Alaska Airlines has unveiled a refresh of its onboard dining options on its longer routes in partnership with San Francisco based chef Brandon Jew.
Chef Brandon Jew Puts a Chinese Twist on First Class Meals
Chef Jew is a James Beard award winner and the owner of San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s. He has been working with Alaska Airlines since 2024 and now you’ll find his dishes on more routes.
First Class passengers flying between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) can enjoy Chef Jew’s crafted dishes. According to the airline, Chef Jew is bringing a modern twist to Cantonese cuisine in the skies.
After a successful run with his offerings last fall, Alaska is expanding the offering, adding Chef Jew’s dishes to First Class menus on flights between San Francisco and Boston (BOS), Washington D.C. (both Dulles (IAD) and Reagan National (DCA) Airports), Newark (EWR), and Orlando (MCO).
The new onboard meals give familiar dishes a Chinese twist and will feature Hong Kong French toast, Stemple Creek Ranch braised short ribs, and tea-smoked soy chicken. Chef Jew plans to use local ingredients from San Francisco Bas Area suppliers including Wycen Foods’ Lap Cheong, a traditional cured meat and Stemple Creek, a ranch dedicated to sustainable practices.
Todd Traynor-Corey, Alaska’s Vice President of Products and Experience, had this to say about the partnership between the airline and Chef Jew:
“Chef Jew’s innovative approach and ability to craft dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes make him the ideal partner – and this is just the beginning.”
When asked about the partnership, Alaska Chef Partner Brandon Jew stated:
“I’m grateful to Alaska Airlines for partnering with me in honoring my roots and continuing to bring Chinese food to guests traveling from coast to coast. As I developed my first menu cycle, I learned to rely on sauces that are delicious on their own and to create dishes that evoke a sense of place – whether that’s reminding guests of home or getting them excited to visit San Francisco’s Chinatown where my restaurant is located.”
While I haven’t flown on any of the routes featuring these new dishes, I have had consistently good experiences with my meals onboard my flights in Alaska First Class.
Alaska Partners with Evergreens on a Plant Based Dish in Economy
Customers flying in Economy on Alaska Airlines will have a 100% plant based and gluten free option in partnership with Seattle based fast-casual restaurant chain Evergreens. Beginning April 30, 2025, passengers on most flights over 1,100 miles can enjoy the brand’s Best Laid Plants grain bowl onboard.
The bowl includes Chimichurri Tofu, avocado, quinoa, and a side of Mango Habanero Dressing. The dish is exclusively available for preorder online or via the Alaska Airlines app. Dave Rodriguez, Food and Beverage Planning and Programs Manager at Alaska Airlines, said this about the new offering:
“This fresh, flavorful dish is not only a healthy choice — it’s good for the planet. We created the Best Laid Plants grain bowl to prove plant-based food doesn’t have to be bland. After extensive taste testing with employees and focus groups — even the most dedicated carnivores agree: it’s a winner.”
While this meal certainly wouldn’t be my first choice, I’m sure it will be well received by many of Alaska’s frequent flyers. For Alaska Airlines’ full spring onboard menu, click here.
Summary
As part of its seasonal refresh of its onboard dining options, Alaska Airlines has partnered with San Francisco based chef Brandon Jew on some Chinese inspired dishes that will appear in First Class on select routes. The carrier is also bringing a 100% plant based option to its Economy cabin with the introduction of a tofu bowl from Seattle based Evergreens.
I’ve had great experiences with the food and beverage offerings on my Alaska Airlines flight. Between the food and the service it helps make up for the hard product which isn’t as competitive as you’ll find on other carriers.
(Images courtesy Alaska Airlines)