Air Canada has teamed up with renowned Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto to enhance its in-flight dining. The Toronto-based chef, who is the owner of Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, one of Canada’s few restaurants dedicated to the traditional art of Kaiseki cuisine, will bring his expertise to Air Canada’s Signature Class. Chef Hashimoto, who has spent over 40 years mastering Kaiseki cuisine since immigrating to Canada, began serving his exclusive menu onboard Air Canada flights between Canada and Japan starting March 1.
The partnership will feature a rotating menu of traditional Japanese dishes, carefully curated to highlight seasonal ingredients. Every year, six new recipes will be introduced. Passengers can expect a variety of dishes, such as sautéed lotus root appetizers, sesame tofu with wasabi sauce side dishes, and a main course of beef sukiyaki served with simmered tofu, scallions, napa cabbage, and red ginger, accompanied by calrose rice and miso soup. A brunch casserole will be served before landing.
Starting in the spring, Air Canada will elevate the dining experience further with traditional Japanese dishware designed by Chef Hashimoto in collaboration with Noritake. The dishware will feature unique Japanese artwork, adding an authentic touch to the in-flight experience.
Scott O’Leary, Vice President of Loyalty and Product at Air Canada, expressed pride in the collaboration: “We are thrilled to offer Chef Hashimoto’s culinary artistry to our Signature Class passengers. His dedication to Kaiseki cuisine has greatly enriched Canada’s culinary scene, and we are excited to bring this to our flights.”
To complement the meals, Air Canada will offer a premium sake pairing selected by Chef Hashimoto’s son, Kei Hashimoto, a certified sake sommelier. The sake, Ninki-ichi Junmai Daiginjo Gold, is known for its clean, crisp taste and smooth, velvety finish. It is made from Gohyakumankoku rice and filtered using the Yabuta system, ensuring exceptional purity and balance with floral and fruity notes.
Chef Hashimoto expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “It has always been my dream to offer an authentic Japanese dining experience to travelers. This collaboration with Air Canada allows me to bring together my two homes—Japan and Canada—and share my love for food and culture.”
This exclusive in-flight dining experience is now available on all Air Canada flights between Canada and Japan.
Air Canada offers the most flights between the two countries, with up to six daily departures from Canadian airports to Japan, including:
- Vancouver to Narita: Daily flights
- Vancouver to Osaka: Four weekly flights
- Toronto to Narita: Daily flights
- Toronto to Haneda: Daily flights
- Toronto to Osaka: Three weekly flights
- Montreal to Narita: Daily flights
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