Choosing the right in-flight meal can make your journey more enjoyable, especially when it aligns with your dietary preferences. On a recent Qatar Airways flight from New York to Delhi, I requested a Hindu Meal (HNML) and was delighted with a flavorful chicken curry that respected my dietary restrictions—no beef or pork. Understanding special meals like Hindu, Indian Vegetarian, and Jain options ensures a satisfying experience. This guide explores the Hindu Meal (HNML), its distinctions from vegetarian meals, and airlines excelling in these offerings.
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Understanding the Hindu Meal (HNML)
The Hindu Meal, coded as HNML (Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal) in aviation, is tailored to Hindu dietary laws. Key features include:
- Exclusions: No beef, veal, pork, raw fish, or smoked fish, adhering to religious practices.
- Inclusions: Non-vegetarian options like chicken, lamb, fish, and dairy products, prepared with spices typical of Indian or South Asian cuisine.
- Preparation: Meals are cooked in accordance with Hindu dietary guidelines, often featuring curries, rice, and flatbreads.
Airlines like Air India and Qatar Airways offer HNML on international flights. See Japan Airlines’ special meal menu for examples.
Indian Vegetarian Meal (AVML)
The Indian Vegetarian Meal (AVML), or Asian Vegetarian Meal, is a fully vegetarian option inspired by Indian cuisine:
- Exclusions: No meat, fish, eggs, or animal-derived gelatin.
- Inclusions: Vegetables, legumes, rice, Indian breads (e.g., naan, chapati), and dairy (e.g., paneer, yogurt), seasoned with traditional spices.
- Appeal: Flavorful dishes like dal, vegetable curry, and biryani cater to vegetarians and those seeking lighter meals.
Airlines such as Singapore Airlines excel in AVML offerings. For insights, check Vegan Trekker’s guide.
Jain Meal (VJML)
The Jain Meal (VJML) adheres to the strict dietary principles of Jainism:
- Exclusions: No meat, fish, eggs, root vegetables (e.g., onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots), or fungi, due to Jain non-violence principles.
- Inclusions: Above-ground vegetables, grains, legumes, and dairy, prepared without prohibited ingredients.
- Preparation: Meals are meticulously crafted to ensure compliance, often featuring dishes like sabzi, rice, and flatbreads.
Airlines like Emirates offer VJML on select routes. Learn more about Jain dietary practices at Wikipedia.
Best Airlines for Special Meals
Airlines renowned for their special meal offerings include:
- Air India: Excels in authentic HNML, AVML, and VJML, reflecting Indian culinary traditions. See Air India’s dining page.
- Emirates: Offers diverse special meals, including gourmet AVML and HNML, with high-quality ingredients.
- Singapore Airlines: Known for culinary excellence, its AVML and HNML feature international and Indian flavors.
- Qatar Airways: Provides well-prepared HNML and VJML, catering to diverse dietary needs.
- Vistara: Offers HNML and AVML on international routes, with premium dining in Business Class. Visit Vistara’s special meals page.
Request special meals at booking via airline websites or platforms like Skyscanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hindu meal for HNML?
The Hindu Meal (HNML) is non-vegetarian, including chicken, lamb, fish, or dairy, but excludes beef, pork, raw fish, or smoked fish.
What is HNML meal in Vistara?
Vistara’s HNML is a non-vegetarian meal without beef or pork, featuring Indian-style dishes like chicken curry or fish, served on international flights.
What is the Hindu meal on a flight?
It’s a non-vegetarian meal (HNML) compliant with Hindu dietary laws, avoiding beef and pork, often with chicken, lamb, or fish.
What is included in a Hindu meal?
A Hindu meal includes chicken, lamb, fish, or dairy, prepared with Indian spices, but excludes beef, pork, raw fish, or smoked fish.
What is the full form of HNML in aviation?
HNML stands for Hindu Non-Vegetarian Meal in aviation, indicating a meal adhering to Hindu dietary restrictions.
What is Hindu meal on Air India?
Air India’s HNML is a non-vegetarian meal without beef or pork, featuring dishes like chicken curry, rice, and flatbreads, served on international flights.
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Special meals like HNML, AVML, and VJML ensure a culturally respectful dining experience in the skies. For more travel tips, explore Baby Food on Indian Flights or airline dining pages like Qatar Airways.
