Air Canada has announced the addition of Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto to its culinary panel. Based in Toronto, Chef Hashimoto is the owner of Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, one of Canada’s only restaurants dedicated to the traditional art of Kaiseki cuisine. Since immigrating more than 40 years ago, he has devoted his career to mastering and sharing this multi-course culinary tradition. His exclusive creations debuted on 1 March 2025 in Air Canada Signature Class, on all flights between Canada and Japan.
On these routes, Chef Hashimoto’s dishes showcase a thoughtfully curated selection of traditional ingredients through a rotating menu. Six recipes will be introduced annually, including a Zensai (appetiser) such as sautéed lotus root; Komono (side dishes) like sesame tofu with wasabi sauce; and an Oshokuji (main course) featuring beef sukiyaki with simmered tofu, scallions, napa cabbage and red ginger, served with calrose rice and miso soup. A brunch casserole follows, served before landing. Beginning in the spring, Air Canada will further elevate the experience with traditional dishware and tray presentations curated by Chef Hashimoto, in partnership with Noritake dishware, featuring Japanese artwork.
“We are proud to present Chef Hashimoto’s exceptional culinary artistry in our Signature Class experience,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty and Product, Air Canada. “His journey and dedication to Kaiseki cuisine have enriched Canada’s culinary landscape, and we are honoured to celebrate this onboard.”
To complement the meals, a premium sake pairing will be offered, selected by Chef Hashimoto’s son, Kei Hashimoto, a certified Kiki sake-shi (sake sommelier) accredited by the Sake Service Institute in Tokyo. The featured sake, Ninki-ichi Junmai Daiginjo Gold, is crafted from Gohyakumankoku sake rice, prized for its clean, crisp character.
“It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to bring an authentic Japanese inflight dining experience to travellers,” said Chef Masaki Hashimoto. “Partnering with Air Canada is truly an honour for me, as it brings together the two places I now call home – Japan and Canada. This collaboration allows us both to bridge the rich cultural landscapes of each country and celebrate our shared values of care, respect, and connection.”
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