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$42.99 (as of September 15, 2024 12:30 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Welcome to “The 10 Best Airports for Food,” where we take you on a culinary journey from Istanbul to Atlanta. Airports are often thought of as flavorless voids, but some have risen above to serve unforgettable meals, turning layovers into gastronomic adventures. Hannah Towey’s article explores top-notch dining spots where you can savor Turkish delights in Istanbul, Italian paninis in Rome, or genuine Texas BBQ in Dallas. Gather insights from Traveler editors and frequent flyers who share their favorite bites from these top-ranking airports. So next time you’re whisked away on a long flight, know that delicious discoveries await you right at the terminal. Ever found yourself with a grumbling stomach during a long layover, desperately seeking more than just a soggy sandwich or a microwaved meal? Imagine instead, savoring a plate of scrumptious pasta, enjoying a bustling beer garden, or diving into mouth-watering sushi—all without leaving the airport. Well, you can, and here’s where you should plan to land.
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The 10 Best Airports for Food
1. Istanbul Airport: A Turkish Delight
Istanbul Airport offers an extraordinary array of 117 dining venues, making it a paradise for food lovers. From traditional Turkish delights to international cuisines, there’s something for everyone. The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is particularly noteworthy, serving dishes such as gözleme, manti, and mezze—best enjoyed with a glass of Öküzgözu, a popular Turkish wine.
Key Highlights:
- Number of Dining Venues: 117
- Must-Try Dishes: Gözleme, manti, mezze
- Specialty: Turkish Airlines Business Lounge
2. Singapore Changi Airport: A Culinary Wonderland
Singapore Changi consistently ranks as one of the best airports globally, and its food scene doesn’t disappoint. With 194 eateries, navigating through Changi’s culinary landscape can be overwhelming, but incredibly rewarding. Gelato, paninis, savory seafood dishes, and more await you at this incredible hub.
Key Highlights:
- Number of Dining Venues: 194
- Must-Try Dishes: Seafood, paninis, gelato
- Specialty: Diverse culinary options
3. Seoul Incheon International Airport: Korean Cuisine at Your Fingertips
Seoul Incheon International Airport is not just an architectural marvel but also a haven for food enthusiasts. The airport’s 19 Korean food restaurants offer some of the best traditional dishes like nakji-bokkeum (spicy octopus stir-fry), naengmyeon (cold noodles), and bibimbap (rice bowls). Check out the “Korean Cultural Street” in Terminal 1 for an authentic experience.
Key Highlights:
- Number of Dining Venues: 19 Korean restaurants
- Must-Try Dishes: Nakji-bokkeum, naengmyeon, bibimbap
- Specialty: Korean Cultural Street
4. Doha Hamad International Airport: Luxury and Gastronomy
Named the best airport in the world by Skytrax, Doha Hamad International takes dining seriously. If you’re flying Qatar Airways and have access to their lounges, including the Al Safwa First Lounge, you’re in for a treat with top-notch food and service. Even if you’re stuck in the common areas, the variety of gourmet food options available is impressive.
Key Highlights:
- Special Lounges: Qatar Airways lounges, including Al Safwa First Lounge
- Must-Try Dishes: Various gourmet options
- Specialty: Luxurious dining experience
5. Rome Fiumicino Airport: Italian Cuisine Galore
Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is practically an extension of the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Serving iconic Italian favorites like pizza, pasta, gelato, and paninis, this airport’s dining options offer a delightful slice of Italy. The recently renovated Terminal 1 now includes the Palermo-based Antica Focacceria di San Francesco.
Key Highlights:
- Cuisine Type: Italian
- Must-Try Dishes: Pizza, pasta, gelato, paninis
- Specialty: Antica Focacceria di San Francesco
6. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: Texas on a Plate
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the second-largest in the U.S., is a must-stop for anyone looking to experience authentic Texas BBQ. With dining options like Hickory and The Salt Lick Bar-B-Que, you won’t leave hungry. Don’t miss out on Whataburger, a beloved Texan fast-food chain.
Key Highlights:
- Cuisine Type: Texan BBQ
- Must-Try Dishes: BBQ ribs, brisket
- Specialty: Texas BBQ and Whataburger
7. Munich International Airport: Prost!
Munich International Airport offers 60 dining venues, including a Christmas market during the winter, but the real star is the locally brewed beer. Airbräu beer garden, located right in the airport, claims to be Europe’s only airport brewery.
Key Highlights:
- Number of Dining Venues: 60
- Must-Try Dishes: Local beer, Bavarian pretzels
- Specialty: Airbräu beer garden
8. Tokyo Haneda Airport: Sushi Heaven
Tokyo Haneda Airport might redefine your perception of airport sushi. The Sushi Tsurutei restaurant, located inside Japan Airlines’ first class lounge, offers some of the best sushi. With nearly 50 Japanese restaurants and another 15 Chinese eateries, you’ll have plenty of choices.
Key Highlights:
- Number of Dining Venues: 65 (50 Japanese, 15 Chinese)
- Must-Try Dishes: Sushi, ramen, gyoza
- Specialty: Sushi Tsurutei restaurant
9. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport: Tex-Mex Extravaganza
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport might be smaller than Dallas Fort Worth, but its Tex-Mex offerings are no less impressive. With taquerias and burger bars aplenty, this is the perfect spot to grab a margarita pre-flight.
Key Highlights:
- Cuisine Type: Tex-Mex
- Must-Try Dishes: Tacos, burgers, margaritas
- Specialty: Tex-Mex taquerias
10. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: Southern Comfort Food
As the busiest airport in the U.S., Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson excels in keeping its travelers well-fed. You can sample fine dining at the James Beard-nominated One Flew South or opt for casual Southern fare at Ludacris’s Chicken and Beer.
Key Highlights:
- Cuisine Type: Southern
- Must-Try Dishes: Fried chicken, BBQ, Southern sides
- Specialty: One Flew South, Chicken and Beer
Summary Table
| Airport | Key Highlights | Cuisine Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | 117 dining venues, Turkish Airlines Business Lounge | Turkish cuisine |
| Singapore | 194 eateries, diverse options | Various |
| Seoul | 19 Korean restaurants, Korean Cultural Street | Korean cuisine |
| Doha | Luxurious lounges, Al Safwa First Lounge | Gourmet food |
| Rome | Italian dishes, Terminal 1 renovation with Antica Focacceria di San Francesco | Italian cuisine |
| Dallas | Texas BBQ, Whataburger | Texan BBQ |
| Munich | 60 dining venues, Airbräu beer garden | Bavarian beer and pretzels |
| Tokyo | 50 Japanese restaurants, Sushi Tsurutei | Sushi and Japanese cuisine |
| Houston | Tex-Mex taquerias and burger bars | Tex-Mex |
| Atlanta | Fine dining and Southern food, One Flew South, Chicken and Beer | Southern cuisine |
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Conclusion
Traveling can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be flavorless. The airports listed above offer fantastic dining experiences that might make your layover the highlight of your trip. Next time you’re jet-setting around the globe, be sure to check out these dining hotspots and treat yourself to a culinary adventure right at the airport. Happy munching!
