Here’s what passengers ate on the Titanic before the tragedy

On the night of April 14, 1912, passengers aboard the RMS Titanic sat down for lavish meals completely unaware that the ship would strike an iceberg just hours later. The menus reflected the enormous class divide aboard the Titanic, from extravagant French-style feasts in first class to hearty comfort meals in steerage. Here’s what people were eating on the Titanic the night it sank. (unsplash)

First-Class Passengers Dined Like Royalty: The first class dinner featured an elaborate multi course meal inspired by Edwardian fine dining traditions, complete with oysters, soups, fish courses, meats, desserts, and wine pairings. (unsplash)

Consommé Olga Was One of the Signature Dishes: One of the evening’s famous dishes was “Consommé Olga,” a rich clear broth served alongside cream of barley soup as part of the luxurious opening courses. (wikimedia commons)

Filet Mignon and Roast Duck Were on the Menu: Wealthy passengers could choose from dishes such as filet mignon Lili, sautéed chicken Lyonnaise, lamb with mint sauce, roast duckling with applesauce, and sirloin beef with château potatoes. (wikimedia commons)

Dessert Included Éclairs and French Ice Cream: The first class dessert table was equally extravagant, featuring peaches in Chartreuse jelly, chocolate and vanilla éclairs, Waldorf pudding, and French ice cream. (unsplash)

Second Class Passengers Ate Hearty British Meals: Second class passengers enjoyed simpler but still substantial meals including baked haddock, curried chicken and rice, roast turkey with cranberry sauce, plum pudding, and American ice cream. (wikimedia commons)

Third Class Passengers Had a Filling High Tea: Third class passengers were served a traditional high tea with ragout of beef, potatoes, bread and butter, currant buns, pickles, stewed fruit, and hot tea, far simpler than the upper class dining rooms, but still considered generous for the time. (unsplash)