Japan Airlines (JAL) is expanding its vegetarian inflight dining programme, introducing Asian Vegetarian Meals developed with historic Japanese culinary house Torizen across much of its international network from September 1, 2026.
The expansion follows the introduction of Torizen-supervised vegetarian meals in Economy Class on JAL flights from Tokyo Narita to Delhi and Bengaluru in June.
Following what the airline describes as strong passenger demand and positive feedback, the collaboration will now extend to JAL’s Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVML), available as a special meal across eligible international flights departing Japan.
Vegetarian Meals Expand Beyond JAL’s India Routes
JAL began serving the Torizen-supervised menu on June 1, 2026, as one of the main Economy Class meal options on flights from Narita to Delhi and Bengaluru.
The airline developed the dishes to appeal to Indian passengers looking for familiar flavours while retaining elements of Japanese culinary techniques and seasoning.
Torizen’s curries use aromatic spices combined with the company’s seasoning methods to create vegetarian dishes intended to provide more substantial flavours than conventional special-meal options.
The collaboration was partly influenced by Torizen’s previous experience developing food for a major automobile manufacturer employing a significant number of Indian staff.
Asian Vegetarian Meals Available from September 1
From September 1, Torizen will also supervise JAL’s Asian Vegetarian Meal special menu on international flights departing from Japan, although some routes will be excluded.
Unlike the initial India programme, which is limited to Economy Class, the expanded AVML offering will be available across First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class.
Passengers requiring the vegetarian option will be able to request it through JAL’s special meal service.
The expansion gives passengers travelling from Japan access to the Torizen-developed vegetarian menu across a considerably larger part of JAL’s international network.
JAL Responds to Growing Demand for Special Meals
Airlines have increasingly expanded their special-meal programmes as international passenger demographics and dietary requirements become more diverse.
JAL said its India-route vegetarian dishes have become a popular choice since their introduction, challenging the perception that vegetarian inflight meals need to be limited or simplistic.
The carrier is using the collaboration to combine Indian-inspired spice profiles with Japanese approaches to seasoning and food preparation.
The new menu also allows JAL to provide a more consistent vegetarian option across different cabin classes rather than restricting the concept to a small number of India-bound services.
Torizen Brings Meiji-Era Culinary Heritage Onboard
Torizen was established during Japan’s Meiji era and operates as both a culinary institution and food manufacturer.
The company combines traditional Japanese culinary techniques with modern food production, including recipes and seasoning formulations adapted specifically for inflight dining.
“It is a privilege to partner with Japan Airlines in delivering thoughtfully crafted meals and new culinary delights to vegetarian travelers around the world,” said Yoshitaka Date, President and Representative Director of Torizen.
“The goal is to make every journey in the skies even more memorable and satisfying through this special meal.”
The expanded Torizen Asian Vegetarian Meal programme launches on September 1, 2026, across eligible JAL international departures from Japan.
