In celebration of International Tea Day on 21 May, Emirates and their long-standing tea partner, Dilmah, share expert insights into the refined art of food and tea pairing, enhancing the experience for business travellers both onboard and at home.

Tea pairing is a sophisticated sensory experience that explores the interplay between the aromas and flavours of tea and food.

Emirates, serving over 33 million cups of tea annually onboard, provides ample opportunities for passengers to indulge in this culinary delight with a selection of twelve gourmet tea blends.

Emirates encourages its customers to enhance their inflight dining by pairing exquisite teas with their meals or recreating tempting Emirates & Dilmah recipes at home. For those looking to impress guests, these pairings extend to complementary teas or tea-infused cocktails.

Signature Pairings for a Premium Experience

Dilmah’s Breakfast Tea, a bright and full-bodied Ceylon tea, pairs perfectly with rich cheese and egg dishes. First Class passengers can enjoy it with scrambled eggs, chicken chipolatas, beans and crushed chive potatoes, while Business Class offers kale and spinach frittatas with roasted potatoes, spinach and portobello mushrooms. In Premium Economy, the charcuterie plate featuring grilled chicken, air-dried beef and a selection of cheeses pairs beautifully with Dilmah Ceylon Black Tea, and Economy Class passengers can savour it with a cheese omelette and grilled chicken sausage.

Natural Green Tea from Dilmah, known for its mild astringency and sweet finish, complements green salads and seafood. First Class dishes like poached lobster tail and masala prawns or Business Class’s pan-seared salmon trout with beurre blanc sauce are ideal pairings. Premium Economy and Economy Class diners can enjoy it with an antipasti salad. Additionally, First and Business Class travellers can relish Moroccan Mint Green Tea with First Class caviar, citrus tarts or the regional favourite dessert – sticky date pudding.

For a caffeine-free option, Dilmah’s Pure Chamomile Flowers offers an uplifting aroma and delicate flavour that harmonises with apple pie, roast turkey, and chicken dishes. Emirates’ offerings such as vegan zucchini tart in First Class and chicken kebab in saffron sauce in Business Class are excellent matches.

Earl Grey Tea by Dilmah, rich and full-bodied with a hint of bergamot, pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes and dark chocolate. First Class travellers can enjoy it with anda masala, while Business Class passengers may opt for peshawari kebab, finishing off with a chocolate mango tart.

Exclusive Emirates Signature Tea

Emirates Signature Tea by Dilmah, available in First Class and Emirates lounges, boasts rose and almond aromas, balanced with spicy ginger and marigold. This bespoke blend pairs exceptionally well with savoury dishes featuring nuts or leafy vegetables and desserts with chocolate and caramel. First Class passengers can indulge in this exclusive tea with luxurious desserts and artisan chocolates.

Training for Excellence

Emirates Cabin Crew receive specialised training from the Dilmah School of Tea to recommend the best tea pairings to passengers. This training covers sustainable origins, unique flavours, perfect brewing techniques, and enhancing flavour with fresh mint, honey, and lemon.

For over three decades, Emirates has partnered with Dilmah Tea, a family-owned Sri Lankan company and the first producer-owned ethical tea brand globally. Dilmah’s commitment to quality and ethical practices ensures that every cup of tea served onboard is a testament to its natural goodness and unrivalled flavour.

To learn more about Emirates flights, schedules and fares, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.