best barbecue meals I've ever had. Not only was I full, but I kept asking myself, Should I buy another for takeaway and eat it later? I tell everyone I know passing through Charlotte to stop in for something to eat, and I've returned many, many times. It never disappoints! Bobby Laurie, Washington, D.C.

Acai bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, North Carolina

In a sea of fast food and overpriced snacks, stumbling upon healthier options at the airport is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. During a recent layover at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, I was pleasantly surprised to come across Sambazon, a food company that sells acai-based foods and beverages. A delicious customised acai bowl filled with fresh bananas, blueberries, and mangoes and topped with fleshy shreds of coconut, set me back by roughly $13, and I couldn't believe I was actually enjoying this burst of fresh tropical flavours at an airport. Taryn White, Washington, D.C.

Bojangles’s four-piece Supremes dinner with fries, ranch sauce, a biscuit, and Pepsi in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, North Carolina

My first flight from North Carolina's capital, Raleigh, to North Carolina's most populous city, Charlotte, is barely 30 minutes once airborne, and the connection to my next flight to Phoenix is tight. But as an economy passenger, I knew I wouldn't be served a meal onboard, so I planned to pick up something substantial to eat for the four-hour flight – without breaking the bank or cutting into my tight layover time. Luckily, I knew just the place for the job. Any North Carolina native knows that when you're in need of something quick and delicious, nothing hits the spot better than Bojangles. Thankfully, there are two locations in the airport: The Plaza (the main food court near Concourse D) and Concourse B. My standard order? A four-piece “Supremes” dinner with perfectly breaded chicken tenders, thick-cut fries, ranch sauce, and a Pepsi. It also comes with a pillowy buttered biscuit. (Pro tip: If you aren't as hungry but still need something to eat, order a kid's Supreme meal for a smaller portion at half the cost.) Of course, it should come as no surprise to frequent travellers that airport food comes at a markup, so while the same meal will cost you $8 at your average Bojangles outside, it costs nearly double at Charlotte Airport. Still, that's a markup I'm willing to pay for food I know will be consistently delicious. Bojangles at Charlotte is everything a hungry traveller needs: a regional favourite with quick, friendly service offering hot, satisfying meals. Stella Shon, Durham, N.C.

Potato buttermilk doughnuts with artisanal jams in Cape Cod

Chatham Municipal Airport, Massachusetts

It’s summer 2017. I have just graduated high school and am working at Hangar B Eatery, a popular breakfast and lunch joint at the Chatham Municipal Airport in Cape Cod. The restaurant is upstairs, perched above Stick'n Rudder, which operates sightseeing tours and flight lessons. Now, this is not your typical airport restaurant, nor do you have to be a passenger to dine here. By 7.30am, tourists and locals alike form a line out the door to snag one of the eight tables or – if you're lucky – a barstool on the outdoor deck, where you can watch the planes take off from the tarmac. From 7am to 2pm, I sit beneath the staircase selling coffee and doughnuts to the crowds of people waiting for their name to be called (let it be known that by the next summer I am proudly promoted upstairs to hostess). Among my most loyal customers are the biplane pilots, whom I provide with coffee gratis each morning. In exchange, they take me and another waitress up in a biplane at the end of July, and we soar over the Chatham coast – a core memory that may have had something to do with my ending up as a transportation editor. All this is to say that, nearly every day I am working, I eat the most mouthwateringly delicious potato buttermilk doughnut lightly flaked with powdered sugar (and gain 10 pounds as a result). Also in my job description is scooping homemade jam – strawberry thyme balsamic, raspberry red wine vinegar, and lemon curd – into dozens of small dipping cups. The lemon is my favourite, and together with the doughnut in the early-morning hours, devoured while rolling silverware after a late night of teenage beach bonfires, this is the breakfast of champions. Years later, I still return to eat one whenever I am in town. While the doughnut holds a special place in my heart, the rest of the menu is equally delightful. When sitting down for a full meal, I'll order the brioche bread pudding, French toast or vegetarian eggs Benedict. Hangar B serves some of the best breakfasts I have ever had, airport or otherwise. Hannah Towey, New York City

Vegetable gyoza in Tokyo

Terminal 3, Haneda Airport, Tokyo

After six days of exploring Tokyo, it’s time to drag myself away and head home to London. The food throughout the whole trip has been better than we could ever have imagined: bowl upon bowl of salty, rich ramen, platefuls of the freshest sushi, and the lightest, fluffiest pancakes I’ve ever eaten. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Japanese cuisine just yet, so when I spot Rokurinsha – one of the food outlets in the departure area of Tokyo Haneda’s Terminal 3 – I immediately order a plate of gyoza. The original can be found inside Tokyo Station and serves hundreds of bowls of ramen each day. The plate arrived with 10 steaming vegetable gyoza neatly lined up next to a little bowl of dark, vinegary dipping sauce, and didn’t cost much more than 900 yen (under $6). If I were to show you the photo that I took (and often stare at lovingly when I’m on my third Pret sandwich of the week) of this very simple plate of gyoza, you wouldn’t think it was anything special. But when I look at it, I am transported back to that little wooden table in the departures lounge, chopsticks in hand, savouring every last bit of my last taste of Tokyo. Sarah Allard, London

Fish and chips, lobster roll, salt cod fish cakes and scallop chowder, slices of fried kielbasa and potato skins, deep-fried Mars bar in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Nova Scotia

My friend and I were travelling between Halifax, Nova Scotia, and St. John's, Newfoundland, a quick two-hour hop over the Laurentian Channel. It was late January, and with a blizzard threatening delays, we arrived extra early and settled at the Firkin & Flyer pub for a pint before takeoff. One by one, all flights were grounded, and all passengers too: The highway had been closed, and it was impossible to leave the airport. We split an order of crisp fish and chips and a lobster roll with a creamy lemon sauce and watched the world disappear behind the blizzard. After a while we put in another order: salt cod fish cakes and scallop chowder. It was dark now, and there was no idea of leaving before morning. But we were happy with our pints of Burnside, brewed in nearby Dartmouth, and the slices of fried kielbasa and potato skins (nachos made with tuber instead of chips) the waitress brought us gratis. “You might as well,” she said. “We're all set in for the night.” We slept fitfully and woke early as Firkin & Flyer was opening. The blizzard had ended, but the world was still covered in a dollop of sour cream. It felt devilish ordering a deep-fried Mars bar at that hour, but it was worth it. J.R. Patterson, Gladstone, Manitoba

Fried chicken plate (wings and thighs, biscuits, rosemary tater tots, collard greens) in Atlanta

Concourse D, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

My home airport, Minneapolis–St. Paul International (MSP), is the second largest Delta hub in the United States. While I can fly direct to plenty of destinations, I sometimes have to route through Atlanta, the largest Delta hub. If I have a layover of two hours or longer, I make a point to stop by Ludacris’s Chicken and Beer in Concourse D. The fried chicken plate is unbelievably delicious and my go-to order is perfectly crispy wings and thighs (with your choice of white or dark meat), the butteriest biscuits with a hint of honey, rosemary tater tots, unctuous collard greens – I shudder with delight just thinking about it. The portions are generous too, which makes me feel (slightly) better about shelling out $18.99 for an airport meal. The food is awesome, don't get me wrong, and the servers are also incredibly nice. It's a show of true Southern hospitality when you’re welcomed in with a “Hey, how y'all doing today?!” and I love how they dote on my toddler, even when he's doing annoying toddler things. Their kindness and warmth are a big reason I go back every chance I get. Ashlea Halpern, St. Paul

Bento box (hamachi sashimi, seaweed salad, spicy tuna roll, and a cookie), assorted omakase box, and a can of sake in Atlanta

Concourse E, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Headed to Huntsville, Alabama, for Space Camp (yes, Space Camp), my husband and I faced a series of travel hiccups – our quick layover in Atlanta morphed into a marathon. After a cancelled flight and a delay until past midnight, we found ourselves famished by 8pm. With time to kill, we navigated from Concourse B to E, zeroing in on One Flew South, a spot I'd been meaning to try. They don't take reservations, but the line wasn't that long, thankfully. What should've been a 30-minute hop to Alabama turned into a culinary detour. At Atlanta's One Flew South, we skipped Southern classics like the meatloaf sandwich for the famed sushi lineup. I savoured a bento box – hamachi sashimi, seaweed salad, spicy tuna roll, topped off with a cookie – for a fresh yet satisfying meal. My husband's choice? The omakase box with assorted sushi and a can of sake left him craving just a bit more. The damage? $130 – pricey, but a flavorful detour compared with the fast-food options next door. Everything we ordered was fresh and flavorful, definitely a notch above typical airport fare. Would I recommend it? If you're not in a rush and can overlook some service glitches, the food's well worth a try. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, New York City

Frosted Orange in Atlanta

Concourse C, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

I was connecting in Atlanta after a long-haul flight from Amsterdam, heading home to Florida for my high school reunion. I was hot, exhausted, and craving something familiar and refreshing. I ordered one single thing: a Frosted Orange. This heavenly concoction is a vanilla shake blended with The Varsity’s signature orange soda and is one of its best-selling items. I ordered a medium, and it was enormous – so big I couldn't finish it before my next flight. I can't remember exactly how much it cost, but I think it was about $5, because I do remember paying cash. I can't recall an airport snack that hit the spot the way this frosted orange did after a long, stuffy flight when I really needed a sweet pick-me-up. I took mine to the waiting area for my connecting flight, and as I sat there spooning the pale orange perfection into my mouth, I could feel the jealous stares of passengers all around me. But it was more than that, too: I’d lived in Atlanta for nearly 10 years, during my mid-20s and 30s, and the frosted orange brings me back to that magical time in my life. The Varsity is perhaps the city's most iconic fast-food spot, and the airport servers all take orders the same exact way, asking customers, “What'll ya have?” I'd absolutely recommend it (and if you're really hungry, a burger and fries), and next time I'm in ATL, I'll be making a beeline right back to The Varsity for another one. Blane Bachelor, Amsterdam

Texas fries or bone-in buffalo wings and a blue drink in New York City

Terminal 3, John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City

My grandfather was getting older, and my aunt and I decided to fly down to Florida from New York to spend what would be his last birthday with him. We flew from JFK to Sarasota, with a connection in Atlanta. Before boarding the first leg, we decided to get something to eat. Honestly, I think it was mostly to kill time. Chili’s Too (RIP) was a squeeze of a space, decked out in the requisite fast-casual reds, with a row of wooden chairs and tables down a short wall. Incidentally, the location was called a “Can't Miss” outpost for Chili's fanatics by Eater in 2011. I took a seat, and recognised the man who became the wall mate to my right immediately. The hair. The superior fashion. The fact that he was lingering close to the gate for Atlanta. It was Outkast's André 3000. He is a legend I respect for choosing Chili’s over the lounge access I would say he could afford. I played it cool. Kept right on eating whatever was on my table; it could have been Texas fries. Or perhaps my aunt and I shared some bone-in buffalo wings. Whatever it was, I am sure it was oversized. My beverage was inevitably blue. Then it happened: Some solo travelling skater dude no older than 20 sat on my left, and tried to engage him. I sat there, transparent like glass, as the skater dude talked through me, to André, and André politely but curtly responded, exponentially more interested in whatever he was eating (he was kind, but the fan should have taken the hint). The guy made, say, four attempts to start a fresh conversation, each one dead-ended as André continued on with his food. My aunt, meanwhile, remained clueless, with no idea who André 3000 was or why this guy was talking through us to him, and I ignored all her silent prompts to explain it all. André eventually finished and went on his way, gifting me something rare: a memorable meal inside an airport Chili’s. Even though Chili's Too is now closed, my meal here serves as a constant reminder of the random encounters that can only happen at a mediocre airport restaurant. Erin Florio, New York City

Fried rice, steamed pork dumplings, pork ribs, and vegetarian abalone in Hong Kong

Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport

We were at Hong Kong International (HKIA) during a particularly crowded period – post-COVID, in the midst of a full-on revenge travel season. Like any self-respecting foodie, we'd made a beeline for Duddell's, but the place was stuffed to the gills. So was the food court, our usual stop for porridge from Tasty Congee and soy sauce chicken wings from Tsui Wah. As we walked around looking for a spot where we could get one last hit of local food before leaving, we came across Jardin de Jade in a quiet corner, away from the main food area. It was virtually empty. The Google reviews were uninspiring. We almost didn't go in but decided to take the chance. And it really surprised us! My partner and I had the house special fried rice, the steamed pork dumplings, the pork ribs with garlic and pepper salt, and the vegetarian abalone. The portions were generous and the meal could have fed three people. The dumplings came in a traditional basket of eight. The meal cost us about $70, including a couple of nonalcoholic drinks. The fried rice had “wok hei” (a smoky quality from being cooked at high heat); the dumplings were silky-skinned and properly squirty. The pork ribs reminded me of the version from one of my favourite Cantonese restaurants (in Melbourne, of all places, but that's another story). And even though the Jardin de Jade brand has won several awards, including a Michelin star at its Hong Kong Wan Chai branch in previous years, prices were café-level. HKIA has plenty of better-known restaurants, from a Wolfgang Puck Californian-style kitchen to a takeaway joint by Gordon Ramsay, but this, to me, was the perfect Hong Kong send-off: Chinese comfort food in a casual, chic environment with the added, unexpected luxury of space. Audrey Phoon, Singapore

Bok choy, roast duck, and rice in Hong Kong

Hong Kong International Airport

I was getting ready to fly from Hong Kong back to London on an evening flight. I hadn't eaten lunch that day, so I was starving and needed a substantial meal to tide me over before the in-flight meal service. At first glance, Putien has the look of an ordinary takeout restaurant, serving its food on trays with plastic utensils. The food, however, was excellent. The generously portioned bok choy was fresh, and the duck was deliciously tender, not the hunk of rubber one might expect. It's quite honestly the best airport meal I've ever had. Reassuringly, I noticed a couple of Chinese cabin crew placing their orders. I'd go out of my way to eat there next time. Noo Saro-Wiwa, London

Spicy Jin Ramen cups in Seoul

Incheon International Airport, Seoul

In between two flights – maybe three weeks before the pandemic would officially become an international crisis but deep enough into the early rumblings that were subliminally stressful and confusing – I, with lots of jet lag, had a several-hour layover in Seoul on my way back to New York City and nowhere to spend it. Somehow my friend and I were able to lightly con our way into one of the lesser lounges at no cost (she has an amazing smile and, more critically, may have been a Priority Pass member?), and we spent three hours there in those weird sort of chairs that look comfy but are not, drinking cold beer from a counter dispenser, and eating many styrofoam goblets of Spicy Jin Ramen, which we rehydrated before our own eyes with hot water from a spigot. I used to staunchly believe that there was no better way to kill time in an airport than to be alone, with Audible dialled up to an insane volume, avoiding eye contact, but the companionship made our foray into the free spicy instant soup and cold beer all the sweeter. Ella Quittner, New York City

Lokum burger with spoon salad in Istanbul

Istanbul Airport

On a recent visit to Istanbul, I decided to try out the new Saltbae, the first airport location for the internet-famous Turkish chef. As someone who rarely eats meat, I save the few times I do for something particularly special and the Lokum burger with side “spoon salad” (similar to a traditional shepherd's salad) was melt-in-your-mouth good, even though I had asked for it to be well done. The grilled onions really made it, and for $30, it was well worth it, especially for the celebrity factor of the restaurant. I would definitely go back, and it will certainly be a tough decision the next time I am passing through and have to decide between my favourite Turkish Airlines lounge and Saltbae – but why not both? Ramsey Qubein, High Point, NC

Gözleme, manti, mezze, and a glass of Öküzgözu in Istanbul

Istanbul Airport

I was on my way from Barcelona to the Maldives, transiting through Istanbul with a nine-hour layover. Although I adore Istanbul city, I had so much work to catch up on, and I was so tired from my travels in Spain that I was excited to just hang out in the airport! Not least because I had access to Turkish Airlines’ business class lounge, where I proceeded to procure one of its first-come, first-served private suites, followed by a good, long nap and a hot shower. Rested and clean, I started to fill my belly from station after station of live-fire cooking. I watched a chef stuff dough with kasseri cheese, roll it paper-thin, and toast it on a flat-topped saç, where it puffed, bronzing. She brushed it with olive oil and handed me a couple of slices of the hot, fresh gözleme. I scored lahmacun topped with ground lamb pulled warm from the oven, and manti draped with yogurt and tomato sauce. I chose diverse meze from a huge bar. I sampled pilaf, moussaka, fresh-baked sesame-encrusted simit, Turkey’s answer to the bagel, smeared with, as the sign read, “countryside butter from Trabzon.” I grabbed a tea from a samovar and a bowl of kuru fasulye, a comforting cannelloni bean stew. I indulged in baklava, kunefe, and all the sweets at the dessert table. I had previously reported on Turkish wineries, so I knew that some of the labels on the drinks cart were quite good. I sat sipping a bright but lush Öküzgözu with my meal, watching multiple global news programs with subtitles on a wall of screens, listening to the baby grand piano player's tunes, and by the time my next flight boarded, I was stuffed. From now on, I will take any chance I get to transit through Istanbul, and I'm working on my Star Alliance status that helps get you into this lounge, no matter what class you're flying. Next time maybe I'll also indulge in a game of simulated golf or wave the roving massage therapist over to rub my travel-weary shoulders. Betsy Andrews, New York City

Chicharron sandwich in Lima

Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima

I go through here regularly. Usually, I'm heading home after a week or two in Lima to see family. La Lucha Sanguchería is a really popular sandwich spot in the city, so the logo is a beacon as you march toward security, likely with the couple hours you know you're going to have to kill. The last time I was there, I was exhausted from a trip hopping between Lima, Cusco, and the beaches south of Lima. I walked up and knew I deserved one last amazing Peruvian sandwich. The restaurant is before security, so it's a little bit of a gamble – you have to be ready to delay getting through to enjoy it (or arrive early, which, honestly, is worth it). It’s all about the chicharron, baby! A crunchy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside toasted roll is filled with thin slices of sweet potato, juicy hunks of pork, and a zingy little salsa criolla (thin slivers of red onions tossed in lime juice and salt). It's like Sophie's Choice choosing from the various chilli sauces. I can't remember the price, but it’s nothing to be upset about. I think the sandwich is just perfect and not too filling, but you can round it out with a jugo – I like the papaya and mango blends. For so many people, a trip to Lima is all about eating life-changing meals: the tasting menu at Central or the Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) with fresh seafood at spots like Maido. This sandwich is a reminder that in Peru even the humblest, quickest of bites are also impossible to forget. Megan Spurrell, New York City

Greek salad with rotini pasta in New York City

Terminal 4, John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City

I was about to board one of the world's longest flights, from New York to Singapore. I knew I would be fed onboard, and I have a weird obsession with plane food, so I didn't want to spoil my appetite. But it was already late (likely 9pm), and I was starving, so I set off in search of a small refreshing snack. I arrived at a Farmer’s Fridge vending machine. I had sworn I'd stick to a light salad, but the Greek salad sitting atop a bed of rotini pasta looked irresistible, so I caved. One jar cost just under $10, and I was particularly surprised by the flavour-packed garlic-mustard dressing. I don't expect vending machines to deliver healthy meals, but here I was, choosing between salads and pineapple chia pudding. There's also something very satisfying about the user experience of it all: the joy of watching a shelf slide up inside the fridge, capture your chosen jar, then release it into a pickup box below. It also helps that, because your meal comes in a jar with a screw-on lid, you can graze a little and keep the rest for later. I would 100 per cent recommend to anyone looking for a quick and healthy airport meal that is more exciting than packaged hummus and carrots at Hudson News, and a lot more affordable than a sit-down dinner. Elissaveta M. Brandon, New York City

Filter coffee, idli podi, masala dosa, curd rice, and a full thali in Bengaluru

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru

I'm not a breakfast person at all, but I can never refuse a South Asian breakfast – it's got to be the best in the world. I can eat it at any time of the day. I'm also addicted to kaapi, the south Indian filter coffee. So, invariably, Tiffin Centre is my last shot at a proper kaapi before heading out of Bengaluru to either Mumbai or London! Idli podi, masala dosas, chilled curd rice if you want to stay light, a full thali if you want to skip eating on the flight – all totally authentic and served piping hot. Airport prices are always inflated, but this is worth it. Divia Thani, London

Fried shrimp sandwich in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Anytime I'm at the Jeddah airport, I end up eating at Al Baik. When I'm in the city itself, I gravitate toward healthier options at the excellent seafood restaurants and old-school cafés in the old town of Al Balad, but once I get to the airport, the temptation is too much to resist. Ask any Jeddah local what their favourite fast food is, and chances are they'll say, Al Baik. It's a homegrown cult classic, recognisable by its cheery red lettering and top-hat-doffing chicken mascot. The secret blend of herbs and spices is the key to its irresistible flavours, and its popularity has endured – Al Baik celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Most people go for the iconic chicken, but as a pescatarian, I get the fried shrimp sandwich featuring the same coating as the chicken. For a filling shrimp wrap, small fries, and a Diet Pepsi, I paid the equivalent of $6.60. A bargain! This is basic fast food, so I don't go there for the ambience. You order at the counter, pick it up, and take it to a table. There is no glamour whatsoever to the experience, but the flavour wins me over every time. Nicola Chilton, Dubai, UAE

Mortadella, pistachio, burrata, and focaccia sandwich in Rome

Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino Airport, Rome

Not once or twice, but several times recently, I have had a layover at Rome's airport. That means I scuttled in after a transatlantic flight, a bit jumbled from the time change, and usually felt confused about whether I was hungry or not – until I saw the humble Caffé Kimbo focaccia display case. I'm sure any Italian reading this would have thoughts on my affection for this chain restaurant sandwich, but let me tell you, the thin-sliced mortadella, pistachio spread, and gloopy heaps of burrata on two slices of focaccia make for a heavenly between-flight meal. The portions are massive (meaning you have a second half for your next flight), so I remember not being too bothered about what I'd spent. This isn't the best rendition of the sandwich you'll find in Italy – and unlike when the much more famous Antica Focacceria San Francesco was open in the airport, probably not the one to go out of your way for – but it does that thing of relying on just three can't-fail ingredients that will taste delicious. Now I get excited when I know I'll fly through Rome and have time to stop for one. Sometimes I even save my appetite for it. MS

Two extra-dark chocolate gelato scoops in Rome

Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino Airport, Rome

After having spent 48 hours in Rome, I was at the airport around eight in the morning en route to the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia. After waking up at the crack of dawn and having a meagre hotel buffet breakfast, I was very hungry at the airport. During my quick jaunt in Italy’s capital city, I also hadn’t had time to sneak away for gelato – a cardinal sin in the Eternal City – so when I noticed an Eataly with a gelateria in the waiting area for domestic departures, my heart skipped a beat. After waiting in line for an abnormally long time, I finally reached the counter only to be told that none of its flavors was plant-based. Heartbroken and hungry, I had nearly given up hope until I reached the bottom of the stairs and noticed that tucked away in the corner was a Venchi, one of Italy’s oldest and most famous gelaterias. I was familiar with the brand from when I lived in Florence. Venchi has been around since 1878 and continues to make fresh gelato daily with all-natural ingredients. And there wasn’t a lengthy line! I took the chance to practice my laughably bad Italian, which always morphs into Spanish, to ask if there were any vegan flavours. Much to my surprise, I had an array of choices, including melon, lemon, strawberry, mango, and dark chocolate. To sweeten the deal, all Venchi gelatos are gluten-free. It was the most decadent of breakfasts: a coppetta piccola (small cup) with two enormous scoops of Azteco 82% extra-dark chocolate. It was absolutely divine – creamy and thick as if I was eating light brownie batter. It was also a steal at just about $5 (€4.20), which is essentially unheard of for an airport snack. Now, gelato in an airport in Italy may seem like a small feat, but finding anything vegan and gluten-free in an airport is a challenge. When I returned to the airport a few days later to catch a flight to Tunis, I went right back for the dark chocolate – and got the last remaining scoops. Lola Méndez, Chiang Mai, Thailand

South Indian filter coffee, ghee-karam idli vada with sambar, and lassi in Hyderabad, India

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, India

Hyderabad is where my parents live, and it’s where the rest of the family, including me, head each winter. This annual migration eastward typically includes a second holiday within India – to Goa, Bangaluru, Coorg, and everywhere else. And so we land at the airport en masse, always many hours too early (as is my father's wont; we've learned not to argue). Post-check-in, we dispersed in different directions, my body almost involuntarily leading me to the motley crowd gathered around Tiffin Express. To be honest, Hyderabad Airport is full of great local options for food and drink (Conçu for amazing breakfast sandwiches, Cafe Niloufer for melt-in-the-mouth Osmania biscuits, and so much more), and faced with that abundance, you might walk right past the diminutive faux-brick facade of Tiffin Express. But I’m here to tell you that would be a mistake. Instead, you should join the melee, elbow your way to the front, order a South Indian filter coffee, a portion of kaaram (extra spicy) idli-vada soaked in tongue-scalding sambar, and chase it with a thick sweet lassi, which you'll need in order to take the heat off. The meal comes in at under 150 rupees (under $2) and fills me up enough to resist the overpriced snacks onboard. Tiffin Express is a wonderful reminder that some of the most satisfying meals can be inexpensive, simply (sloppily, even) presented – even (wow!) batch-cooked and reheated. For me, it's also one of those welcome nudges that I'm back home. Arati Menon, New York City

Skinny cappuccino, almond croissant, and turkey chopped salad in Los Angeles

Terminal 4, Los Angeles International Airport

I was catching a woefully early flight to visit family in Miami and arrived at LAX half-asleep at 5am. On my stumble toward my gate, though, I gleefully discovered an outpost of a terrific Beverly Hills cafe, La Provence. The lights were on, a barista was pulling double espressos, and the buttery scent of almond croissants was sailing across the counter. How joyful can an exhausted and always hungry girl get? I ordered a feast to commence at the gate – skinny cappuccino and flaky almond croissant for $10.75 total – and continued onboard the cross-country flight. Somewhere over Texas neighbouring passengers looked at me enviously as I gobbled a to-go turkey chopped salad and an iced cappuccino for just under $24 total. I normally despise airport food, but at this café, portions are generous, and everything is house-made. My turkey chopped salad had turkey, crisp garbanzo beans, olives, Swiss cheese, and red wine vinaigrette. So fresh-tasting! Janice Wald Henderson, Los Angeles

Two Bavarian pretzels in Munich

Terminal 2, Munich International Airport

I had just arrived from a long trip in Australia. It was one of those flights where somehow everything went wrong. Two heavily delayed connecting flights and no way to get on an earlier plane. In the end, it took me 43 hours to get from Melbourne to Munich. I was tired and hungry. I just wanted to get home. I was on my way to baggage reclaim and saw the Dallmayr Bistro. Dallmayr is a Munich-based delicatessen and coffee specialist, and its Bavarian pretzels are heaven. They always give me a sense and taste of home. I was happy to make another change of plans and even bought two pretzels. If you find yourself in Munich, do yourself a favour and buy one. Dennis Braatz, Munich

Tonkotsu ramen in Tokyo

Narita International Airport, Tokyo

I was flying through Japan's Narita International Airport en route to Manila, and I had a long overnight layover. It was like 15 hours or something. I initially planned to head into the city and spend a sleepless night running through a neon Tokyo, but the train timings between the airport and downtown were awkward for my schedule. So I decided to just camp out in the airport and book a bed at a nearby pod hotel. Still, I wanted a culinary experience that at least reminded me of where I was – something beautifully Japanese. So, naturally, I hunted down some ramen. But I had to laugh when I ended up at Ippudo, of which we have three in New York. I had a steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen: the shiromaru classic with pork, seaweed, and a cured egg. It was the perfect portion size, slightly smaller than what the New York branches of Ippudo serve. It cost about ¥1,200, which is roughly $7.50 – a welcome conversion, especially since the Ippudos in Manhattan charge more than twice that. It was a really satisfying meal, one that made me feel like I was in the middle of Tokyo anyway, sitting there surrounded mostly by Japanese travellers. I still need to make it to the Japanese capital, but in the moment it was ultimately a better decision to take it easy in the liminal space of the airport. Plus, the pod hotel was fascinating, but that's a story for another time. Matt Ortile, New York City

Hot shoyu ramen; noodle buffet (ramen, soba, and udon, house chicken curry ramen with karaage) in Tokyo

Narita International Airport, Tokyo

This is a recurring situation for me: Living between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and New York, I often fly through Tokyo as my connection. It's a familiar stop I've been making since I was a kid, and after a 13-hour flight from the States, I look forward to the moment we land in Tokyo to refresh and recharge. By this time, I'm ready for a hot meal and a hot shower, both of which are available at Narita. Ramen, or noodle soup in general, is simply the best meal after a long flight. It warms the belly and soothes the soul. Some of the best at Narita Airport can be found at an outpost of Tomita Ramen in Matsudo. Though it's best known for its dipping-style tsukemen, I prefer the hot shoyu (soy) ramen. Alternatively, when I'm able to use my Priority Pass and get into a lounge, I love going to the ANA lounge, where they have a counter doling out free, unlimited mini bowls of ramen, soba, and udon. I could live there. The lounge has the same permanent menu. And during one particularly inspired layover, I ladled in some of its famous ANA house chicken curry to make a curry ramen, and topped it off with some karaage fried chicken from the buffet line. And now I can't wait to fly through Narita so I can do it again. For me, these soothing meals during layovers make flying enjoyable. And especially when I'm travelling from Vietnam to the US, getting a bowl of ramen at Narita is just like a symbolic last taste of Asia – comforting noodles and hot soup – before I'm back in America. That ramen counter is my safe space! Dan Q. Dao, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Xiao long bao, dumplings, egg fried rice, kai lan, chicken soup, and spicy noodle soup in Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport

We were headed to India after spending a lovely week in Singapore. My family was based there for a decade, so it has become a second home to us. In true “airport dad” form, my father insists we get to the airport a solid three and a half hours ahead of boarding, and we leave the hotel at least one hour ahead in case all the traffic of Singapore decides to converge on our route. Of course, we zipped across town and were there in 15 minutes. We cleared check-in quickly (being the only ones there nearly four and a half hours ahead), which left us the better part of the day to hang out at the airport Din Tai Fung. Xiao long bao is what it's best known for, and these fresh, soupy pork dumplings are little morsels of heaven. There is none of that tough, chewy, doughy covering here – only silky, thin, delicate wraps with perfectly seasoned, juicy pork filling. We get multiple orders of these, and a variety of dumplings, along with a rich, buttery egg fried rice. The chicken soup is another highlight, a warm, comforting hug in a mug. We rounded out the meal with some bright green gai lan and savoury, spicy noodle soup. The portion sizes are small, which allows for multiple orders and trying a bunch of different things. Din Tai Fung was a staple when we were in Singapore (and I’m so excited that they are opening a brand in Manhattan!). The food is consistently good at this Michelin-starred Taiwanese restaurant chain. The ingredients are fresh, the service is efficient, and those soup dumplings are nourishment for the soul. Pallavi Kumar, New York City

Ladies’ filet with fried egg, braised onion rings, and fries in Johannesburg

Terminal B, O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg

Since Johannesburg is a major transport hub, I am often in O.R. Tambo en route back to Cape Town from research trips elsewhere in Africa. If I have time to kill, I head to Airport Craft Brewers and have what is colloquially known as a ladies’ filet (about 150g), topped with a fried egg – a popular local combination and testament to the influence of Jozi's Portuguese community. Served with braised onion rings and chips, it’s a bargain at around $9 and a really tasty transit meal; plus, the service is friendly and fast. If you’re travelling with a more “man-size” appetite, the 400g rib eye will still run you for only $19. A short but good selection of SA wines by the glass (Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc is always a winner) is another draw, and they brew their own beer – their tasting tray of eight softens up any kind of airport hell. Pippa de Bruyn, Cape Town

Veggie cheeseburger, garlic fries, and a lemonade in San Francisco

Terminal A, San Francisco International Airport

Since my first real trip to Napa Valley in 2021, I had been dreaming about returning to Gott’s Roadside, a burger joint featuring a modern California-inspired menu and locally sourced ingredients. As a PDX-based frequent flier, I fly through San Francisco all the time, but I rarely leave the airport. And while I had known for years that there was a location in the airport, it's a hike to get there; it's in the international terminal, far from where I'm usually spending a short layover. Finally, last December, I decided to schedule a longer-than-usual layover on the way home from Europe to give myself time to go. Despite landing on an international flight, it still was not at all convenient to get to. After clearing customs, I had to go back through security to get into Terminal A, knowing that I'd have to exit and go back through security once again to get to my actual gate. I ordered a veggie cheeseburger (with jack cheese, sliced avocado, and pickled jalapeños on a country roll), the garlic fries, and a lemonade—a massive amount considering the fries are sizable enough for sharing, and I had just consumed multiple pretzel sandwiches on a flight from Germany. No regrets! In total I probably spent between $30 and $35 (it's San Francisco, so everything adds up a little quicker than you might expect). It's such a joy when airports feature outposts of locally beloved dining establishments. It really creates a sense of place and lets travelers experience a little slice of local culture, even if they're just passing through. And it's even better when the airport version tastes exactly like the non-airport version. That was the case at Gott's. Everything I ordered completely lived up to my memory, and it was more than worth the wait. The fries, which are *tossed in garlic butter* are the standout here, and I would go in and out of security twice for them 10 times out of 10. —Carly Helfand, Portland, Ore.

Nasi lemak or laksa in Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport

Growing up in Singapore and with a dad who was a civil servant, we often ate at local, low-key joints. I can't remember when I first ate at the airport staff canteen on the ground floor (which is open to all), but it soon became a family tradition to have our farewell meal at the Orchis Food Court before heading through to the gates. I always order either nasi lemak or laksa, but there are about 20 or so stalls to choose from. It's guaranteed to be the quintessential flavour-packed Singaporean meal you need before leaving the country. The portions are generous, and it's great value, with meals costing about $6–$8 SGD ($4.50–$6 USD). Chloe Sachdev, Sydney

Kurobuta Terimayo Japadog in Vancouver

Terminal Level 2, Vancouver International Airport

After six days of eating my way through the best Asian food in Richmond, British Columbia, and Vancouver, I regretted missing out on what was the quintessential Vancouver meal: Japadog. During my days working in entertainment, the little Asian hot dog stand in front of Sutton Place (where the talent would stay during production in those days) that opened in 2005 would come up organically in conversation. I remember being surprised that these actors would pay attention to a hot dog stand, let alone one run by Asians. Of course, as we know, it eventually became so popular it expanded to NYC. Yes, I went there once or twice, but it just never had the same appeal of one on a street corner in Vancouver. On that final day of my trip, I had so many places I wanted to try before my 1pm flight, but I was cutting it close, so I decided to look at the dining options at the airport instead. To my delight, I saw Japadog on the list. The problem was that the one that opened in 2022 was in the domestic terminal, and I was in international, flying back to the US. So I started asking all the employees for directions – the woman in the food court told me to walk to the one in the domestic terminal, 15 minutes away each way. The sweet older gentleman at the information counter said the location wasn’t listed. Finally, I went down to arrivals and asked the SIM card guy. Turned out it was an actual hot dog stand on an island between the terminal and the parking garage! Once I arrived, I ordered the #1: Kurobuta Terimayo, since it was marked “most popular.” It was a hearty hot dog with Kurobuta pork sausage, fried onions, teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, and seaweed. It was $8.89 CAD ($7.69 USD). I had a few minutes to sit on the sun-soaked benches right next to the stand, enjoying the mix of Western and Japanese flavours and delighting in the mix of textures. I never thought that a hot dog topped with seaweed would be the ultimate preflight meal, and getting my hands on the iconic Vancouver street food item just moments before leaving felt like a total power move. Rachel Chang, Hoboken, N.J.

Crab samosas in Vilankulo

Vilankulo Airport, Mozambique

I was returning to Dubai from the wonderful Kisawa Sanctuary on Benguerra Island and wanted one last taste of Mozambique before I flew out. Querino Huo, the guest manager from the resort, suggested we stop by the airport café, Monte Verde, which initially sounded uninspiring, but I put my trust in him. It's a pretty basic place – a handful of metal-topped tables and chairs; fridges with cold drinks; a counter with chips, nuts, and snacks; and a kitchen somewhere in the back. Frankly, my expectations were fairly low, but the crab samosas were fantastic. I love a good samosa but had never had one stuffed with crab before. They came hot from the oil, so crunchy and crisp that I'm sure the whole airport could hear when I bit into my first one. The inside was packed with crab, slightly sweet and juicy. Served with a slice of sour lime, a good shake of piri-piri hot sauce, and a cold 2M Mozambican beer on the side, it was the perfect send-off snack. Four of those, plus a beer and two soft drinks, came in at less than $10. The element of surprise was one of the things that made this so special, as well as the fact that I was on a high from an amazing few days in an incredible place. Not sure I'll ever find myself back in Vilankulo, but if I do, I'll definitely be grabbing crab samosas. NC

This article was first published on Condé Nast Traveler.