How Airplane Food is Made? Inside Gate Gourmet Kitchen

8am in the morning, the daily Singapore Airlines A380 just arrived in Zurich. I was filming the busy unloading and loading catering into the plane. They have only 1 hour to finish loading and cleaning of the SuperJumbo jet.
Then I was given a backstage tour inside Gate Gourmet flight kitchen in Zurich to see how airplane meals are made. All the meals are made in precision to recipe, with the same portion and quality.
I flew out of Zurich the next day, on Singapore Airlines A380. I have a choice of both Western and Asian cuisine designed by the chef at Gate Gourmet. I chose my favorite dish after seeing all the meal options on-board.
This video gives an insight from menu design to cooking, execution, delivery and finally tasting on-board!
For more information visit gategroup: www.gategroup....
Visit Instagram of Gate Gourmet and gategroup / gategourmet
/ gategroup_official
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In this exclusive fly on the wall documentary and behind the scenes special, I investigate what goes in to making sure that every on-board meal served by Singapore Airlines on their super jumbo-jet Airbus A380s is fresh, tasty, filling and consistent. I film and work alongside the Swiss airline catering company Gate Gourmet as they use sophisticated methods within their factory in Zurich to produce restaurant quality cuisine for the hundreds of passengers aboard these flights and also as they prepare the environment of the A380 for such brilliant dishes!
I start by experiencing what it’s like to work on board the Gate Gourmet catering trucks. These special trucks are equipped with a nifty little on-board elevator to bring the prepared food up to the level of the aeroplane’s passenger entrance for simple, level loading of the food. Gate Gourmet have just one hour to load everything on board but everything is ordered within the truck for a logical and seamless disembarking of the dishes.
After witnessing this masterclass in aeroplane preparation, I head to the Gate Gourmet factory in the Swiss capital to see where all of this food comes from and how Gate Gourmet ensure that hygiene is maintained from start to finish. At the start of the food preparation factory tour, I see the cataloguing, washing and storing of all of the raw ingredients which are received from vegetables to meats to spices and the intensive and meticulous washing of the dishes, cutlery and metal trolleys and trays used in food service aboard the flight. None of the washing of the dishes is done by hand - instead, all of the dishes are washed in a huge dishwasher at high temperatures and with antibacterial chemicals, which sees a whopping 14,000 glasses cleaned at the factory per day.
The Gate Gourmet facility produces in the region of 65,000 aeroplane meals a day. To maintain consistency across that many dishes, the factory makes use of its own invented coordinated recipe assembly procedure, with all of the ingredients pre-weighed, cut and segregated for the chefs to be able to work their magic and cook and prepare things such as chicken breasts and delicious rhubarb crumbles in their in-house patisserie and bakery - it is a great source of pride for Gate Gourmet to have their dessert production completely in-house.
In the final assembly of the meals, regular sampling ensures that the weights of the meals comply with strict consistent weight rules set by Singapore airlines - each meal must weigh the same as all of the others of its type to the gram.
Back at Zurich Airport, I take a flight out of Switzerland with Singapore Airlines aboard one of their A380s which has been stocked, loaded by Gate Gourmet. I am lucky enough to get a bulkhead seat with unlimited leg room and, during the meal service on board, I am delighted to try both the Western and Asian main meal offerings of Gate Gourmet on this particular flight and you can see footage of me having fun in the development kitchen of Gate Gourmet with chefs Dennis Puchert and CK trying to make both.
Let me know whether you think you would have preferred the Asian or the Western dish in the comments!

[@SamChui]

This video gives an insight from menu design to cooking, execution, delivery and finally tasting on-board! I hope you like it and get to appreciate these behind the scene work.

[@andreabraschi4123]

nice of you to make a tribute to the invisible workers

[@maxelsoro6292]

Ohh wow thats interesting Sam The question is How to execute like on Singapore airline if the interior maintainance Is in on first class like these on your video

[@LKS._.]

Thanks Sam! This video was very intresting!👍👍

[@salmonfatty]

Hey Sam! You may wish to note that the appetisers served are beef and chicken “satay”, and not “saute”! With love, from Singapore 🇸🇬! :)

[@nickwestedt2344]

Sam is an exellent chef!

[@jaryd7515]

I feel like Sam wanted to work in the aviation industry but was so intrigued by all of it he couldn't choose a specific area. Now he gets to show us all of it

[@mr.sneaker2451]

Jrod He hasn’t done how the toilet waste clean on the airplane

[@internetexplorer7143]

@Mr. Sneaker They get cleaned?

[@mamuanimaryjane596]

😂😂😂😂

[@audrey.c1]

Baker: *says a good amount of words in German and looks like he's giving a detailed explanation* Tour Guide:"This is the base for the cake"

[@louisewallwork3752]

I thought this too ahaha

[@Synthesist82]

@@louisewallwork3752 Me too :D

[@lizaelliott6862]

He was saying the ingredients of the base, like flour, sugar, and such

[@roxanneworld11]

well, compared to so many other languages German is incredibly *precise!* and it's funny! but no surprise at all! 🤣😃

[@malick106]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@esitu5655]

The enthusiasm of Chef Menge (and the other chefs) is a great example of someone that loves his job. I think this is one of Sam’s best videos.

[@NLaertes]

Respect to all cabin cleaning staff, thanks Sam for showing us these behind the scenes look

[@stewardang4939]

Refreshing to see videos that aren’t a flight review... too many of those on youtube now, but so very few telling the story of all the hard work behind the scenes to bring all that glitz & glam to fruition...

[@chipblock2854]

When I worked for Continental Airlines (retired in 2006) I was in the Zurich Gate Gourmet kitchen many times. This was their flagship kitchen. My job was to inspect catering kitchens throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, and the middle east for food quality and service. Some of the visits I made to this kitchen was giving out quality awards. Gate Gourmet was and are the top of the inflight catering. They have catering kitchens all over the world. What is not shown in this video is the size of the kitchen. By the way I was not paid to say this. It sure brings back fond memories.

[@eurofox2240]

I remember continental airlines. They where the first airline I ever flew on.

[@flipballaz93]

What qualifications do you need for your job? Im currently working as a commis chef but i want to work in the airline food industry

[@MC-tt4mw]

Worked at gate gourmet in Newark, Nj. Everything u said is true.. miss it so much

[@uprounded]

It's always a pleasure to take off from Zurich, not only because of the airport but the amazing food preparation - regardless of the airline. Zurich in my opinion has by far the best airline catering.

[@vbuddhdev]

Behind the scenes are always more learning then experience...keep on making such behind the preparations videos before flight and for all the top 20 airlines in the world.

[@pandersonnike]

I'm glad we've seen Sam Chui's channel evolved from flight reviews, which I still enjoy, to show more how the industry works in general. People don't truly think the amount of work or staff is needed for upkeep alone when it comes to cleaning and restocking it with food. Let alone how the food is made.

[@SamChui]

thank you for the compliments. I started showing my flights and doing reviews but I've learnt there are so much more in aviation. I will also look at technology in the future

[@pandersonnike]

@@SamChui The technology behind flying is so fascinating. Planes are getting more and more efficient, and can go farther than ever before. That said, I hope supersonic flight can come back one day since I wish I had an opportunity to fly the Concorde, but I was way too young during the 90s and early 2000s for it.

[@captainsinclair7954]

Gate Gourmet Kitchen is like a chef’s best dream. Working to make lots of dishes that the passengers will enjoy on their flight.

[@isabellawaller5327]

So great to give the some of the many people working hard behind the scenes of commercial flights credit! They do a great job keeping all of the travellers safe and fed!

[@bakeryyakisobabread]

It’s a fantastic video! Now I understand why the flights are expensive. And I think it’s reasonable because lots of people working at background. As a airplane taker, really appreciate to those people!

[@karenmessinger9609]

I'm impressed with the place that hired the 'burn out" people. They are proud of helping them with a job just as they should be. Much respect to them for doing so.

[@peterbeukering2109]

I truly love this kind of videos. The behind the scenes and interaction with ground staff is lovely to see. Looking forward to sing more of this.

[@coraceniza4863]

I worked for 11 yrs airline catering here in Philadelphia,Dobbbs International then bought by Gate Gourmet but unfortunately Gate Gourmet closed ....I loved what I was doing,from a setting up first class meals to a flight checker,I check food carts before it was brought up to the airplane...I missed what I did for 11 yrs,1994-2005...

[@chipblock2854]

I may have saw you during one of many inspections there. I worked for Continental Airlines. Before Gate Gourmet, I loved all of te Dobbs locations. It wasn't the management but the employees that made Dobbs so great. Too bad Dobbs had to sell out.

[@coraceniza4863]

@@chipblock2854 Hi :) thank you for the response...Yes,maybe I met you...I started working for Dobbs International in the kitchen for US Airways,United Airlines then for the management for Gate Gourmet in 1997 as a flight checker for US Airways,United Airlines,American Airlines,Continental,TWA ...so sad some of these airlines are gone...do you still work for the airlines?is there still Continental airlines?

[@matthiashaenni]

I wanted to become a Swissair cook at Zurich when I grew up. It is Gate Gourmet now which provides culinary highlights. Sam, your report did not only put a huge smile on my face, but also shows that delicious food and aviation are a most wonderful combination. Huge like from me!! Cheers Matt

[@rmknicks]

I love Zurich!!

[@SahraSomali]

Matt's Aviation Channel greets from Zurich☺️

[@matthiashaenni]

@@b8l_60x Very cool :) Cheers!

[@matthiashaenni]

@@SahraSomali Greetings from Bern :)

[@chandrasekarank.l9146]

It is nice to watch the behind the scenes of how dedicated people prepare food for airlines is amazing. To me it is eye opener. Thanks for the revelations.

[@venky76v]

Brilliant video Sam ... Thanks for behind the scenes stuff .. never do people realize how much work and effort goes behind the scenes to make the customer journey a moment to cherish .. brilliant stuff 👏👏👏

[@chisepochirwa4898]

Sam, you made heroes of people that do background work that we take for granted. You're such a good man.

[@ExpressAndExploreLife]

always nice to see you again in switzerland my home country and at ZRH airport behind the scene. we all can learn alot about what is done in the back round before we enter the plane as guests it takes alot of hard work and effort so all can fly safely and enjoy the flight

[@shivarajacharya5917]

I work at Qatar Airways. U bring smile on my face whenever I watch your video.

[@frankiep1387]

Sam, you have the most amazing job in the world! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

[@stuartstonebridge2341]

I am a Chef for the past 56 years and have never experienced inflight catering this was very interesting thank you so much Sam

[@huangdaniel7151]

Love the 'behind the sence' video! Singapore Airline has a good service because of the hard-working staffs!

[@madelainewinger7014]

Back in the 80's I worked for Sage Foods just outside of Chicago. They were an inflight food distributor (bought out by Kraft in 1986) that had offices all over the US near major airports. I was a csr and handled Sky Chef, Dobbs, Marriott, Gladieux and several other inflight food kitchens. It was the BEST JOB I ever had. Unfortunately, September 11th along with some other business issues resulted in the demise of Sage Foods...sad, it was a fantastic place to work. And the food was GOOD, especially the deserts - Fantasia Confections, Bavarian Confections, Chef Air deserts...great memories.

[@tomy5885]

Sam doing manual labour was literally the funniest thing I’ve seen today. Looks so out of place 😂

[@missy1607]

ikr i about died when he said that he's just acting like he's working lolololollll

[@SamChui]

Haha! 😂 I knew someone will pick this up. But hey i need to at least give it a go to have a feel how the work is being done. Work Experience for a day, or an hour out there!

[@gallaro26]

@@SamChui Sir I really love your aviation videos . I recently heard about the Project Sunrise by Qantas Australia and was wishing you would be part of it . It would be interesting to know your views.

[@daveschwartz5893]

Should try working on the ramp loading a flight. Or better yet try pulling flights in the bagroom. I'll personal give him the VIP treatment. Won't last an hour.

[@beefbrisket168]

I used to prepare all the bar carts and linens for a few airlines with this company. I also worked for another company where I did ground handling services like cabin cleaning ( both quick turns and Remain overnights) and baggage handling

[@shonen84]

9:58 the hero we get but don’t deserve

[@erikalomeli272]

Hands down to those hard working people those are the ones to take in concentration I've entered a plane millions of times and has never been dirty thank you.

[@LiveInSydney]

That was really interesting and I loved the tour by Gate Gourmet! Hilarious that your flipped the entire chicken 🐔 Bernie in Sydney

[@SamChui]

That flip was total surprise move, not even planned!

[@TAILSORANGEs]

@@SamChui Thank you for showing us how these airlines contract and prepare their catering. Thank you for showing us how Singapore Airlines keeps its cabin clean and pristine. Greetings from Singapore

[@thethtun3617]

Thank god he didn’t waste it by throwing away. I would also eat it with rice on the spot.

[@nathanpolancos183]

This is the type of quality all airlines should follow

[@abitofeverything7892]

That flight attendant lady you were talking to before the end of the video is really beautiful

[@sukyshah9581]

She is an indian

[@emikeholland]

It’s so amazing how fast they do all that work for cleaning the plane! Also now I know how the delisious food is made! 🥚🌽🥓🌽🥚🥨🍅🌽🥓🥙🍉🌭🥘🥩🍅🌽🥙🥯🍒🥒🍖🥒🌭🥓🥒🍑🥚🥙

[@boydr7160]

Better Title: How First class and Business Class Food is Made.

[@katesmith8897]

You all get similar food

[@elijaha773]

Nobody shows how economy food is made.

[@NippleTechnology-cc8bg]

economy meals are made in the back engine

[@Kingsleyj09]

@@NippleTechnology-cc8bg FAX

[@norbipiotrowski4205]

@@katesmith8897 not really

[@beautifullife3549]

SG airlines one of the best , clean, good food, crew staff well manner !!! That was I experienced during my flight !!👌👍🙏😍

[@khiarov]

9:02 *speaks German for 5 seconds* chef: it's the base for the cake me: :|

[@samuelaksu2686]

He Said its sugar eggs flour and milk mixed togehter i think but he has a very strange accent

[@porsched]

@@samuelaksu2686 schwitzerdütsch halt^^

[@onurberber5199]

haha poor german.

[@cody1804]

@@samuelaksu2686 Schweiz

[@JustMe-12345]

onur berber Schwiizerdütsch (Swiss German, sounds similar, Swiss people can speak German but different. Eg like French and Italian)

[@loridoolaghty3453]

It looks like they take great pride in their meals. I'm impressed.

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

At my airport, we don’t have to worry about that many flights for food production. Usually one flight a day. Easy job

[@hekkwasu6332]

Cuz your airport is busy dealing with missiles lol

[@mattm4497]

and no food. Except for you.

[@globalcomparisons1973]

KIM I LOVE YOU! AND AIR KORYO ON THE BEIJING TO PYONGYANG SUNAN ROUTE

[@kulttuurihai1791]

Greetings from Finland! Happy, Happy and Happy summer evening to everybody!

[@rmknicks]

I'll be in Helsinki in the spring. Can't wait!

[@mjfreespirit]

Sam looks like a kid in a candy store! His genuine enthusiasm shows. Awesome experience Sam! So happy you have such an amazing relationship with the world of aviation!

[@airpanache]

They are truly unsung heroes. Thank you so much Sam, for showing us the amazing orchestration of all the different parts to make a flight run smoothly, and the dedication these amazing people have offered. Extra kudos to all the chefs :D

[@marcoluta5538]

I'm so glad you did a Video about how they prepare food. I wonder about that lately. You did it well Sam! Even if you spill off the dish 😅 We still Love you! Hope to see you soon 😉

[@ΕυαγγελιαΜ-ο4φ]

It is so sweet and kind of you that you answer to the comments (or at least to some of them) having over a million of sunscribers and so sad of those who has just a few thousands and don't even bother to answer🤗👍👍👍Great job for both (videos and replying)👏👌

[@AlexisKamille]

aviation is so interesting, so much goes into the flight. love these videos Sam!!

[@RamakrishnanSRM]

Like comfort food, comfort movie, This is my comfort KZbin channel. Thank you Sam Chui for all your videos.

[@lrg3834]

65,000 meals/day multiplied by 365 days/year equals 23,725,000 meals/year. That's a serious catering operation.

[@briand4000]

You've become a tour-de-force in the travel industry. The production value is excellent and your kindness towards these professionals working so hard for us really shows. Bravo, sir!

[@goonerjoe11]

Sam, it’s amazing all the stuff you do, and yet everything is related to aviation!

[@nicunursie9025]

Singapore by far has the best food/selection and business class product!!

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

The food looks good. 14K glasses a day? Wow, cool to learn more about the process

[@Phipsr]

My mom's employer at the Zurich Airport back in the 90s when gate gourmet still belonged to Swissair. Thanks for the video Sam and all you do!

[@hotcocacola]

Sam, i think its your top3 video! Its nice to see thiskind of video. We need more!

[@XteamMAB]

He is the only travel blogger who gets special access

[@joshisfishy]

Thank you Sam for showing the behind the scenes of Singapore Airlines. You would make a great caterer ;) What was your favorite part of the experience?

[@SamChui]

I always like action so on the ramp watching A380 coming in and all the turn around activities send my heart beat faster! But I also liked the cooking part where I accidentally flipped the chicken outside of the pan!

[@sleepyvtek9]

I used to be a catering food driver for another company. was good fun working there!

[@sitinooraqylahabdulazid9892]

Sam: "I wish you guys can smell through the camera" Me: "I wish I can too ahaha"

[@audreybrown5901]

You embody so much joy, Sam! It’s so obvious that you get such thrill exploring behind the scenes. Love following your adventures around the world. I am a loyal fan!

[@manug4379]

You are best and you are doing the best. Thank you Sam.

[@YusukeShirogane]

I love behind the scenes videos

[@Sfk887]

We always fly Singapore, very good airline.

[@barber215]

This is great. Cheers to showing how things go on behind the scenes. I always knew it was tough to keep that many details in order, but it's also really specific and to the nines. Hope to see more of these. Thank you

[@beastonabun4618]

I like the chicken toss scene the most 🤣

[@jerichoadiwarna9473]

Finally you’re back on SQ! This one of the most interesting videos I’ve ever seen in your channel. Excellent work Sam! Keep all those videos coming! Greetings from Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@SamChui]

Thank you for your kind comment.

[@ipobwaranyu83]

I just love the way u making videos, not just review the airplanes but actually all over thing relate to it. Thank you Sam!

[@nishantpalla4580]

Best video ever seen in the recent times, thanks for showing a lot of things to us which we may never get access in the life time.

[@Schutzengel64]

You have not seen much, i guess.

[@dallecordero4915]

Ah...That's the reason why Singapore Airlines' food is excellent..I loved it!

[@alexanderh.999]

Glad to see they change the linens on the Singapore airline plane. Every airline should do it otherwise it's just filthy! Sanitation is just as important

[@victoriannecastle]

Or remove the pillow. Better nothing than use a pillow that have been used by ten people before you.

[@tracywalker244]

Alexander Huang I wonder if they only changed the linens because Sam was there???

[@victoriannecastle]

@@tracywalker244 Actually, that's the reason. ;)

[@bellaolum1230]

Airplanes are so dirty - I hate flying yuck!

[@rolandocruz1695]

Gate Gourmet is really taking care of the customer! Amazing company and team

[@dennisdalessio8238]

Sam, such a interesting review on the catering loading process. Thanks

[@ayshaaysha3578]

I wonder how enthusiastic were the Workers there to explain all those process to you!!

[@blackberry8840]

I lived so long that i saw a guy that knocks on the airplane door before he gets in, now i can die in peace.

[@litsupreme5424]

Yes, it’s airlines and most catering companies policy to do that. 1 to make sure nobody is behind the door as you try to open it and the person behind it doesn’t get hit with the handle. 2 in case there is other stuff in the way like blankets when the cleaning crew is aboard doing their duties , they can remove them. 3 making sure you’re letting flight attendant know you’re trying to open the door and to make sure they give you the thumbs up to get the okay that the door has been disarmed. You don’t want to open a door while it’s armed and secure 😂.

[@kounanununglastcallmediath569]

I just love to watch you for such a humility... Such a humble 👍❤️

[@AirTravel415]

3:36 Sam: Almost 30 kg Also Sam: Carries it by himself with ease

[@caznagilder]

That's hard work man. One hour to clean that plane? Legends. Too many people take for granted the well oiled machine that goes into flying.

[@mrinaldesire1987]

I always travel the cattle class - The Economy Trust me I have never seen that food in my plate!!

[@feliscuragi4779]

🤣🤣😂😂😂 Yoooo wth. Funniest comment ever.

[@boringopr4369]

Wow who knew I'd get to see the job I use to do back in the 80s I use to drive those food catering bobtail trucks I started from the bottom work my way up to lead driver I wonder if anyone ever heard of Marriott in flite services it was a division of Marriott hotels at the LAX international airport in Los Angeles California I remember the airlines we catered let's see how many remember the airlines I'm going to mention Muse air, Braniff international,El AL and many others that I just can't remember but as I remember them I'll edit and ad on more good job Sam you brought old memories those where fun days for me thanks

[@dr.nobody3399]

Just SWISS quality Love it

[@denniss5512]

Sam,Absolutely your best video yet. Awesome to see you recongnize the people behind the scens that make your travels so much more enjoyable.

[@majatumamao6754]

I love Singapore airlines ❤️

[@TheEvoxTurbo]

I have to say, satay on the MH offering would always be my favorite. The SA satay unmistakably good, but the MH is just a level above. Great insight on our inflight food. Should do more videos like this! Keep em flyin!

[@harshmishra5504]

Best vlogger ever... 😘😘 Love you sam

[@suryavir2598]

The worst

[@stevenwitkowski6697]

I was an airline caterer in Tampa from 1986-2002. I seen alot of changes in the catering kitchen. Love the video!!!!!

[@isaac7769]

Good work Sam, you are HIRED !!😂❤

[@SamChui]

lol 😂

[@funwithfriendsfun5684]

Lollll

[@funwithfriendsfun5684]

Lol

[@pierresihite8854]

XD

[@cruxader27]

*after flipping the chicken* Boss: You're fired! 😂

[@Eyefillet1969]

Singapore Airlines ..my personal favourite

[@CYTL1960]

Thumbs Up for all those hard-working people.

[@tommalfoy8539]

The VP guy who's showing Sam around the kitchen seems so friendly and humble.

[@nycflyertravel]

I wish United was as thorough with their cabin cleaning

[@pandersonnike]

It honestly depends on the flight. When it's a very quick turnaround due to earlier delays, they rush it. When it's a long haul flight with the plane on site for a while, it's usually clean.

[@nycflyertravel]

I sat in gum on my last United flight

[@EricPetersen2922]

Sadly all American carriers are not so good :(

[@VMCAviationVideos]

Good luck

[@afcacbs8544]

Eric Petersen Delta long-haul is really good tbh, better than KLM and other carriers (Economy).

[@HaCkEr6662k7]

So geil der Typ bei 9:03, er listet alle Zutaten auf und der Chef übersetzt ganz praktisch :D

[@lornaoliveros8733]

That kung pao chicken face off was hilarious...better stay inside the cabin Sam...lol

[@sophiecat2161]

Definitely one of the cleanest/quality airlines.

[@mayamatharu1763]

“I wish you guys could smell the camera”. We can 😅

[@andrewb5713]

Very impressed with how the company employs disadvantaged people, excellent

[@asams7255]

I'm flying Singapore airlines tomorrow. I've been on them once before when I was 6 and I remember it being amazing

[@tomknox7425]

safe flight :) singapore is really amazing

[@AyaanMahor]

Liar liar back some 🔥... just joking

[@sophiecat2161]

So nice to see workers gently being reintroduced to work after a break due to health etc. Uk companies take note!

[@pierreh9375]

I love this video. Thank you Sam! The chicken flip had me crying with laughter

[@TheProjectBoss]

That man that was smiling all through lights up my day!! Love his smile 😃 I

[@stanleyzhang5058]

Thanks Sam, I really love your video!

[@jaydub51512]

Well done Sam and Gate Gourmet for the behind-the-scenes look - very impressive food preparation, and inspiring to hear about your work with Wisli Foundation. I especially loved that Sam had a couple of fans in the kitchen!

[@oscarmartinez4830]

@0:13 - imagine working hard to afford first class and the meal you get has some of Sam's nose hairs lmao

[@purelle626]

Yeah, that was gross