Singapore Changi Airport has been named the best airport for foodies, according to new analysis. The Airport Catering Index by online slots site Betway analysed some of the busiest airports in the world by annual passenger numbers, before researching how many restaurants there are in each airport, how many cuisines, the average Google review score for each of the restaurants and the number of Instagram tags at each airport.
Topping the list in first place is Singapore Changi. The airport, famous for hosting the world’s largest indoor waterfall and its 10-storey lifestyle hub, is a tourist destination in its own right, but visitors are really spoiled for choice when it comes to its food. With nearly 200 restaurants catering to 64 different types of cuisine, even picky eaters won’t struggle to find something they like in Singapore.
Singapore is one of the world’s busiest airports for layovers, acting as a gateway for travellers on their way to Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia. Due to its small size, the aviation industry in Singapore is a big deal, making up 11.8% of the country’s GDP.
The top US airport is also the world’s busiest. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International served 93,699,630 passengers in 2022. Hungry passengers flying in and out of Atlanta today have 121 restaurants to choose from across 38 cuisines. With an average review score of 3.2 stars, passengers are unlikely to be disappointed.
Across the Atlantic in Europe, London’s Heathrow ranks as the 15th best airport for foodies, thanks to its 33 restaurants, 16 cuisines and average review score of 3.8 stars. Despite this, it isn’t Europe’s best culinary airport. That accolade belongs to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, with 30 cuisines spread across its 61 eateries.
Top 20 Airports for Foodies
- Singapore Changi
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
- Tokyo Haneda Airport
- O’Hare International
- Orlando International
- Dallas Fort Worth International
- San Francisco International
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
- Denver International
- Harry Reid McCarram International
- John F. Kennedy International
- Hong Kong International
- Soekarno-Hatta International
- Los Angeles International
- Heathrow Airport
- Taiwan Taoyuan International
- Narita International
- Newark Liberty International
- El Dorado International
- Charlotte Douglas International
No longer just a transportation hub, some airports have started becoming tourist destinations in their own right, with cutting-edge technology, chic shopping experiences and diverse culinary delights, the airport experience now goes beyond simply stepping on and off a plane.
Axel Hernborg, CEO of travel company, Tripplo, said: “To ensure you have enough time to enjoy your pre-flight cuisine (and have enough time to digest after), I would recommend you arrive at least two hours before your flight to give yourself the necessary time to check in, go through security, and relax before the flight.
“It’s always a good idea to build in extra time during this busy part of your travel day, so you don’t have to worry about delays or other unforeseen circumstances that could delay your boarding.”
