Ever had that craving for laksa as soon as you board the plane? Now you can enjoy that Singaporean delight in the sky.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will include popular Singaporean dishes such as chili crab,bak kut teh, laksa and nasi lemak in their latest in-flight menu.

The new Popular Local Fare Programme is available on flights departing Singapore as well as Singapore Airlines destinations worldwide. The dishes will be offered on selected flights in First, Business and Economy Classes, as one of the main course options.

"We are constantly looking for new ways to give customers greater variety in their in-flight meals. Our new Popular Local Fare Programme offers customers the authenticity and familiarity of local comfort food even at 35,000 feet," said Mr Yap Kim Wah, SIA Senior Vice-President of Product and Services.

"At the same time, holiday makers can enjoy a well-known local favourite before heading for home," added Mr Yap.

SIA's Popular Local Fare dishes will not only seduce the taste buds but will also feed customers? nostalgia for food which reminds them of their roots.

The dishes are carefully created such that their taste and presentation are comparable to those served by some of the best food stalls and restaurants in Singapore. This is to ensure that customers will enjoy a truly authentic dining experience. Each dish is served with the appropriate side dish or garnish. For example, customers who choose braised duck with yam rice as their main course, can expect to find braised egg and peanuts as well - just as you would at a restaurant in Singapore.

If you are wondering whether it is a good idea to get your hands dirty eating chili crab on the plane, fret not. The crab claws are de-shelled for passengers? convenience and served in spicy, tangy sauce, accompanied by rice and mantou. This will be available for either lunch or dinner on selected flights.

Soon, other Singapore Airlines destinations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, New York, Paris, Seoul, Sydney, and Taipei will also have their own Popular Local Fare Programme.

In time to come, customers flying from Seoul may savour classic favourites such as bibimbap, while those departing Paris can whet their appetite with a hearty bouillabaisse.