How bad or great is the food of Singapore Airlines? - Flying Los Angeles to Singapore on Airbus A380
Last September 2015, it's been an opportunity to fly Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 from Los Angeles to Singapore via Tokyo Narita. Many people despise airplane food. For some reason, food eaten on the plane has lesser taste due to the elevation 35,000 feet above the ground. But there's a few airline company that still prioritizes quality over quantity. One of them is Singapore Airlines.
Anyhow, I managed to book this one way ticket from Los Angeles to Manila for only $550. But this is a long journey as dated in 2015, there's no available nonstop flights between Singapore and the USA. For this flight, I'll be flying Los Angeles to Singapore with a stop at Tokyo Narita. Then connecting from Singapore to Manila. A total flying hours of 20 hours and 35 minutes. For an aviation enthusiast, it's heaven. Kinda geeky right? :)
The flight departs out of the freshly renovated Tom Bradley International Airport at 3:00 PM. Most of the passengers were returning Japanese Students on an educational tour in California. Choosing Singapore Airlines is the something I never regretted because of the five star service offered even on Economy Class or somewhat called by others as Cattle Class due to the poor legroom. Flying the Airbus A380, which is one of the latest generation of aircraft that can carry 400 passengers I believe is something I am looking forward. This double deck aircraft offers First Class Suite, Business Class on the Upper Deck and Economy Class on the main deck. Imagine a full house, it could have been a very tiring job for the Singapore Girls and Stewards.
The Singapore Girl is an iconic image of Singapore Airlines wearing a Sarong Kebaya. For this flight, there's a Japanese crew as this sector caters mostly for Japanese passengers. It was actually a full flight but despite of that, we were all served well.. This 10 hour journey is like a fine dining experience, despite it's an economy class. You can never go wrong with Singapore Airlines with their mouth watering meals. As soon as the aircraft took off, the service commences with a beverage run and two packs of peanuts.
So Let's start the five star service! For the beverage service, I asked for Canada Dry Ginger Ale. I was surprised that I was given a full can. Something you cannot get from other carriers. They also gave us some chocolate bars. Beverages offered are both alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks. You should try their very own Singapore Sling which is a 1915 classic.
After the drink run, Dinner is served. I opted for the Beef stew sauteed in potatoes and veggies.The meat is so tender and juicy as well. It is accompanied by smoked salmon marinated on vegetable salad. The meal includes also a bread roll, cheese and cracker and a choice drink which I opted for Orange Juice. They also served ice cream for dessert.
The flight attendants are very courteous and so professional. During the middle of the flight, they are very visible and frequently serves drinks such as water or juice. At the middle of the flight, they also served some cold sandwiches with a choice of Savoury or Vegetarian Sandwich. I got the Ciabatta Parmesan Chicken which is so tasty.
Flying on a long haul flight with Singapore Airlines is a good one too. They offer Krisworld which is an entertainment audio video on demand which you can catch up with your favorite TV series, or watch the latest movie, or watch again your favorite foreign film. You can even play games or track the flight on the flight map.
A couple of hours before we landed in Tokyo Narita, they served a second dinner service. The option is either Pork Strogannoff or Stir Fried Rice Vermicelli which I opted for the later. It includes a tuna salad with potato and cherry tomato, bread roll and spread, chocolate mouse with pear and a hot beverage. The meal is very tasty again. Another feast in the air. The noodle is soft and the blend of the vegetable and chicken gives an aromatic and authentic Asian flavor. I'm also a chocolate lover, so definitely the chocolate mouse is a special treat. I always like cakes offered on the plane.
When we landed in Tokyo, it was already pass 6 in the evening. All passengers continuing to Singapore, will have to go for a security check before boarding the flight again. It was just about an hour and a half before we fly again for the next journey. The six hour flight to Singapore is a red eye flight that arrives Singapore around 3:00 AM. Most of the passengers have disembarked in Tokyo and the flight load to Singapore is very light which I'm grateful to have 2 free seats next to me. I wonder if Singapore Airlines generate profit for a passenger only 1/4 full.
Once we boarded on the same aircraft, it has been cleaned. So what's with the 6 hour flight to Singapore? Well, it's time to catch up some sleep as there's nothing much to see outside.
Once airborne, dinner were served again. I opted for the Japanese Meal. The western meal is cod fish with mashed potato. The Japanese Meal includes a Zensai or selection of Japanese appetizers. Also includes soba, a Japanese cold noodle. For the main course, it's a Japanese Braised Pork with seasonal vegetables and steamed rice. For the final taste, it's an Apple Tart. Drinks were given with a choice of Green Tea or Oolong Tea.
Meal preparation is very important in the Japanese culture. Even I just passed by Japan, I have felt that I've tried an authentic Japanese meal. The soba noodle is cold and tender. The meat may look bland but it was so delicious. The apple tart by the way is way too sweet for me, but still it's a good try to taste it.
After a thousand miles of journey, we safely landed at Changi International Airport Terminal 3. So how bad was the food service? It was ridiculously delicious! Five Star service indeed. This made me become a loyal passenger for Singapore Airlines. Economy class can be troublesome especially for long haul flights due to the poor legroom. But I was well fed with a feast of delicious international cuisine. No wonder why Singapore Airlines is still very competitive that other airliners would love to follow. Aside from the meal service, I like the professionalism of the cabin crew and their willingness to help. Thumbs up for a wonderful flying experience!
To see the full flight review of this flight, please click the video below. Enjoy!
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