- IATA Code: HNML
- Vegetarian? No — contains chicken, lamb, fish, or seafood
- Excludes: Beef, pork, and alcohol as ingredients
- Booking: Must request 24–48 hours before departure
- Available on: Most major international airlines to/from India
- Confused with AVML? AVML is vegetarian; HNML is non-vegetarian
- Similar meals: AVML, VJML, MOML, KSML
- Domestic flights: Usually not available — standard menu only
What Is a Hindu Meal (HNML)?
A Hindu Meal (HNML) is an airline special meal option designed for passengers who follow Hindu dietary customs. It is identified by the IATA meal code HNML and is available on most major international airlines, particularly those with significant India routes.
Many travelers mistakenly assume that the Hindu Meal is vegetarian — it is not. If you require a fully vegetarian meal, you should request the Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVML) or the Vegetarian Jain Meal (VJML) instead. The Hindu Meal acknowledges that many Hindus do consume non-vegetarian food (excluding beef and pork), while others follow strict vegetarian diets.
What Does a Hindu Meal Contain?
The exact contents of an HNML vary by airline, route, and caterer, but generally include:
- Protein: Chicken curry, lamb, fish, or seafood (never beef or pork)
- Carbohydrate: Basmati rice, chapati, naan, or Indian bread
- Vegetables: Cooked seasonal vegetables or lentil dal
- Condiments: Pickle, chutney, or raita (yoghurt side)
- Dessert: Indian-inspired sweet such as halwa, kheer, or a fruit cup
- Beverages: Tea, coffee, or juice (non-alcoholic)
HNML vs AVML vs VJML — What's the Difference?
| Meal Code | Name | Vegetarian? | Excludes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HNML | Hindu Meal | No (non-veg) | Beef, pork, alcohol | Non-veg Hindus avoiding beef/pork |
| AVML | Asian Vegetarian Meal | Yes | All meat, fish, eggs (usually) | Indian-style vegetarians |
| VJML | Vegetarian Jain Meal | Yes (strict) | Meat, fish, eggs, root vegetables | Jain vegetarians |
| VGML | Vegan Meal | Yes (vegan) | All animal products including dairy | Vegans |
| MOML | Muslim Meal | No | Pork, alcohol; halal only | Muslim passengers |
| KSML | Kosher Meal | Varies | Non-kosher foods; pork, shellfish | Jewish passengers |
How to Order a Hindu Meal on a Flight
- At booking: Select HNML as your special meal preference during the booking process on the airline website or app.
- After booking: Log into your booking and add or change special meals via "Manage My Booking." Most airlines allow changes up to 24–48 hours before departure.
- By phone: Call the airline's customer service and request HNML with your booking reference. Have your booking details ready.
- Frequent flyer profile: Many airlines allow you to set a default special meal in your frequent flyer profile so it is automatically applied to all future bookings.
- Confirm before travel: Check your booking confirmation to verify the special meal is recorded. If not visible, call the airline to confirm.
Which Airlines Offer the Hindu Meal (HNML)?
| Airline | HNML Available? | Deadline to Request | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | ✅ Yes (international) | 24 hours before | Not on most domestic routes |
| Emirates | ✅ Yes | 24 hours before | Good quality HNML |
| British Airways | ✅ Yes | 24 hours before | Available on long-haul |
| Lufthansa | ✅ Yes | 24 hours before | Available on all routes |
| Singapore Airlines | ✅ Yes | 24 hours before | Consistently well-reviewed |
| Etihad Airways | ✅ Yes | 24 hours before | Good South Asian options |
| IndiGo (domestic) | ❌ No | N/A | Buy on board standard menu |
| SpiceJet (domestic) | ❌ No | N/A | Buy on board standard menu |
Hindu Meal on Air India
Air India, being India's national carrier, naturally caters well to Hindu dietary preferences. On international routes, Air India offers the full range of Indian special meals including HNML, AVML, and VJML. The Air India HNML typically features a hearty Indian non-vegetarian meal with chicken or fish curry, basmati rice, dal, bread, and Indian dessert.
For Air India special meal requests, visit the Air India website and manage your booking to add special meal preferences.
All Inflight Special Meal Codes Explained
| Code | Full Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HNML | Hindu Meal | Non-veg; no beef or pork; Indian spices |
| AVML | Asian Vegetarian Meal | Indian-style vegetarian; may include dairy and eggs |
| VJML | Vegetarian Jain Meal | Strict vegetarian; no root vegetables, no eggs |
| VGML | Vegan Meal | No animal products of any kind |
| MOML | Muslim Meal | Halal; no pork or alcohol |
| KSML | Kosher Meal | Certified kosher; sealed and warmed on board |
| GFML | Gluten-Free Meal | No wheat, barley, rye or gluten-containing foods |
| DBML | Diabetic Meal | Low sugar, high fibre; for diabetic passengers |
| LCML | Low Calorie Meal | Reduced calorie; for weight-conscious passengers |
| CHML | Child Meal | Child-friendly portions and simple flavours |
| BLML | Bland Meal | Low seasoning; for passengers with digestive issues |
Special Meal Quick Comparison
- You eat chicken, fish, or lamb
- You avoid beef and pork
- You prefer Indian-spiced food
- You want a hearty non-veg meal
- You do not require halal certification
- You are vegetarian → choose AVML
- You follow Jain diet → choose VJML
- You require halal → choose MOML
- You are vegan → choose VGML
- You are gluten intolerant → choose GFML
Pro Tips: Getting Your Hindu Meal Right
- Request early — not at the last minute. Most airlines require special meal requests at least 24–48 hours before departure. Some long-haul carriers have a 72-hour deadline. Always request as soon as you book.
- Confirm your special meal in your booking confirmation. After requesting, look for the special meal code (HNML) in your e-ticket or booking summary. If it does not appear, call the airline to re-confirm.
- Don’t confuse HNML with AVML. The HNML is non-vegetarian; the AVML is vegetarian. Ordering the wrong one leads to disappointment mid-flight when there is no alternative.
- Check if HNML is available on your specific flight. Short-haul and budget airlines often do not offer special meals. Confirm HNML availability for your specific route and aircraft at the time of booking.
- Special meals are served first. On most airlines, special meals are distributed before the standard service. This is a genuine advantage — you get your meal earlier and crew knows exactly where to deliver it.
- Save your frequent flyer default. If you always prefer HNML, set it as your default in your frequent flyer profile. Most major airline loyalty programs allow dietary preferences to be saved permanently.
- For domestic Indian flights, plan ahead differently. IndiGo, SpiceJet, and budget carriers do not offer HNML on domestic routes. Pre-order a meal from the airline’s buy-on-board menu, or carry permitted food from outside. See: Inflight Food Vegetarian Guide.
- Report issues to the airline after landing. If your HNML was not served despite being confirmed, file a feedback report through the airline’s customer service. Most airlines will compensate with miles or vouchers for confirmed meal booking failures.
- Inflight Food Vegetarian: International and Domestic Flights — Full guide to vegetarian options on Indian flights.
- Do India Domestic Airlines Provide Free Meals? — Which airlines include meals on domestic routes.
- Are Drinks Free on Air India International Flights? — Beverage policy on Air India.
- Domestic Airlines in India: Websites & Baggage — All domestic airlines with direct links.
- Hand Baggage Allowance in India — Cabin bag limits for Indian airlines.
- FAQs on India Baggage Rules 2026 — Comprehensive travel Q&A.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hindu Meal (HNML) on a flight?
A Hindu Meal (HNML) is a non-vegetarian special meal on international flights that excludes beef and pork. It typically features chicken, lamb, or fish prepared with Indian spices, served with rice or bread and Indian sides.
Is the Hindu Meal (HNML) vegetarian?
No. The HNML is non-vegetarian. It excludes beef and pork but includes chicken, fish, or lamb. For a vegetarian option, request the AVML (Asian Vegetarian Meal) or VJML (Vegetarian Jain Meal).
How do I order a Hindu Meal on a flight?
Request HNML at booking or through "Manage My Booking" at least 24–48 hours before departure. Special meals cannot be requested at the airport or on board the aircraft.
What is the difference between HNML and AVML?
HNML is non-vegetarian (no beef/pork, Indian spices). AVML is 100% vegetarian Indian-style food. Choose AVML if you are vegetarian; HNML if you eat chicken or fish but avoid beef and pork.
Which airlines offer the Hindu Meal (HNML)?
Most major international airlines flying to India offer HNML including Air India, Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad. Domestic Indian airlines typically do not offer HNML.
Does the Hindu Meal contain eggs?
The HNML may or may not contain eggs depending on the airline. If you require an egg-free meal, confirm this specifically with your airline when making the special meal request.
Can I request a Hindu Meal on Air India flights?
Yes, on Air India international flights. Request HNML at least 24 hours before departure through Air India's website or customer service. Most domestic Air India flights do not offer formal special meal codes.
What other Indian special meals are available on flights?
AVML (Asian Vegetarian Meal), VJML (Vegetarian Jain Meal), MOML (Muslim/Halal Meal), VGML (Vegan Meal), and KSML (Kosher Meal) are all available on most major international airlines.
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