Malaysia Airlines has introduced a plant-based version of its signature satay service, replacing chicken with Lion’s Mane mushroom while maintaining the traditional service presentation.

The vegetarian option preserves the airline’s established satay service flow, including cucumber garnish, raw onion, and peanut sauce. The mushroom uses the same marinade as the original chicken version.

Business Class passengers travelling to Australia, New Zealand, and India can select the plant based alternative alongside the chicken satay option.

Industry context

There is a growing demand for vegetarian options in premium cabins, particularly on routes to markets with significant vegetarian populations, such as India.

Malaysia Airlines’ satay service has been a signature offering for decades, making the addition of a plant-based version notable for maintaining brand consistency while expanding dietary options.

Lion’s Mane mushroom provides a similar texture to chicken when prepared, allowing the airline to offer variety without completely redesigning the service protocol or training requirements.

The launch follows similar plant-based initiatives from other Asian carriers looking to cater to changing passenger preferences while preserving cultural food traditions.

Video courtesy of Malaysia Airlines.