The VOML (Vegetarian Oriental Meal) combines vegan requirements with Asian cooking methods.
Despite the “vegetarian” name, this meal is entirely vegan, with no animal products, dairy, or eggs.
However, availability is quite limited since this combines two specific requirements: Asian cuisine style and vegan ingredients.
Most airlines that offer VOML provide dishes featuring stir-fried vegetables, rice or noodle preparations, and plant-based proteins like tofu, prepared with Asian seasonings and cooking techniques.
You’ll typically receive items like vegetable stir-fries, fried rice with vegetables, noodle dishes with plant-based ingredients, and Asian-style sauces.
Flavours that are distinctly different from Indian-style vegetarian meals (AVML) or Western vegetarian options.
However, VOML is one of the less common special meal options.
Many airlines don’t offer it due to the specific combination of cuisine style and dietary requirements, making it more challenging to book than standard vegetarian or vegan meals.
What’s included
- Stir-fried vegetables and greens
- Rice and noodle dishes
- Tofu and plant-based proteins
- Asian-style seasonings and sauces
- Fresh fruits suitable for Asian cuisine
- Grains prepared with Oriental cooking methods
- Vegetables cooked using Chinese techniques
What’s never included: Any animal products, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, or animal-derived ingredients. This meal is entirely vegan despite its “vegetarian” designation.
Dietary notes: Completely vegan and plant-based but may contain gluten (soy sauce, noodles), nuts, or other allergens common in Asian cuisine. It is not suitable for individuals with soy allergies due to the prevalent use of soy-based ingredients in Asian cooking.
How to Order
Limited availability – not offered by all airlines due to its specialised nature.
Must be pre-ordered at least 24-48 hours before departure.
During booking, select the special meal option if VOML is available (it’s often not listed).
After booking, call the airline directly to verify availability.
Travel agent bookings – Contact your agent, but confirm with the airline
Necessary: Many airlines don’t offer VOML. Asian carriers or routes to and from Asia are more likely to provide this option.
Alternatives
VGML (Vegan) – Completely plant-based but typically Western-style preparation
AVML (Asian Vegetarian) – Indian-style vegetarian but contains dairy products
VLML (Vegetarian) – May include Asian options but contains dairy and eggs
Regular Asian meal options – Some airlines offer Asian dishes in their standard menu
Discover Airline Options
Find specific meal information for your airline.
FAQs
Is VOML vegan or just vegetarian?
VOML is completely vegan despite the “vegetarian” name – it contains no animal products, dairy, or eggs. It’s essentially vegan food prepared with Asian cooking methods.
What’s the difference between VOML and AVML?
VOML employs Chinese/Oriental cooking styles and is entirely vegan, whereas AVML utilises Indian cooking styles and typically includes dairy products such as paneer and yoghurt.
Do Asian airlines automatically offer better oriental vegetarian meals?
Not necessarily. While Asian carriers might understand the cuisine better, VOML availability depends more on the airline’s special meal program than on their region of origin.
Why is VOML so rare compared to other special meals?
It combines two specific requirements – Asian cuisine style and vegan ingredients – making it expensive and complex for airlines to source and prepare compared to more general dietary requirements.