Sous Chef Mohan, who had impressed former US president Bill Clinton during a visit to Goa with his chicken makhani, Biryani and dal-e-jamavar, said: 'When I cook, India literally comes alive. I hope passengers are able to relish the same.'

The new menu also includes a range of Indian desserts like malai kulfi, rasmalai, kesar phirni and gulab jamun, which will join continental-style chocolate parfait with green lime syrup to round off the meal. These are in addition to regular German cuisine.

The carrier has partnered with the Leela chain for in-flight dining out of India.

'We look at our partnership as a free branding for our hospitality chain and its restaurants. Passengers who travel in the business and first class are our main clients as well,' said Rajiv Kaul, senior vice president of the hotel group.

In July, Lufthansa was the first airline to connect Mumbai, India's commercial and entertainment hub, and Munich with a regular all-business class service to Europe.