AirAsia’s in-flight meals are now available at first ever Santan restaurant
Earlier this year, AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes revealed to American talk show host Larry King about his plan to open a restaurant that serves the airlines’ in-flight meals. Fast forward to now, his dream has finally taken off.
Santan and T&CO, AirAsia’s in-flight menu brand, has officially launched its first Asean fast food restaurant today at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur.
The Group CEO of AirAsia has been busy posting updates on his social media, showing off the restaurant’s customers – and himself – enjoying the meals.
First customer ordering the famous Pak Nasser Nasi Lemak at our Santan restaurant pic.twitter.com/YQiUto7E2S
Through his posts, his followers also get to learn interesting stories behind some of the Santan meals, like the origin of the popular Pak Nasser Nasi Lemak! (Here’s the man to thank for this delectable rice treat, everyone).
“The opening of this flagship restaurant is the beginning of something great for the Santan and T&CO brands,” said General Manager of Santan Restaurant and T&CO Cafe Catherine Goh, in a statement posted on AirAsia Newsroom.
“We have seen a significant appetite for our in-flight menu offerings beyond our flights across the region and this is our answer to that demand. We are very proud to extend what started out as an in-flight menu into new markets and reiterate our support for local and Asean producers, suppliers; apart from creating new job opportunities with affordable franchising.”
She added that they aim to open five Santan restaurants by the end of 2020.
They are also eyeing 100 franchisee-operated restaurants and cafes within the next three to five years with expansions in global markets.
No need to book a flight to get your favourite Santan meal! (Photo source: AirAsia’s Facebook).
Among the meals offered at Santan, priced at RM12 each, are the ones found in-flight such as Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak and Uncle Chin’s Chicken Rice, as well as other dishes that are inspired by popular Asean cuisines including Pineapple Fish Noodle from Cambodia and Chicken Inasal with Garlic Rice from the Philippines.
For tea time, foodies can pair their Asean-sourced coffee and tea with snacks and desserts inspired by local flavours. For example: Nasi Lemak Quinoa Wrap and Onde-Onde Cake.
Here’s how to order at Santan (Photo source: AirAsia’s Facebook).
What’s special about the newly opened Santan is that it features a smart menu equipped with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. That last part means it will be able to recommend popular dishes based on time, past ordering patterns as well as demographic taste.
Food can also be ordered online at santan.com.my. Visit the website to find out more about the menu and promotions!
