The Titanic’s incredible menu revealed – for every class
Menus from the most fateful voyage in history

Why are we so fascinated?

Many factors led to the tragedy: the claim that the Titanic – at the time the largest ship ever built – was unsinkable, the unusual combination of weather that drove icebergs further south than usual and the lack of lifeboats all played a part in the shocking death toll. Yet it's the stories of the celebrities of the day that were onboard, the sheer size and splendour of the ship, and how it highlighted the Edwardian class divide that have captivated people through the decades.
Titanic provisions: what food came onboard

The Titanic was the most luxurious ship afloat and food onboard was a big part of the liner's appeal. Meals were included in the ticket price for nearly all passengers, with the exception of those in the à la carte restaurant. There was enough to cater for 2,200 people on what should have been a week-long voyage. Hefty provisions included 75,000lbs of meat, 11,000lbs of fresh fish, 40 tonnes of potatoes, 40,000 eggs, 7,000 heads of lettuce, 10,000lbs of sugar, 250 barrels flour, 36,000 apples, 1,500 gallons of milk and 15,000 bottles of ale.
Life for third-class passengers

Fares from those emigrating to the New World were big business for shipping companies and many of those seeking a new life would have been in third class (also known as steerage). Titanic’s third class was said to resemble second class in comparison to other steamships, but was also more expensive. There were two modest dining rooms, communal rooms, deck space and even running water and electricity (a novelty for many). The cabins, illustrated in this picture, were separated into berths for single men located near the bow, while single women were housed at the other end of the ship near the stern, and families.
Dining in third class

Dining in third class

A third-class breakfast

A third-class lunch

Tea and supper

The last meals eaten by third-class passengers

Life for second-class passengers

Dining in second class

A second-class breakfast

A second-class breakfast

A second-class lunch

A second-class lunch

For dessert there was tapioca pudding, apple tart, fresh fruit, cheese and biscuits, and coffee. These American and British dishes, cooked in the same galley as first class, made up a hearty lunch – albeit a less elegant one than those dining in the á la carte restaurant two decks above.
The last meal eaten by second-class passengers

The last meal eaten by second-class passengers

Life for first-class passengers

Life for first-class passengers

Dining in first class

The enormous Jacobean-inspired dining saloon was situated in the middle of the ship to give diners the smoothest passage. It was lined with white painted wood panelling, beautiful leaded-glass windows obscured the portholes and tables were laid for two to eight guests. A bugle sounded that signalled guests head to the reception room, where they sipped cocktails before dinner. Breakfast was served 8–10am; lunch 1–2.30pm; and dinner 7-8.15pm. Pictured here is the first-class dining saloon on RMS Olympic.
Dining in first class

Dining in first class

A first-class breakfast

A first-class lunch

A first-class lunch

The last meal eaten by first-class passengers

The last meal eaten by first-class passengers

The last meal eaten by first-class passengers

Titanic menus are worth a fortune today

A grand commemoration dinner

Taste the Titanic's cuisine today

Rayanne House in Belfast, Northern Ireland, (where the Titanic was built) usually offers a nine-course Titanic menu inspired by what first-class passengers would have eaten. Courses include poached salmon with mousseline sauce, filet mignon with foie gras and truffle, and spiced peaches in Chartreuse jelly.
Read more: Incredible menus served on the high seas during the golden age of travel
Still intrigued? Read more…

To learn more about the food and drink served on the doomed liner read Rick Archebold’s The Last Dinner on the Titanic and RMS Titanic Dinner is Served by Yvonne Hulme, the great niece of musician John Law Hulme who died while working on the ship.
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Get up close and personal

There are numerous exhibitions and memorials dedicated to the Titanic. Titanic Belfast offers the definitive Titanic Experience, while Seacity Museum, Southampton tells a tale of a town where more than 500 households lost a family member. Mersey Maritime Museum, Liverpool explains the city's place in the Titanic's story.
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