Exploring Qatar's lavish airport and in‑flight dining experiences

The world’s best airport welcomes travellers with a giant sculpture of a plush bear and invites them to taste wagyu beef at one of its many restaurants. Meanwhile, the world’s best airline ensures tourists’ culinary satisfaction, offering an extravagant feast. I explored what both have to offer and was amazed several times.

Hamad International Airport in Qatar and Qatar Airways have been proclaimed the best airport and the best airline in the world. This recognition comes from the annual ranking published by the British consulting firm Skytrax. Such an honour goes hand in hand with the highest standards they offer, accompanied by a strong touch of luxury. The luxury, especially in the case of the airport, can almost be sensory overload. I investigated how much money you would need for a symbolic coffee and cake at the Qatari airport and what the world's number one airline offers during flights.

Hamad International Airport in Qatar is known for its ultramodern design, luxury stores, and well-equipped hotel. This is the third time this airport has led the ranking of the most modern in the world – previously achieving the highest position in 2022 and 2021.

Under the roof of the Qatari airport, you can find everything and more. The shopping and dining area covers a vast 430,000 square feet and boasts over 180 stores and restaurants. There's plenty to choose from, as tourists are offered street food stalls and luxury dining spots serving world cuisines. You can also find shops and boutiques, cafes, and patisseries, and even enjoy a snack in a tropical garden. All indoors, of course.

If you want to spend a lot, you can easily do so. Just look at the menu of the first restaurant you encounter. A wagyu beef sandwich (wagyu beef being one of the most expensive and luxurious types of meat in the world) with mushrooms, caramelized onions, and parmesan costs 155 Qatari rials, which is approximately 60 Canadian dollars. In the same place, you can have an English breakfast for 35 CAD and take a few sips of luxury Harrods tea for 85 CAD.

Hamad airport is not only about luxury and opulence. It also offers more modest options, though "modest" is relative here. A short walk can lead you to storefronts displaying appetizing sandwiches, croissants, salads, and other more affordable options.

For a substantial baguette with brie cheese, turkey, and cranberry, you will pay 15 CAD, and a chocolate muffin costs 7 CAD. A fruit salad is priced at 9 CAD, and a vegetable salad with salmon and cherry tomatoes costs 10 CAD. A croissant with ham and cheese costs 12 CAD, and a quarter pizza ranges from 11 to 13 CAD. At a coffee-to-go spot, a small black coffee (Americano) costs 6 CAD, and a large one costs 7 CAD. A 350 ml bottle of Coca-Cola is priced at 6 CAD, and a small 500 ml bottle of water costs the same.

A yogurt dessert with granola and fruits, sold in a plastic cup, costs 8 CAD. Nearby, a prepared meal consisting of grilled chicken and couscous is available for 18 CAD. Yes, these are still considerable sums, especially considering these are packaged meals, but that is the reality of airports. Behind the security gates, we pay significantly more for primary products, not luxury ones with no price limit.

Hamad International Airport is also home to Qatar Airways, the national flagship airline. In 2024, these airlines were proclaimed the best in the world for the eighth time.

I enjoyed travelling with these airlines (in economy class). Since both flights lasted over six hours, the ticket price included a snack and one hot meal, as well as unlimited beverages, including alcoholic ones. I wasn't sure what to expect from the meals served on board, as I had never experienced such service. But, without exaggeration, I can say I didn’t expect such a feast.

Shortly after departing the airport in Bangkok, we were offered a small bite of roasted rice. You could also request any drink. It was a small package of salty, crunchy snacks. Those disappointed by the portion didn’t have to wait long for a follow-up, as soon as the pleasant aroma of reheated food began to fill the cabin.

The flight attendants informed each passenger about the options: Hungarian goulash with potatoes, chicken in curry sauce, and vegetarian options. I didn't catch the latter, or maybe I wasn’t even listening anymore, as I promptly asked for the goulash. It was a perfect choice. It is well-seasoned, with an intensely meaty sauce, tender beef, tasty carrots with peas, and a simple yet satisfying potato casserole. The portion was also sufficient, at least for me (I don’t eat like a bird).

The tray also contained a dessert, a piece of warm focaccia, a delightful salad made of crispy shallots and apples, and creamy red beans in a salty fish sauce. The dessert secured a high position in my “favourites” list. It was a creamy pudding, light and delicate, topped with creamy milk chocolate and authentically rich chocolate.

The next flight began with a classic triangular sandwich. Since I’m not a fan of toasted bread, I ate the sandwich and quickly forgot about it.

There were several options, including frittata, omelet, and sausages with sides.

I chose the first option, and I was not disappointed again. The vegetable frittata was fluffy and delicate, served with a slightly crispy baked sausage on a dot of very aromatic and tomatoey sauce. Additionally, there was a vegetable potato casserole with a delicious creamy sour cream sauce containing tender wild mushrooms.

The tray also included a small fruit salad of juicy melon and watermelon, a slightly sweet coconut chia pudding, and a slightly squashed croissant with a mini packet of jam. Quite a filling meal for the morning, but I managed. For breakfast, I asked for a cup of black coffee, but it didn’t impress me. Maybe it wasn't bad; it just had minimal flavour.

Overall, I couldn’t complain, as both lunch and breakfast were seasoned just right, and the portions would be adequate for most people. Even such a long flight passes pleasantly when you have something warm, filling, and tasty to eat.