Economy class on planes may not be known for its gourmet offering, but it's not all terrible. According to the 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards – the Oscars of the airline industry – these airlines have the best economy meal offering.

In tenth place, Taiwan’s leading independent airline EVA Air flies to over 60 international destinations throughout Asia, America, Europe and more. The airline has received a number of accolades throughout the years, winning awards for having the cleanest cabins, the best premium economy offering, and now one of the best economy catering offerings.

EVA Air gave itself an edge over competitors by offering passengers a number of culinary surprises in the economy cabin. Flavours change each month, passengers get a choice between chocolate or fruit pound cake, and on some routes passengers even receive treats from the century-old French bakery PAUL.

Coming ninth, Lufthansa has recently overhauled its cabins and won a raft of accolades in response, including being named a 5-star airline by Skytrax and best airline in Europe.

You won’t fail to feel full on a Lufthansa flight. Meals are changed regularly, and passengers will get a drinks service, a three-course meal with two hot mains to choose from, plus salads, dessert and hot drinks. On some international flights, there are occasionally dishes typical of the region you’re visiting.

At number eight, Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific has a fleet of nearly 200 aircraft, and flies to nearly 200 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa. It has been named the world’s best airline numerous times, and now it's in the ranking for the best airline food.

Cathay Pacific offer everything from local favourites to international dishes. There are a number of main courses, with typical options including shredded pork, braised chicken thighs or penne pasta, as well as starters, desserts and hot drinks. They also offer plenty of special diet meals, such as low-salt or vegetarian options.

In seventh place, Austria’s largest carrier Austrian Airlines has a global route network of around 130 destinations, including 35 in central and eastern Europe. Last year was a record year for the airline as it carried nearly 13 million passengers, many of whom loved its food offering.

Whether you’re flying short or long haul, you’ll enjoy the food and beverage served on board: on short-haul flights, passengers are offered a range of drinks including Austrian beers and wines, while those on longer flights can choose between two different menus, and will also receive a snack or breakfast before landing. You can also order a special à la carte menu in advance for €15 (£13) to enjoy treats like wiener schnitzels, tapas, mezze or Japanese dishes.

Flying with Singapore Airlines is always a treat: their fleet of over 109 aircraft is one of the youngest in the industry and they fly all over Asia, Europe, Australasia, Africa and North America.

Meals are tasty and varied, with a huge range of special meals to choose from, from post-weaning and baby meals for children to vegetarian Indian dishes, seafood meals and low-fat options.

You won't be hankering for an upgrade on Japan Airlines, who recently received the accolade for the best economy class seat. The airline, which came in fifth place for its food, has 230 aircraft and flies to 56 countries across Asia, Europe, North America and beyond.

The economy class meals were dreamt up by six young chefs from RED U-35, Japan’s largest culinary competition. The airline also collaborates with popular restaurants in Japan to keep menus current, and they change regularly. Dishes could include sautéed mushroom soup, bento in the sky and Hamburg steak with fettuccine. There’s even a self-service snack corner in case passengers get peckish.

At number four, luxurious airline Qatar Airways is an unsurprising entry in this list. The airline flies to over 150 destinations across the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America and Australasia.

The meals in economy aren’t only tasty, but well presented too. The trays, mugs and boxes are 99% recyclable, adding an eco-friendly dimension. Passengers are served fresh salad starters and regional dips like hummus, and can then choose between three main courses, including a light option. Typical dishes could include Indian pakora or Malaysian chicken curry. There is also a wide range of special meals.

South Korean airline Asiana is in third place. It serves 11 domestic and 78 international, flying to Europe, Australasia and North America as well as numerous destinations in Asia.

Forget bland airline food: on Asiana Airlines you can try classic Korean dishes. As well as a selection of drinks, passengers also get to try Korean specialities such as yeongyang ssambap, a delicious vegetable wrap with an assortment of nuts and sauces. Or sample podubu bossam, which consists of smoked pork and thinly-sliced tofu served with vegetable wraps.

With a fleet of over 300 aircraft and a range of flights to 300 destinations, Turkish Airlines operates in 120 countries. The airline, which came in second place, has received a number of awards over the years, including being named Europe’s best airline.

The meals are a treat. On short-haul flights, passengers get sandwiches, olive oil-based starters and desserts, while on longer flights dishes from all over the world are presented and made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. There’s also breakfast, and sometimes a snack service too.

The designated national carrier of Thailand, Thai Airways took the top spot in the Skytrax rankings. Operating an average of 1,109 round-trip flights a week to 80 destinations in 32 countries, the airline carried over 22.2 million passengers in 2016 and operates a fleet of nearly 100 aircraft.

The award-winning meals in economy class are inspired by the flavours of Thailand, but there are also options from around the world. Seasonal ingredients are often used, fresh produce is sustainably sorted, and meals provide livelihoods for and support local Thai farmers. There is always a choice of main course, as well as fresh salad, bread, fresh fruit or a dessert.