The Inflight Feed Take
Tying a menu to a winter-only route, with a fixed end date of 30 December, makes it feel like an event rather than a permanent fixture. The watalappam bread pudding sums up the idea: a Sri Lankan dessert described as a spin on a British classic, served on a route between the two. The Ceylon Pearl cocktail at Gatwick means the collaboration starts before boarding, not after takeoff.
British Airways is partnering with Hoppers, the London-based Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurants, on a special Club World menu for its new London Gatwick to Colombo route, from 23 October.
The menu runs on flights from London Gatwick to Colombo in Club World until 30 December.
The starter is Lentil Vadai, a soaked lentil fritter served with yoghurt, tamarind sauce, coriander chutney and channa crisps, inspired by the snacks sold by street hawkers on Galle Face Green.
Main courses include Kalupol chicken with lemon rice and beetroot curry, or Pollichathu cod marinated in tomato chilli paste, wrapped in banana leaf, and served with coconut rice, pineapple curry, and beetroot curry.
Dessert is Watalappam bread pudding with spiced crumble and malt cream, the Sri Lankan spin on the classic British dessert.
Customers in the British Airways Club Lounge at London Gatwick can also try the Ceylon Pearl, a Hoppers cocktail made with Tanqueray Rangpur gin, lychee and pink citrus tonic.
Hoppers opened in Soho in 2015 and was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand within its first year. It now has restaurants in Marylebone, King’s Cross and Shoreditch. Mark Brega, British Airways’ Executive Chef, worked with the Hoppers team on the menu.
Karan Gokani, founder of Hoppers, said: “It’s long been a dream to serve Hoppers food in the skies, so we were thrilled when British Airways approached us about this partnership.”
Photos: British Airways
Nik founded Inflight Feed in 2012, blending his passion for inflight dining with over a decade of experience in the airline industry. For the past 13 years, he has travelled the world, exploring and reviewing airline meals across countless carriers.
CNN Travel, The New York Times, and BBC World News have featured Nik’s expertise. When he’s not on the ground, you’ll find him at 35,000 feet, camera in hand, capturing the unique flavours of air travel. Follow his inflight meal adventures on Instagram: @InflightFeed.