Here’s What It’s Like To Be A Chef On An Airplane

Bringing skilled cooks on board to arrange meals in first or enterprise class is probably not new, however Turkish Airlines has been working towards it at a really excessive stage for some time now. After a break through the stripped-down service period of the pandemic, the airline was distinctive in bringing its cooks again to the enterprise class cabins of any flight that’s longer than eight hours lengthy.

On condition that Turkish Airways flies to extra cities than every other airline on the earth (334 and counting!), that’s lots of cooks in lots of cabins. Every part begins in an enormous kitchen within the Istanbul airport, run by the award-winning connoisseur catering firm Turkish DO & CO in partnership with the airline, which is its greatest buyer. (DO & CO additionally caters the airline’s glorious enterprise class lounge in the identical airport.) Then it makes its method onto the airplanes, together with the skilled cooks who be certain that all of it seems correctly on the plate.

It’s a pleasant perk for vacationers, in phrases each of meal high quality and of leisure—it’s virtually like a restaurant expertise above the clouds, particularly as a result of passengers on some in a single day flights can select once they eat their meals, and revel in them by candlelight. And it’s a dialog starter for the cooks with Flying Chef on their enterprise playing cards.

Nonetheless, I had some questions—cooking in a Dreamliner’s galley, for example, at 40,000 ft, can’t all the time be straightforward. Luckily, Flying Chef Eren Berker had some solutions. (The dialog has been calmly edited for readability.)

What’s it wish to be a Flying Chef?

Having an revolutionary profession alternative as a Flying Chef for Turkish Airways permits us to journey everywhere in the world, experiencing completely different cultures and unique cuisines. It’s a dream come true for a chef. That stated, it may be difficult at occasions attributable to flight schedules and adjusting to time zones.

What had been you doing earlier than you had this job? How did you find yourself doing this?

Since acquiring my gastronomy diploma, I’ve labored in numerous institutions—each five-star inns and upscale à la carte eating places. I made a decision to affix Turkish Airways/Turkish DO & CO to look at and expertise the various kinds of native substances and increase my understanding of the culinary world.

Are you able to describe a typical workday?

As a Flying Chef, I’m a part of the airline crew and accountable for the right product presentation within the enterprise class and the culinary help of the flight attendants.

As soon as the plane reaches cruising altitude, we start the primary service. We put together all of the meals within the galley and serve passengers within the cabin. We additionally advise the visitors on the collection of dishes and help the flight attendants throughout and after the service.

After we land, the passengers go away the plane, adopted by the crew—then we head to our layover resort or to our dwelling relying on if it’s an outbound or inbound flight.

Periodic evaluations be certain that the in-flight service high quality adheres to the excessive requirements set, and to establish any challenges.

It should be difficult to prepare dinner tasty meals in a galley kitchen at excessive altitude. How do you create memorable eating experiences on your passengers?

We provide our passengers an unequaled onboard eating expertise, combining Turkish hospitality with probably the most beautiful tastes of world and Turkish delicacies ready by our proficient catering group at Turkish DO & CO.

DO&CO and Turkish Airways collectively design the entire catering idea for Turkish Airways. This idea begins from menu planning and design, cabin crew procedures and coaching, design, procurement and logistical administration for culinary and galley tools consistent with the airline’s philosophy.

With menus that includes conventional Turkish delicacies in addition to up to date cuisines, all dishes are ready utilizing the best and freshest substances in response to season and in compliance with all worldwide hygiene requirements. We even have particular menus for passengers who’ve dietary necessities.

Do you develop the recipes for the dishes, or do they arrive from a central govt? How have you ever made them your personal?

Though the menus are determined by our executives, the culinary group is a vital a part of the method. We’re inspired and required to supply enter and suggestions on the menu growth. We additionally collect and submit detailed suggestions after every flight to proceed enhancing the general expertise.

What’s probably the most difficult a part of this job?

Shifting by means of completely different time zones and experiencing jet lag will be difficult at occasions.

What’s probably the most rewarding half?

Probably the most rewarding half is assembly so many various and fascinating individuals each throughout flights and through layovers. Changing into a real world citizen is a reward by itself.

What’s the craziest factor {that a} passenger ever requested you to do, and the way did you reply?

As soon as throughout a flight, a younger passenger requested if I might take a major course order for her teddy bear. It was a stunning and strange request, however nonetheless we continued with our service for each our passenger and her teddy bear.