How to Survive—No, Enjoy—Airport Food

Arati Menon, Hannah Towey
·2 min read

Maggie Cowles

When it comes to our travels, we are meticulous planners: earnestly optimizing our airline miles, comparing dozens of hotels, and snapping up the hottest dinner reservations weeks in advance. So why is it that, when it comes to feeding ourselves at the airport, we are rendered helpless—wandering aimlessly, queuing endlessly, and swiping credit cards left and right? We’ve all been there, face-to-face with a tasteless turkey club (that we didn’t actually want), washed down with a heavily upcharged glass of Pinot.

But is all airport food deserving of the bad rep it has? Is the landscape as bleak as we make it out to be? Like anything else in travel, we’d like to think the right amount of snooping and prodding, and in the right directions, will yield unexpected wins—whether that means discovering the allure of the Japadog stand by the parking lot in Vancouver International Airport, tracking down that best-selling tub of crunchy prawn roll in the vastness of Singapore’s Changi, or spending a layover strawberry-picking next to Narita Airport.

In the hopes of proving this—as much to ourselves as to you—we’ve tapped our editors and writers to share their most memorable airport meals around the world, wax eloquent about airport sushi, chronicle a food diary on a blizzard-hit night spent in Halifax airport, and much more. Look to these stories when you need tips on how to navigate your way to the best airport restaurants—we promise they’re out there (no lounge access required). And when all else fails, there’s always fruit snacks and a hummus cup from Hudson News.

37 Unforgettable Airport Meals Around the World

<cite class="credit">Maggie Cowles</cite>
Maggie Cowles

From chicharron sandwiches in Lima to a noodle buffet in Tokyo and a fried chicken plate in Atlanta, we're revealing the airport food our editors keep returning to. Read the full story here.

The Best Airport Snacks From Hudson News, According to Our Editors

When time is short and spirit is flagging, here is what we pick up at the ubiquitous duty-free retailer. Read the full story here.

15 Hours in the Halifax Airport: A Blizzard-Bound Food Diary

<cite class="credit">Maggie Cowles</cite>
Maggie Cowles

Stranded by a blizzard at the Halifax airport, two friends eat their way through the delay. Read the full story here.

The Best Places to Eat in Singapore’s Changi Airport

For late-night dim sums, all-day kaya toasts, and pillowy roll cakes to go. Read the full story here.

The Psychology Behind Buying Bad Airport Food—Again and Again

<cite class="credit">Maggie Cowles</cite>
Maggie Cowles

Writer Ella Quittner calls time-out on her chaotic relationship with airport food—and goes looking for the reset button. Read the full story here.

Layover in Tokyo? Go Strawberry-Picking Next to Narita Airport

When you’re faced with a lengthy layover, airline lounges are a fine way to pass the time, but what about an airport farm? Read the full story here.

In Defense of Airport Sushi

<cite class="credit">Maggie Cowles</cite>
Maggie Cowles

Is airport sushi truly deserving of its dubious reputation or is it just sorely misunderstood? Read the full story here.

The 10 Best Airports for Food, From Istanbul to Atlanta

<h1 class="title">Jewel Changi Airport Facade</h1><cite class="credit">Jino Lee/Changi Airport</cite>

Jewel Changi Airport Facade

Jino Lee/Changi Airport

For all your breakfast gelato, last-minute pizza, and long-layover margarita cravings. Read the full story here.

Credits

Lead editors: Arati Menon, Hannah Towey

Editors: Charlie Hobbs, Megan Spurrell, Shannon McMahon, Matt Ortile

Editorial Assistant: Kat Chen

Lead visuals: Pallavi Kumar

Supporting visuals: Andrea Edelman

Illustrations: Maggie Cowles

Lead social media: Erica Owens

Supporting social media: Kayla Brock

Audience development: Abigail Malbon

Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler

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