AIDA to introduce Soulkitchen, the home of sustainable and plant-based dining

It launches June 24 on board AIDAnova, AIDAperla and AIDAprima, serving breakfast and dinner. 

‘We are proud to create another trendy offering with Soulkitchen and are also responding to the increased demand from our guests,’ explained Rene Thiersch, senior manager culinary operations at AIDA Cruises, as well as the co-creator and project manager of the concept, and the ships' former executive chef. 

‘With our modern and sustainable concept, we not only want to promote healthy eating, but also create a special experience.’ 

A ‘flavour’ of the F&B options 

Adopting a tranquil setting, Soulkitchen will serve vegan treats, ranging from plant-based butter to cheeses to cold cuts, including salmon slices. Homemade spreads, overnight oats, banana bread, fresh fruit and crunchy vegetables will complement a nutritionally conscious menu. 

In the evenings, (18:00-21:00) Soulkitchen will present daily changing three-course menus. Vegan and plant-based meat and seafood alternatives such as coconut lemongrass soup, almond barley risotto with sautéed herb apples, and a trio of crème brûlée will be among the delicacies. 

When it comes to beverages, passengers can choose from Fairtrade coffee, organic tea, fresh orange juice or a fruit smoothie. Non-alcoholic wines and spirits will also be available.

Culinary classes 

A show kitchen at the center of the venue will allow passengers to see each dish being prepared. Between meals, they can participate in cooking classes and workshops where noble oils, essences, herbs and aromatic spices can be sniffed and tasted. 

All dates for the cooking courses and workshops will appear in the travel planner on myAIDA. 

Design and planning 

On the design of the new venue, Thiersch added, ‘We were able to implement the conversion and re-design on board smoothly during ongoing operations thanks to the good planning preparation and the well-coordinated crew.’ 

Follows last year’s changes 

AIDA said it has always included a varied selection of vegan dishes, marked with green signs in the buffet restaurants, for example. However, the range of à la carte and specialty restaurants across the AIDA fleet was expanded last year to include new vegan starters, main courses and desserts, which included plant-based steaks, schnitzel and burgers. 

At its gourmet breakfast, passengers have been able to select plant-based specialties, such as vegan creams and spreads, since the end of 2022. 

Since March 2023, there have been a further 15 new vegan dishes to choose from at the Market Restaurant buffet on board AIDAcosma, AIDAperla, AIDAprima and AIDAnova. The vegan offer on board AIDA’s Sphinx-class ships was extended in the same period, and a new concept introduced involving nourishing dishes aimed at the health conscious. 

All AIDA restaurants are prepared for allergies or food intolerances; only gluten- and lactose-free dishes are offered at the Schonkostbar.