Sad sandwiches and overpriced snacks at the airport can be a big turnoff for passengers. Thankfully, some terminals are changing the game with food that’s worth showing up early for. In fact, some food is so good that people won’t mind even planning a layover around. Let’s learn more about the top airports where the food is genuinely part of the journey.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
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People love Changi for its butterfly garden, but the reason you would want to spend some extra time here is for its food. The food options here feel like a city tour. Violet Oon serves bold Peranakan dishes like dry laksa. Even the staff canteen is amazing and packed with affordable local options like chicken rice.
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
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If you missed sushi in Tokyo, don’t worry. Narita gives you another chance. Sushi Kyotatsu serves fresh cuts right by the gates. There’s also tempura that’s light, hot, and perfectly crisp. It’s a smart move to skip airplane food and fill up here instead.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
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DXB treats food like fashion, which is bold, fast, and always on trend. You’ll find shawarma stands next to upscale spots like Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen. French pastries, Indian thalis, and Middle Eastern street snacks all show up here. You don’t even have to splurge to eat well.
Istanbul Airport (IST)
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At Istanbul airport, food is hard to choose. You could grab a simple simit and tea or sit down for slow-roasted lamb and stuffed eggplants – it really depends on how long until your next flight. Tadında Anadolu covers regional Turkish dishes. And yes, Salt Bae’s Nusr-Et is here if you’re into the showmanship.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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SFO takes food seriously, bans fast food chains, and focuses on local, sustainable options. At Napa Farms Market, you can grab a quinoa bowl or freshly pressed juice. Bun Mee makes banh mi sandwiches with house-roasted pork and crunchy pickled veggies.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
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You can experience real Southern cooking at ATL. One Flew South feels upscale without being stiff. Try their bourbon-glazed pork belly or a sushi roll with a twist. Chicken + Beer, owned by Ludacris, brings fried chicken, waffles, and local beer to your gate.
Portland International Airport (PDX)
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PDX doesn’t feel like an airport. It feels like Portland in a miniature size. Blue Star Donuts offers fun flavors like blueberry bourbon. Deschutes Brewery pours local beers. And the prices are exactly what you'd pay outside the airport. There’s no gouging, just good food.
Munich International Airport (MUC)
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This is the only airport with its own brewery. Airbräu makes fresh beer on-site and serves German classics like schnitzel and sausage platters. If you're flying during winter, check out the Christmas market inside. You’ll find warm pretzels and mulled wine before takeoff.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
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Skip the snack bar and head to Duddell’s for Michelin-starred dim sum. You can also get comfort food at Ho Hung Kee, known for wonton noodles and silky congee. Every dish here leans into tradition. It's fast, but nothing feels rushed.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
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Heathrow offers more than quick bites. Plane Food by Gordon Ramsay serves hearty meals with a view of the runway. Caviar House & Prunier gives you seafood and champagne if you're feeling fancy. Terminal pop-ups change often and highlight new UK food brands.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
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At Austin-Bergstrom, you’ll smell the BBQ before you see the gate. The Salt Lick dishes smoked brisket and sausage links with no shortcuts. Tacodeli serves breakfast tacos that locals swear by. Live music in the terminal completes the Austin vibe before you even leave town.
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
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ICN makes food part of the travel experience. Try hot bowls of bibimbap or spicy kimchi stew. The Korean Culture Street recreates traditional village architecture and offers food tied to heritage. It feels like a soft landing or a strong sendoff, depending on your direction.
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
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If you’re flying home, the food at this airport is your last real Italian meal, so make sure you don’t waste it. FCO serves food that would hold up anywhere in Rome. At Eataly, you can buy pasta or wine or just sit down for a pizza. Antica Focacceria brings Sicilian classics like arancini and caponata.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
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DFW serves Texas-sized portions of comfort. Pappadeaux dishes out fried shrimp, catfish, and creamy étouffée. The Salt Lick keeps things smoky with slow-cooked ribs and brisket. With more than 70 dining spots, you can go fancy or casual without leaving the terminal.
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
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Hamad turns airport dining into something special with a long list of amazing eateries. Harrods Tea Room serves finger sandwiches and fine teas in elegant surroundings. The Oreo Café plays it fun with milkshakes and over-the-top desserts. Not to mention, the indoor garden and art installations make it feel like a destination on its own.