AIDA Cruises responds to the demand for less meat and animal products with the introduction of Soulkitchen, a new à la carte restaurant serving sustainable dishes made with fresh, plant-based ingredients.
It will be inaugurated on June 24 on board AIDAnova, AIDAperla and AIDAprima, and will serve breakfasts and dinners.
“We are proud to create another trendy offering with Soulkitchen and are also responding to the growing demand from our guests,” explained René Thiersch, Senior Director of Culinary Operations at AIDA Cruises, as well as co-creator and project director of the concept, and former Executive Chef of the ships. “With our modern and sustainable concept, we not only want to encourage healthy eating, but also create a special experience.”
Soulkitchen will serve vegan food, from plant-based butter to cheeses and cold cuts, including sliced salmon. Homemade spreads, overnight oats, banana bread, fresh fruit, and crisp vegetables will round out a nutritionally conscious menu.
In the evenings, Soulkitchen will present three-course menus that will change daily, offering vegan and plant-based alternatives to meat and seafood.
As for drinks, passengers can choose from fair trade coffee, organic tea, fresh orange juice, or a fruit smoothie. Wines and non-alcoholic spirits will also be available.
A demonstration kitchen in the center of the venue will allow passengers to see how each dish is prepared. They can participate in cooking classes and workshops where they can smell and taste fine oils, essences, herbs, and aromatic spices.
All dates for cooking courses and workshops will appear in the myAIDA trip planner.
Regarding the design of the new premises, Thiersch added: “We were able to carry out the conversion and redesign on board smoothly during ongoing operations thanks to the good planning and the good coordination of the crew.”
AIDA noted that it has always included a varied selection of vegan dishes, indicated by green signs in its buffet restaurants. However, the à la carte restaurants and specialty restaurants across the AIDA fleet were expanded last year to include new vegan starters, main courses, and desserts.
At their gourmet breakfast, passengers have been able to select plant-based specialties since the end of 2022.
Since March 2023, 15 new vegan dishes have been available at the Market Restaurant buffet on board AIDAcosma, AIDAperla, AIDAprima, and AIDAnova. The vegan offerings on board AIDA's Sphinx-class ships were also expanded during the same period, and a new concept was introduced featuring nutritious dishes for health-conscious guests.
All AIDA restaurants are prepared for food allergies or intolerances; at Schonkostbar only gluten and lactose free dishes are offered.
