Many people with a dietary requirement think they have to prepare their pre-flight and in-flight meals at home when travelling. But they haven't met Brisbane Airport.
A few years ago, finding gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan/vegetarian options at the airport was mission impossible, but that's all changed now.
From vegan to refined sugar-free, here’s where to eat at Brisbane Airport with a dietary requirement:
Domestic Terminal
1. Seeds by Bruno Loubet
Whether you have a dietary requirement or are simply looking for healthy and nutritious food, Seeds by Bruno Loubet is going to be your new best friend. This restaurant is fast becoming a favourite for the health-conscious flyer and for very good reason - its salad bar is the stuff of dreams. You first choose your salad ‘base’ (greens, poke, pumpkin and feta or healthy slaw), then a protein (poached chicken, sauteed mushrooms, falafel, boiled eggs), and finally a salad dressing and toppings (seeds and nuts etc.). All through this process, dietary information is available, including whether the dressings are gluten-free, vegan or nut-free. There’s also kombucha on tap and plenty of healthy treats for you to grab for an in-flight snack (you can read more about that here).
2. Sumo Salad
This gem will has a permanent place on my recommendations list. Sumo Salad always has dietary and allergy information available, not just in store but online if you want to prepare before you hit the terminal. The salads are fresh, and they’re constantly adding new combinations to keep it interesting. If you like to know what your options are in advance, you can find the daily deli salads online and filter by nutritional requirements.
3. Glasshouse Bar
The menu at Glasshouse Bar caters for everyone, from the health conscious, vegetarians and even those looking for a big ol’ steak. The menu is clear with dietary information and the team are always willing to answer your questions if you’re unsure. Glasshouse Bar also takes prime position in the terminal - you get a priceless view of the runway and, if you have time, there’s plenty of seating to slow down and take it all in.
4. Sushi Sushi
It’s quick, it’s fresh, it’s gluten-free and it’s ready to go. If you’re in a rush, Sushi Sushi is the perfect place to grab a dietary friendly option before you make a dash for the gate. If you’ve got a little more time, they also have rice bowls and soups available. All of the dietary information is available on their website, with a PDF nutritional guide including the gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and vegetarian options.
International Terminal
1. Corretto Bar & Cafe
Welcome to Corretto Bar & Cafe aka. the main superfood cafe at the International Terminal! But not just superfoods, SO many dietary friendly options like gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and even refined sugar free! Corretto Bar & Cafe is one of two amazing restaurants you can visit before heading through security and customs, which means you can enjoy your pre-flight almond milk latte with your friends and family (side note: subscribe to the Brisbane Airport’s newsletter for super cheap deals on parking here!).
2. Sushi Sushi
How lucky are we to have Sushi Sushi in both the Domestic and International Terminal at Brisbane Airport! It wins hands down each time as the perfect grab’n’go option with clear nutritional and dietary information. My favourite is the Salmon Tuna Sashimi Pack or the Sushi Sashimi Deluxe Pack. Check out more grab’n’go options.
3. The Botanist Kitchen and Bar
With a focus on whole foods and local produce, The Botanist Kitchen and Bar has a variety of options for your friends and family with dietary requirements. You can sit back and relax with a great view of the departures lounge and runway. Otherwise, grab something to take with you from the freshly filled cabinet display (except liquids, due to the PLAGS regulations). I’ve tried almost all of the salads available on the menu but particularly love the Moroccan Beef Salad (gluten-free) and the Dukkah Crusted Mediterranean Chicken Salad (dairy-free).
4. Windmill & Co
Not only is the menu at Windmill & Co allergy and dietary friendly, the staff are always happy to check ingredients and organise adjustments to dishes to suit your dietary needs. Most of the menu can be gluten-free on request, omelettes can be made vegetarian, and various types of milk are available. I highly recommend the vegetable omelette (I chose sourdough bread, but GF bread is also available) and the Muesli Folk (gluten-free and vegetarian). The views over the tarmac aren’t harsh on the eye either, so if you have the time (read: make the time) Windmill & Co is the perfect venue to enjoy a relaxed, dietary friendly and delicious pre-flight meal.
CREDITS
With reduced passengers in our terminals and the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on trading, airport retailers are continuously adjusting their opening hours and staff levels. Please check individual listings here for the most up to date information on what's open at each terminal and their trading hours.