In celebration of International Tea Day on May 21st, Emirates and their long-standing tea partner Dilmah, offer expert insights into the art of pairing food and tea both onboard, in Emirates Lounges worldwide, and at home. Tea pairing is a sensory journey that delves into the interplay of aromas and flavors between various teas and foods. The right tea can enhance or contrast the flavors of a dish, providing balance or an intriguing difference on the palate. Emirates offers a selection of 12 gourmet tea blends, brewing over 33 million cups of tea annually onboard, presenting numerous opportunities for guests to explore tea and food pairings. Emirates encourages passengers to enhance their inflight experience by matching a fine tea with their meal or by trying tempting Emirates & Dilmah recipes at home, complete with a complementary tea or tea-infused cocktail to delight visitors. Dilmah’s Breakfast Tea, grown in the Ceylon region at an altitude of 4,000 feet, features a bright, brisk, and full-bodied flavor with a rich, natural taste. It is ideal for pairing with cheese and egg dishes, such as the First Class scrambled eggs with chicken chipolatas, beans, and crushed chive potatoes, or the kale and spinach frittatas with roasted potato wedges, spinach, and portobello mushrooms in Business Class. The charcuterie plate in Premium Economy, featuring grilled chicken, air-dried beef, and a selection of cheeses, pairs beautifully with Dilmah’s Ceylon Black Tea. Economy Class passengers can enjoy this tea with a fluffy cheese omelette, grilled chicken sausage, hash brown, and sautéed mushrooms. Dilmah’s Natural Green Tea, a gently steamed green tea with mild astringency and a sweet finish, is the ideal companion for green salads or seafood dishes. Onboard options include the poached lobster tail and masala prawns with kachumber and coriander chili dressing in First Class, pan-seared salmon trout with mashed sweet potatoes and sautéed kai-lan in Business Class, or the antipasti salad with asparagus and olives in Premium Economy and Economy Class. Additionally, First and Business Class passengers can enjoy Dilmah’s Moroccan Mint Green Tea, which complements the complimentary First Class caviar, citrus and raspberry tarts, or Emirates’ regional favorite, sticky date pudding. Dilmah’s Pure Chamomile Flowers, a caffeine-free tea, exudes a delightful apple-like aroma and offers a subtle flavor that complements apple pie, roast turkey, chicken dishes, and nuts. It’s an excellent choice for Emirates’ First Class vegan zucchini tart and Business Class chicken kebab in saffron sauce with zereshk rice. Dilmah’s Earl Grey Tea is a robust, full-bodied Ceylon tea enhanced by bergamot. Its complex bouquet includes floral, marzipan, and sweet spice notes, ideal for pairing with green curries, samosas, curry puffs, spicy meats, and dark chocolate. In Emirates First Class, it goes well with anda masala—a spiced egg curry with beetroot patties and cumin-sautéed potatoes. In Business Class, it complements peshawari kebab—minced lamb patties with spiced scrambled eggs and chickpeas in a tangy sauce, and it pairs perfectly with a chocolate mango tart with dark chocolate ganache. The Emirates Signature Tea by Dilmah, available in First Class, First Class lounges, and Emirates retail stores, features a bespoke blend with hints of rose and almond, spiced ginger, and touches of marigold and safflower. It pairs excellently with savory nut dishes, leafy vegetables, and chocolate or caramel desserts. In First Class, it is served with luxurious desserts and artisan chocolates from renowned chocolatiers. Emirates Cabin Crew undergo comprehensive training at the Dilmah School of Tea to master tea and food pairing. This program educates them about the sustainable origins of Dilmah Tea, allows them to taste its unique flavors, teaches brewing techniques, and enhances flavor pairing with additions like fresh mint, honey, and lemon. For over thirty years, Emirates has collaborated with the family-owned Dilmah Tea. Founded in 1985, Dilmah was the first producer-owned, ethical tea brand globally, with its tea grown, handpicked, and packed at the source in Sri Lanka, ensuring its freshness and premium quality.
Emirates and Dilmah Offer Culinary Adventures for International Tea Day
