AirAsia, the Kuala Lumpur-based low-cost carrier, has built its business model around unbundling airfares. Passengers pay a base fare for a seat, then add extras like checked baggage, seat selection, and meals. For many travellers flying from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or Jakarta, prebooking a meal is one of the first add-ons they consider. AirAsia's meal programme, called "Santan", has been in operation since 2014 and has expanded to include a wide range of Asian and Western dishes. This article provides an honest, factual review of AirAsia prebooked meals, based on publicly available information, menu data, pricing from AirAsia's website, and comparisons with other carriers. We cover what you get, what it costs, how to order, and whether it is worth your money.

AirAsia operates over 200 aircraft across its group airlines (AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Indonesia, AirAsia Philippines, and AirAsia X). As of 2025, the airline serves more than 165 destinations. On most short-haul flights (under 4 hours), meals are not included in the base fare. On AirAsia X (long-haul), a basic meal may be included in certain fare bundles, but prebooked options still exist. This review focuses on short-haul flights, where the majority of passengers encounter the meal service.

What Is AirAsia Santan?

Santan is AirAsia's in-flight meal brand, launched in 2014 to replace the earlier "AirAsia Cafe" service. The name "Santan" refers to coconut milk, a common ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking. The menu is designed by AirAsia's culinary team and includes dishes from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and international cuisines. Meals are pre-cooked, chilled, and reheated onboard. AirAsia states that all meals are halal-certified by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

The Santan menu is available for prebooking during the online booking process or via the AirAsia website or mobile app up to 4 hours before departure. Onboard purchase is also possible, but selection is limited and prices are higher, typically MYR 18 to MYR 25 (SGD 5.50 to SGD 7.70) compared to prebooked prices of MYR 10 to MYR 16 (SGD 3.10 to SGD 4.90).

Menu Options and Pricing

AirAsia's Santan menu changes periodically, but as of early 2025, the core offerings include the following categories (prices in Malaysian Ringgit, MYR, and approximate Singapore Dollars, SGD):

  • Signature Rice Meals: Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken (MYR 16 / SGD 4.90), Chicken Rice (MYR 14 / SGD 4.30), Beef Rendang with Rice (MYR 16 / SGD 4.90).
  • Noodles: Penang Char Kway Teow (MYR 14 / SGD 4.30), Mee Goreng Mamak (MYR 14 / SGD 4.30).
  • International Favourites: Spaghetti Bolognese (MYR 14 / SGD 4.30), Fish and Chips (MYR 16 / SGD 4.90).
  • Light Bites: Chicken Wrap (MYR 10 / SGD 3.10), Vegetarian Wrap (MYR 10 / SGD 3.10), Croissant (MYR 8 / SGD 2.50).
  • Beverages: Bottled water (MYR 5 / SGD 1.50), Soft drinks (MYR 6 / SGD 1.85), Coffee or Tea (MYR 7 / SGD 2.15).
  • Desserts: Chocolate Lava Cake (MYR 10 / SGD 3.10), Fruit Cup (MYR 8 / SGD 2.50).

Prices are consistent across AirAsia's short-haul routes, whether flying from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok to Phuket, or Manila to Cebu. On AirAsia X (long-haul), meal prices are slightly higher, around MYR 22 to MYR 28 (SGD 6.80 to SGD 8.60) for main courses.

Compared to competitors, AirAsia's prebooked meal prices are competitive. For reference, Scoot's prebooked meals range from SGD 6 to SGD 12 for main courses, while Jetstar Asia offers meals from SGD 8 to SGD 14. AirAsia's lower price point reflects its focus on short-haul, high-volume routes.

How to Prebook a Meal

Prebooking a meal on AirAsia is straightforward. During the online booking process on the AirAsia website or mobile app, after selecting your flight, you will see an "Add-Ons" page. Here, you can choose meals, baggage, and seat selection. Alternatively, you can log in to your booking via the "Manage Booking" section and add meals up to 4 hours before departure.

Steps:

  1. Go to the AirAsia website or open the AirAsia mobile app.
  2. Enter your booking reference number and last name, or log in to your AirAsia BIG account.
  3. Click on "Add-Ons" or "Meals".
  4. Browse the Santan menu and select your desired meal(s).
  5. Proceed to payment. Payment is accepted via credit/debit card, online banking, or AirAsia points (BIG Points).
  6. You will receive a confirmation email with your meal selection.

If you forget to prebook, you can still purchase meals onboard, but the selection is limited to 4-5 options, and prices are higher by about 30-50%. Onboard payment is by credit card or local currency (cash) on some routes, but card is preferred.

One common mistake passengers make is assuming meals are included in their fare. AirAsia's base fare does not include any meal. Even the "Value" or "Plus" fare bundles may not include a meal on short-haul flights. Always check the fare details before booking. For a full breakdown of AirAsia fare types, see our AirAsia booking mistakes to avoid guide.

Food Quality and Portion Size

AirAsia's Santan meals are pre-cooked and reheated in a convection oven onboard. The quality is generally acceptable for airline food, but expectations should be realistic. The Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken is the most popular item, and it typically includes a portion of coconut rice, a fried chicken drumstick or thigh, sambal (chilli paste), fried anchovies, peanuts, and a slice of cucumber. The chicken is often moist, though the skin can be soggy after reheating. The sambal can be spicy, passengers with low spice tolerance should choose a milder option like Chicken Rice or Spaghetti Bolognese.

Portion sizes are moderate. A main meal weighs approximately 250-300 grams. For an average adult, it is enough to stave off hunger on a 2-3 hour flight, but not a full meal replacement for a long day of travel. The Chicken Rice comes with rice, sliced chicken, and a small portion of chilli and ginger sauce. The Beef Rendang is flavourful, with tender beef in a rich coconut gravy, but the portion of beef is modest, about 80-100 grams.

Vegetarian options are limited. The Vegetarian Wrap is a simple wrap with lettuce, tomato, and hummus. It is not a full meal. Passengers with dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan, gluten-free) will find few choices. AirAsia does not offer special meal options (e.g., kosher, halal is standard, but no low-sodium or diabetic meals) for prebooking. If you have specific dietary needs, it is best to bring your own food, subject to AirAsia baggage allowance guide rules for carry-on food.

Comparison with Competitors

To give a balanced view, we compare AirAsia's prebooked meals with those of other major low-cost carriers in the region: Scoot, Jetstar Asia, and Cebu Pacific.

AirAsia vs. Scoot

Scoot, the Singapore-based low-cost carrier, offers a meal programme called "Scoot Cafe". Prices range from SGD 6 to SGD 12 for main courses. Scoot's menu includes items like Chicken Rice (SGD 7), Nasi Lemak (SGD 8), and Pasta (SGD 9). Scoot also offers a "Scoot-in-Style" bundle that includes a meal, but otherwise meals are separate. Portion sizes are similar to AirAsia. Scoot's meals are also pre-cooked and reheated. One advantage of Scoot is that it offers a wider selection of Western dishes, including a breakfast menu (e.g., pancakes, scrambled eggs) that AirAsia lacks. However, AirAsia's prices are lower by about 20-30% on comparable items. For a deeper look, read our review of Scoot meals: are they worth it?

AirAsia vs. Jetstar Asia

Jetstar Asia, based in Singapore, offers meals from SGD 8 to SGD 14. The menu includes Chicken Rice (SGD 9), Laksa (SGD 11), and Western options like Fish and Chips (SGD 12). Jetstar Asia's meals are generally larger in portion than AirAsia's, but also more expensive. Jetstar Asia does not offer a dedicated meal prebooking discount, prices are the same whether prebooked or purchased onboard. This is a disadvantage compared to AirAsia, where prebooking saves money. Jetstar Asia also has a "Buy on Board" policy where you can order from a menu, but selection is limited. For more on Jetstar Asia's policies, see Jetstar Asia booking secrets.

AirAsia vs. Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific, the Philippine low-cost carrier, offers prebooked meals starting at PHP 250 (SGD 6) for a hot meal. The menu includes Filipino dishes like Chicken Adobo with Rice and Pork Sisig. Portion sizes are generous, often 300-350 grams. Cebu Pacific's meals are also halal-certified on most routes. Prices are comparable to AirAsia's but in Philippine pesos, which can be cheaper for travellers from Singapore due to exchange rates. However, Cebu Pacific's prebooking system is less user-friendly, meals must be added during the initial booking or via the website, and changes are difficult. For a comparison of fare types, see Cebu Pacific fare types explained.

Value for Money: Is It Worth Prebooking?

Prebooking a meal on AirAsia offers clear advantages over buying onboard. The price difference is significant: a prebooked Nasi Lemak costs MYR 16 (SGD 4.90), while the same meal onboard costs MYR 22 (SGD 6.80), a saving of 37%. For a family of four, prebooking can save SGD 7-10 per flight. Additionally, prebooking guarantees availability. On popular routes like Singapore-Kuala Lumpur (flights as short as 1 hour), the onboard meal cart may run out of popular items by the time it reaches the back of the aircraft. Prebooking also allows you to select your meal in advance, avoiding the stress of deciding on the spot.

However, there are downsides. If your flight is very short (under 1 hour), the crew may not have time to serve all prebooked meals. AirAsia's policy states that on flights under 60 minutes, meal service may be limited or not offered. In such cases, prebooked meals are automatically refunded to the original payment method within 7-14 days. This can be inconvenient if you were counting on a meal. For flights of 1-2 hours, service is possible but the crew must work quickly. On longer flights (2-4 hours), service is standard.

Another consideration is the quality of the meal relative to airport food. At Singapore Changi Airport, a meal at a food court costs around SGD 5-8, comparable to AirAsia's prebooked prices. However, airport food is fresh and you can choose from many options. Onboard, you are limited to the Santan menu. If you have time before your flight, eating at the airport may be a better value. But if you have a tight connection or early morning departure, prebooking a meal ensures you do not go hungry.

For passengers on a tight budget, skipping the meal altogether is an option. AirAsia allows passengers to bring their own food onboard, as long as it is not liquid or gel-like (e.g., soups, yoghurt) in quantities exceeding 100ml per container for carry-on, due to security rules. Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and snacks are permitted. However, be mindful of odours, strong-smelling foods like durian are banned on AirAsia flights. For more on what you can bring, refer to the AirAsia baggage allowance guide.

Special Considerations: Dietary Restrictions and Allergens

AirAsia's Santan meals are all halal-certified. However, the airline does not label meals for common allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten, or shellfish. The ingredient list is not provided on the prebooking page. If you have a food allergy, AirAsia recommends contacting their customer service at least 48 hours before departure. In practice, the airline cannot guarantee that meals are free from trace allergens, as they are prepared in facilities that handle multiple ingredients. Passengers with severe allergies should bring their own food.

Vegetarian and vegan options are limited to the Vegetarian Wrap and a few sides like fruit cup. There are no vegan main meals. AirAsia does not offer special meals for religious diets other than halal (which is standard). If you require kosher or Hindu (no beef) meals, you may need to bring your own. For passengers with diabetes, the high carbohydrate content of rice-based meals (Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice) may be a concern. Consider ordering a lighter option like the Chicken Wrap or bringing your own snacks.

How to Get the Best Deal on AirAsia Meals

To maximise value when prebooking AirAsia meals, consider the following tips:

  • Prebook during the initial booking: Adding meals during the flight booking process often gives you the lowest price. Adding meals later via Manage Booking may show the same price, but you avoid the risk of forgetting.
  • Use BIG Points: AirAsia's loyalty programme, BIG, allows you to redeem points for meals. 1,000 BIG Points is worth approximately MYR 10 (SGD 3.10) towards meal purchases. If you have points, this can reduce the cost to zero.
  • Bundle with other add-ons: AirAsia sometimes offers promotional bundles that include meals, baggage, and seat selection at a discounted rate. Check the "Add-Ons" page for bundle deals. For example, a "Meal + 20kg Baggage" bundle may cost MYR 50 (SGD 15.40) versus MYR 58 (SGD 17.90) if purchased separately.
  • Monitor promotions: AirAsia runs periodic sales where meals are discounted by 20-30%. These are often tied to the airline's anniversary or festive seasons. Sign up for AirAsia's newsletter or follow their social media to catch these deals.
  • Order for children: AirAsia offers a kids' meal option (e.g., Chicken Nuggets with Fries) for MYR 12 (SGD 3.70). This is cheaper than adult meals and may be sufficient for younger children. However, the kids' meal is only available for prebooking on certain routes, check during booking.

For a comprehensive overview of how to save on low-cost carriers, read our complete guide to flying low-cost carriers from Singapore and the region.

Common Complaints and Issues

Based on online reviews from platforms like Skytrax, TripAdvisor, and social media, some common complaints about AirAsia prebooked meals include:

  • Meal not served: On very short flights (under 1 hour), crew may not have time to serve all prebooked meals. Passengers report that their meal was not delivered, and they had to request a refund. AirAsia's policy is to refund automatically, but some passengers say they had to chase customer service.
  • Wrong meal delivered: Occasionally, passengers receive a different meal than what they prebooked. This is more common on busy flights where crew grab meals quickly. If this happens, you can ask the crew to check if your ordered meal is available. If not, you may be offered a substitute or a refund.
  • Cold or undercooked food: The reheating process can be inconsistent. Some passengers report that the centre of the meal is cold, or that the rice is hard. This is a known issue with pre-cooked meals on all low-cost carriers. If your meal is cold, notify the crew; they may be able to reheat it further.
  • Limited drink options: Prebooking a meal does not include a drink. You must purchase beverages separately. This is different from some full-service carriers where a drink is included with a meal. AirAsia sells drinks onboard at prices similar to convenience stores in airports (SGD 1.50-2.00 for water, SGD 2.00-3.00 for soft drinks).

Despite these issues, most passengers find the prebooked meal service satisfactory for the price. The key is to set realistic expectations, you are paying SGD 4-5 for a reheated meal on a low-cost flight, not a gourmet restaurant experience.

Final Verdict

AirAsia's prebooked meals offer good value for money compared to onboard purchases and competitor pricing. The Santan menu provides a decent variety of Asian dishes, with the Nasi Lemak being a standout. Portion sizes are adequate for short flights, and the prebooking discount is meaningful. However, the lack of special dietary options, limited vegetarian choices, and occasional service issues on very short flights are drawbacks.

For most passengers on flights of 2 hours or more, prebooking a meal is recommended. It saves money, guarantees availability, and adds convenience. For flights under 1.5 hours, consider skipping the meal or eating at the airport. If you have dietary restrictions, bring your own food. Overall, AirAsia's meal service is a solid option for travellers who want a hot meal without breaking the bank, but it is not essential for every flight.

For more tips on navigating AirAsia's add-ons, see our articles on AirAsia check-in window and AirAsia booking mistakes to avoid.

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