A cooling system is provided for cooling food in an aircraft while the food is stored in known catering trolleys that are stowed at prescribed stowage locations, preferably for example at least one on-board galley (3A to 3E) within the aircraft cabin. The cooling system includes at least one central cooling plant (4) located below the cabin floor of the aircraft. Heat exchanger units (9A, 9B, 17A, 17B) are provided in the galleys (3A to 3E). A distribution conduit system, including a supply conduit (5) and a return conduit (6) as well as connector conduits (10A, 10B, 11A, 11B), couples the central cooling plant (4) with the respective heat exchangers (9A, 9B, 17A, 17B) arranged in the galleys (3A to 3E). Connector adapters are provided at various locations along the supply conduit (5) and the return conduit (6), and the connector conduits (10A, 10B, 11A, 11B) include quick connectors that are connectable to the adapters. The galleys may quickly and easily be repositioned as desired within the cabin to achieve different cabin layouts. The heat and noise of the cooling plant is removed from the cabin to an underfloor space, and a more efficient installation and reconfiguration of the system, as well as an overall space and weight saving, is achieved.