HNML vs AVML: Which Airline Meal Should You Choose?

Updated: August 10, 2026

HNML vs AVML: Which Airline Meal Should You Choose?

If you are choosing a special meal during flight booking and see HNML and AVML, do not assume both are vegetarian Indian meals. They are very different.


HNML means Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal. It may contain chicken, lamb or fish. AVML means Asian Vegetarian Meal. It contains no meat or seafood and is commonly the better choice for Indian vegetarian passengers.


The confusing part is the word “Hindu” in HNML. Many travelers naturally assume a Hindu meal must be vegetarian, then are surprised when chicken or fish arrives on the tray. This guide explains the difference, what each meal may contain, and which one you should select.

Quick answer: If you are vegetarian, choose AVML, not HNML. HNML is a non-vegetarian meal that may contain chicken, lamb or fish. AVML is vegetarian and usually prepared with Indian or South Asian flavors.

HNML vs AVML

Table of Contents

HNML vs AVML at a Glance

Feature HNML AVML
Full name Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal Asian Vegetarian Meal
Vegetarian? No Yes
Chicken May be included No
Lamb May be included No
Fish May be included No
Beef Normally excluded No meat
Pork Normally excluded No meat
Egg Depends on airline Generally excluded under major airline AVML specifications
Dairy May be included May be included
Indian-style food Usually Usually
Best for Indian vegetarian? No Usually yes
Best for vegan? No Not necessarily
Best for Jain traveler? No Not necessarily — choose VJML where available

The easiest way to remember it:
HNML = Hindu + Non-Vegetarian
AVML = Asian + Vegetarian

What Does HNML Mean?

HNML stands for Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal.

It is designed for passengers who eat non-vegetarian food but follow common Hindu dietary restrictions.

Depending on the airline, an HNML may contain:

  • Chicken or other poultry
  • Lamb
  • Fish
  • Eggs on some airlines
  • Dairy products
  • Rice
  • Indian-style vegetables
  • Dal
  • Indian breads
  • Indian spices

It normally excludes meats such as beef and pork under the major airline specifications that offer HNML.

HNML is not a vegetarian meal. The word “Hindu” describes the dietary style of the meal. It does not mean the tray contains only vegetarian food.

Read our full guide: HNML Meal on Flights: Is a Hindu Meal Vegetarian?

What Does AVML Mean?

AVML stands for Asian Vegetarian Meal.

This is usually an Indian- or Asian-style vegetarian meal.

On airlines serving the traditional AVML specification, it normally contains no:

  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Seafood
  • Egg

It may contain dairy products.

Typical AVML ingredients can include:

  • Rice
  • Dal
  • Paneer
  • Vegetable curry
  • Chickpeas
  • Lentils
  • Indian bread
  • Vegetable pulao
  • Fruit
  • Yoghurt
  • Indian desserts

AVML does not mean vegan. It may contain milk, paneer, yoghurt, butter or other dairy products.

Also read Vegetarian In-Flight Meals: Codes, Options and Ordering Tips.

What Is the Main Difference Between HNML and AVML?

The main difference is simple:

HNML contains non-vegetarian food. AVML does not.

Both may:

  • Use Indian or South Asian flavors
  • Contain rice
  • Contain vegetables
  • Contain dairy
  • Use Indian spices

But HNML can include meat or fish, while AVML is vegetarian.

Why are people confused?

The confusion comes from the name Hindu Meal.

Many Indian passengers see:

Hindu Meal — HNML

and mentally translate it into:

Indian vegetarian meal.

That is not what the airline code means.

If you eat chicken but avoid beef: HNML may suit you.
If you eat no meat or fish: AVML is usually the better choice.

Which Meal Should a Vegetarian Choose: HNML or AVML?

Choose AVML.

This is the clearest answer for most Indian vegetarians deciding between these two meal codes.

AVML is specifically designed as a vegetarian meal.

HNML is not.

If you select HNML, you should be prepared for the main dish to contain:

  • Chicken
  • Lamb
  • Fish

depending on the airline and catering station.

Strict vegetarian? Do not select HNML and then depend on the cabin crew having a spare vegetarian meal. Special meals are loaded in limited quantities.

What Food Can You Get in an HNML Meal?

There is no single HNML menu.

The meal changes depending on:

  • Airline
  • Flight route
  • Departure airport
  • Catering company
  • Time of day
  • Cabin class

Possible HNML-style dishes may include combinations such as:

  • Chicken curry with rice
  • Indian-style chicken with vegetables
  • Lamb curry
  • Fish curry with rice
  • Dal and rice served beside a meat dish
  • Indian bread
  • Salad
  • Dessert

Do not interpret the vegetables on the tray as proof that HNML is vegetarian. The main dish can still contain poultry, lamb or fish.

What Food Can You Get in an AVML Meal?

AVML is often one of the most familiar special meals for passengers accustomed to Indian vegetarian food.

Depending on the airline and route, possible dishes could include:

  • Vegetable curry and rice
  • Paneer curry
  • Dal
  • Chana masala
  • Vegetable biryani or pulao
  • Mixed vegetables
  • Indian bread
  • Yoghurt
  • Fruit
  • Indian-style dessert

But requesting AVML does not guarantee a particular curry or dish.

Think of AVML as a dietary specification, not a menu order. You are requesting vegetarian Asian-style food, not specifically paneer, dal or biryani.

Can HNML Contain Chicken?

Yes.

This is one of the most common surprises.

Major airlines that currently publish HNML specifications explicitly allow poultry or chicken.

So if you ordered HNML and the cabin crew placed a chicken curry in front of you, the airline may have served exactly the meal you requested.

Ordered HNML and got chicken? That by itself does not mean the airline served the wrong meal.

Read: Hindu Meal HNML Confusion: Chicken or Fish Explained.

Can HNML Contain Fish?

Yes.

Fish is another protein permitted under the HNML definitions currently published by several major international airlines.

Therefore, a passenger who eats chicken but does not eat fish should not assume that ordering HNML guarantees chicken.

HNML is not a “chicken meal.” The protein can vary. If you have a specific dietary restriction beyond the standard HNML definition, check with the airline before ordering.

Does HNML Contain Beef or Pork?

Under the HNML specifications currently published by major airlines such as Air India and Emirates, beef and related products are excluded.

Air India's current definition also excludes:

  • Beef
  • Veal
  • Pork
  • Smoked fish
  • Raw fish

Other airlines can phrase their specifications differently, so always verify the operating airline's definition.

Do HNML and AVML Contain Eggs?

HNML

Eggs depend on the airline.

For example, Emirates and Etihad currently describe HNML as potentially containing eggs, while Air India's current HNML description emphasizes lamb, poultry, fish and dairy.

AVML

Air India, Emirates and Etihad currently define AVML as containing no egg.

If avoiding egg is essential: Verify your own operating airline's current AVML specification. Meal codes are widely used, but ingredient descriptions are not guaranteed to be identical across every carrier.

Do HNML and AVML Contain Dairy?

Both can.

Dairy products can appear in:

  • Paneer
  • Yoghurt
  • Butter
  • Cream-based curry
  • Dessert
  • Milk

If you do not eat dairy, AVML may not be suitable even though it is vegetarian.

Is AVML Vegan?

No—not necessarily.

AVML may contain dairy products.

If you avoid all animal-derived ingredients, look instead for:

VGML — Vegan Meal.

A vegan meal typically excludes:

  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Butter
  • Other dairy products

Read: Vegan vs Vegetarian Meals on Flights.

Is AVML the Same as a Jain Meal?

No.

AVML is vegetarian, but it can contain ingredients that are unsuitable for a Jain dietary requirement.

For example, an ordinary AVML may contain:

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Other root vegetables

A passenger requiring a Jain meal should look for:

VJML — Vegetarian Jain Meal.

Air India's current VJML excludes meat, seafood and egg as well as onion, garlic, ginger, mushrooms and root vegetables.

Vegetarian does not automatically mean Jain. Choose VJML if Jain dietary restrictions are important to you.

Read: Jain Meal on Flights (VJML): Menu and How to Order.

HNML vs AVML on Air India

Air India's current special-meal definitions make the distinction very clear.

Air India HNML

Air India describes HNML as a Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal.

It may contain:

  • Lamb
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Dairy products

It excludes:

  • Beef
  • Veal
  • Pork
  • Smoked fish
  • Raw fish

Air India AVML

Air India describes AVML as a vegetarian meal prepared in an Indian style.

It contains no:

  • Meat
  • Seafood
  • Egg

It may contain dairy products.

Flying Air India and vegetarian? Between HNML and AVML, choose AVML.

Air India currently asks passengers to request most special meals at least 24 hours before departure.

Check Air India's current special-meal menu.

HNML vs AVML on Emirates

Emirates also makes the distinction clear.

Emirates HNML

Emirates describes HNML as a Non-Vegetarian Hindu Meal prepared in an Indian culinary style.

It may contain:

  • Lamb
  • Chicken
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Dairy products
  • Cereals

It excludes beef, veal and their by-products, as well as raw or smoked fish.

Emirates AVML

Emirates describes AVML as an Indian Vegetarian Meal.

It may contain:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruit
  • Legumes
  • Dairy products
  • Tofu
  • Grains

It excludes:

  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Eggs

Emirates currently allows dietary meals to be requested through Manage Your Booking up to 24 hours before departure, subject to route and cabin availability.

Check Emirates dietary meal information.

HNML vs AVML on Etihad

Etihad provides perhaps the clearest instruction for confused travelers.

Its HNML is specifically listed as:

Hindu Meal (Non-Vegetarian).

It may contain:

  • Poultry
  • Lamb
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products

Etihad then directly advises passengers who want a vegetarian Hindu option to order AVML.

Etihad AVML

Its Asian Vegetarian Meal:

  • Contains no meat
  • Contains no fish
  • Contains no egg
  • May contain dairy
  • Uses flavors from the Indian subcontinent

Etihad's advice is simple: If you want a vegetarian Hindu-style option, order AVML.

Check Etihad's current special-meal definitions.

Do All Airlines Define HNML and AVML Exactly the Same?

No.

The broad distinction is highly consistent:

  • HNML = non-vegetarian
  • AVML = vegetarian

But individual ingredient rules can vary.

For example:

  • One airline may explicitly allow eggs in HNML.
  • Another may not mention eggs.
  • One airline may call AVML an Asian Vegetarian Meal.
  • Another may describe it as Indian Vegetarian.
  • Available dishes change by catering station.

Always check the operating airline. Do not assume the meal description from Air India automatically applies to Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa, British Airways or another carrier.

How Do You Order HNML or AVML?

The exact process varies by airline, but normally you can request a special meal:

  • During booking: Look for Meal Preference or Special Meal.
  • Through Manage Booking: Open your reservation using your PNR and passenger name.
  • Through the airline: Contact customer service if the meal option is not available online.
  • Through your travel agent: If the booking was made through an agent, ask the agent to add the meal request.
  • Save confirmation: Take a screenshot showing HNML or AVML in your booking.

Check the code, not just the description. If you are vegetarian, make sure the reservation actually shows AVML rather than HNML.

How Early Should You Order HNML or AVML?

Request special meals as early as possible.

Air India currently asks passengers to request most special meals at least 24 hours before departure.

Emirates and Etihad also currently use a 24-hour advance-request period for many special meals.

Some airlines, routes and specific meal types may have different deadlines.

Best practice: Add your meal when you book the ticket. There is no advantage in waiting until the final 24 hours.

What Happens on a Codeshare Flight?

A codeshare ticket can create another source of meal confusion.

You might purchase an Air India flight number but see:

Operated by another airline.

The operating airline may determine:

  • Which special meals are available
  • How HNML is defined
  • How AVML is defined
  • Meal-request deadlines
  • Whether the special-meal request transfers correctly

Air India currently tells passengers whose flight or part of the journey is operated by a partner airline to contact that airline regarding the special meal.

Codeshare rule: Check the words “operated by” before relying on a special-meal request.

I Ordered HNML and Got Chicken. Was the Airline Wrong?

Probably not simply because it was chicken.

Chicken is allowed under the HNML specifications used by major airlines.

If your assumption was:

“Hindu meal means vegetarian.”

then the problem is most likely the confusing meal name rather than a catering mistake.

If you are vegetarian and your booking currently shows HNML, change it to an appropriate vegetarian meal such as AVML before the special-meal cutoff.

What If I Ordered AVML and Received Chicken or Fish?

That is a different situation.

AVML is a vegetarian meal specification.

If the sealed or identified AVML tray actually contains meat or fish:

  • Do not eat it if it violates your diet.
  • Tell the cabin crew immediately.
  • Show the meal request in your booking if needed.
  • Ask whether another vegetarian meal is available.
  • Photograph the meal label and food if you intend to complain.
  • Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation.

Read: Vegetarian Meal Served Non-Veg on Flight: What to Do.

Which Airline Meal Should You Choose?

You Eat... Meal to Check First
Chicken, lamb or fish but avoid beef/pork under Hindu dietary practice HNML
Indian-style vegetarian food AVML
Vegetarian but dairy is okay AVML may suit you
Vegan — no dairy or egg VGML
Jain vegetarian VJML
Vegetarian and eggs/dairy are acceptable VLML may also be an option

Bottom line: If you came to this page because you are vegetarian and cannot decide between HNML and AVML, choose AVML. HNML is non-vegetarian.

Official Airline Sources

Meal definitions and menus can change. The examples above reflect current published airline descriptions. Check the operating airline's current special-meal page before your flight if a dietary restriction is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between HNML and AVML?

HNML is a Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal and may contain chicken, lamb or fish. AVML is an Asian Vegetarian Meal and contains no meat or seafood.

Is HNML vegetarian?

No. HNML is specifically a non-vegetarian meal. Major airlines currently describe it as potentially containing poultry, lamb or fish.

Is AVML vegetarian?

Yes. AVML is an Asian Vegetarian Meal. Major airline specifications generally exclude meat, poultry, fish, seafood and eggs, although dairy may be included.

Which should a Hindu vegetarian choose, HNML or AVML?

Between those two choices, AVML is the vegetarian option. Etihad specifically advises passengers wanting a vegetarian Hindu option to order AVML.

Can HNML contain chicken?

Yes. Chicken or other poultry is permitted under current HNML specifications used by major airlines.

Can HNML contain fish?

Yes. Fish may be included in HNML, depending on the airline and catering menu.

Does HNML contain beef?

Major HNML specifications exclude beef. Check the operating airline's exact definition because airline meal specifications can differ.

Does HNML contain pork?

Air India's current HNML specification excludes pork. Other airlines may phrase the meal definition differently, so check the operating carrier.

Does AVML contain eggs?

Air India, Emirates and Etihad currently describe AVML as containing no egg. Verify the definition used by your operating airline before travel.

Does AVML contain dairy?

It can. AVML may contain dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, paneer, butter or dairy-based desserts.

Is AVML vegan?

Not necessarily. Because AVML can contain dairy, passengers who avoid all animal-derived products should look for VGML, or Vegan Meal.

Is AVML a Jain meal?

No. AVML can contain root vegetables, onion and garlic. Passengers following Jain dietary restrictions should look for VJML, or Vegetarian Jain Meal.

I ordered a Hindu meal and received chicken. Was that a mistake?

If your booking showed HNML, chicken may be correct because HNML is a non-vegetarian meal. If you wanted vegetarian food, AVML or another vegetarian meal code would have been more appropriate.

What should I do if my AVML contains meat?

Tell the cabin crew immediately and do not eat the meal if it violates your diet. Show your confirmed AVML request and ask whether another suitable vegetarian meal is available.

How early should I request HNML or AVML?

Deadlines vary by airline. Air India, Emirates and Etihad currently ask for many special-meal requests at least 24 hours before departure. Requesting the meal when you book is safer.

Can I change from HNML to AVML after booking?

Usually you can change a meal preference through Manage Booking or customer service while the airline's special-meal request window is still open. Check that the new code appears in your reservation afterward.

Which is better, HNML or AVML?

Neither is universally better. Choose HNML if you eat qualifying non-vegetarian food and want a Hindu-style meal. Choose AVML if you want vegetarian Indian or Asian-style food.

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HNML vs AVML: Which Airline Meal Should You Choose?

HNML vs AVML: Which Airline Meal Should You Choose? If you are choosing a special meal during flight booking and see HNML and AVML , do ...