Air Canada has taken its premium in-flight dining experience to new heights with the addition of Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto to its esteemed culinary panel. Renowned for his mastery of Kaiseki cuisine, Chef Hashimoto brings his signature artistry to the airline’s Signature Class passengers traveling between Canada and Japan.

Elevating the Culinary Journey

Hailing from Toronto, Chef Hashimoto is the visionary behind Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, one of Canada’s few restaurants dedicated to the intricate, multi-course tradition of Kaiseki dining. With over four decades of expertise, he has meticulously refined his craft, blending precision, seasonal ingredients, and cultural authenticity into each dish. His exclusive menu for Air Canada debuted on March 1, offering travelers an immersive taste of Japanese culinary heritage at 35,000 feet.

“We are proud to present Chef Hashimoto’s exceptional culinary artistry in our Signature Class experience,” said Scott O’Leary, Loyalty and Product at Air Canada. “His journey and dedication to Kaiseki cuisine have enriched Canada’s culinary landscape, and we are honoured to celebrate this onboard.”

A Rotating Selection of Exquisite Dishes

Passengers flying Air Canada’s Signature Class on Canada-Japan routes will be treated to a rotating selection of Kaiseki-inspired dishes, ensuring a dynamic and evolving dining experience throughout the year. Six distinct recipes will be introduced annually, each carefully curated to reflect the essence of traditional Japanese flavors.

“It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to bring an authentic Japanese in-flight dining experience to travellers. Partnering with Air Canada is truly an honour for me, as it brings together the two places I now call home—Japan and Canada,” said Chef Masaki Hashimoto.

Among the standout offerings are:

• Zensai (Appetizers): Delicacies such as sautéed lotus root, prepared to highlight natural flavors and textures.
• Komono (Side Dishes): Highlights include sesame tofu drizzled with wasabi sauce, adding a delicate balance of richness and spice.
• Oshokuji (Main Course): A refined beef sukiyaki dish, accompanied by simmered tofu, napa cabbage, scallions, and a touch of red ginger. Served with premium calrose rice and miso soup, this main course offers an authentic and satisfying Japanese dining experience.
• Brunch Casserole: A specially designed dish served before landing, ensuring passengers enjoy a fulfilling meal to conclude their journey.

Authentic Presentation with Traditional Japanese Dishware

Air Canada is further elevating the in-flight dining experience by collaborating with renowned Japanese tableware brand Noritake. Beginning this spring, meals will be presented on elegant dishware featuring traditional Japanese artwork, hand-selected by Chef Hashimoto to complement the visual and sensory appeal of each course.

“This collaboration allows us both to bridge the rich cultural landscapes of each country and celebrate our shared values of care, respect, and connection.”

Curated Sake Pairings for a Complete Experience

No Kaiseki experience is complete without a perfectly paired sake. To enhance the meal, Air Canada is offering a premium sake selection chosen by Kei Hashimoto, Chef Hashimoto’s son and a certified Kiki sake-shi (sake sommelier) accredited by the Sake Service Institute in Tokyo.

The featured sake, Ninki-ichi Junmai Daiginjo Gold, is crafted using Gohyakumankoku sake rice, prized for its purity and well-balanced flavor. Filtered with the Yabuta method, this sake delivers a smooth, floral, and subtly fruity profile, creating a harmonious pairing with the delicate flavors of Kaiseki cuisine.

Unparalleled Connectivity Between Canada and Japan

With Air Canada offering the most non-stop flights between Canada and Japan, travelers can indulge in Chef Hashimoto’s refined culinary creations on all flights between the two countries. This summer, the airline will operate up to six daily flights connecting major Canadian hubs with key destinations in Japan.

By introducing this exclusive Kaiseki experience, Air Canada continues to redefine the in-flight dining landscape, offering travelers an authentic taste of Japanese gastronomy with a Michelin-starred touch. Whether embarking on a business trip or a cultural journey, passengers can now savor the precision and elegance of Kaiseki cuisine at cruising altitude.

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