IANS

New Delhi, Aug 29: German carrier Lufthansa Saturday unveiled a new in-flight menu to give its first and business class passengers on India route a rich gourmet experience with Indian culinary delights especially crafted by two well-known chefs.

Prawn curry masala, Tomato pappu (lentils), khade masale ka paneer (cottage cheese), lal mans (lamb) and Alleppey fish curry are some of the creations of Farman Ali and Surender Mohan, both of them master chefs with the Leela group.

"We aim to turn our flights into a truly special experience. This includes savouring the cooking skills of our famous 'Star Chefs'," said Axel Hilgers, Lufthansa's director for South Asia.

"We cater to specific preferences of Indian customers. Together with our selection of world class wines and personal service, fine Indian dining above the clouds assures our guests a memorable journey," he said during a media preview at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here.

The carrier operates 54 flights a week to seven Indian destinations and will celebrate its 50th anniversary of its operations to India later this year.

"Royal menus from the four corners of India have always fascinated me," said chef Ali, who is a known expert in Hyderabadi, Awadhi, Kashmiri and Marwari cuisines. "We have ensured the flavours stay intact on board."

Sous Chef Mohan, who had impressed former US president Bill Clinton during a visit to Goa with his chicken makhani, Biryani and dal-e-jamavar, said: "When I cook, India literally comes alive. I hope passengers are able to relish the same."

The new menu also includes a range of Indian desserts like malai kulfi, rasmalai, kesar phirni and gulab jamun, which will join continental-style chocolate parfait with green lime syrup to round off the meal. These are in addition to regular German cuisine.

The carrier has partnered with the Leela chain for in-flight dining out of India.

"We look at our partnership as a free branding for our hospitality chain and its restaurants. Passengers who travel in the business and first class are our main clients as well," said Rajiv Kaul, senior vice president of the hotel group.

In July, Lufthansa was the first airline to connect Mumbai, India's commercial and entertainment hub, and Munich with a regular all-business class service to Europe.