I’ve become a self-proclaimed food critic in the sky. Each time I’m served a meal on a plane, I scrutinize it as if a Michelin-starred chef had prepared it. I don’t know when this peculiar obsession began, but I’ve started capturing these airborne dining experiences with my camera. So, prepare yourself for a delicious journey through the skies, as I share my culinary observations from the comfort of Delta One and Delta First Class.
I’m usually a big fan of orange juice on flights. I crave that extra vitamin C, especially when I’m traveling.
First-Class Cocktails: A DIY Experience
If you’ve ever requested a mixed alcoholic beverage on a plane, you know the drill. You won’t get a pre-made cocktail; instead, you’ll be given the components and left to mix it yourself. Unfortunately, this short flight didn’t include a meal, so I was left to my own devices.
I’m not a steak or fillet person, but I’m a sucker for braised beef. This particular dish, with its tender beef, comforting veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes, was a culinary triumph. The glaze drizzled over the meat infused the entire meal with an incredible depth of flavor. It was a delightful experience at 30,000 feet.
A Surprisingly Delightful Quiche
I’m usually hesitant to eat egg-based dishes outside of my own kitchen. But this quiche, adorned with shallots, bacon, and chives, was a pleasant surprise. The cheese harmonized beautifully with the egg, and the bacon bits added the perfect touch of crispness.
I love bulgogi, but I foolishly opted for the teriyaki chicken on my flight to Korea. I was lured in by the tempting purple rice, which turned out to be the highlight of the meal. The chicken, however, was dry and lacked tenderness. The pasta salad wasn’t my favorite, but the rice salvaged the dish.
Charcuterie in the Clouds
I was intrigued to see what a charcuterie board in the air would look like. The answer? A bowl filled with cheese, fruit, and dried meats. It felt like a glorified Lunchable, but I wasn’t complaining. The lack of a traditional wooden board was a bit disappointing, but the food itself was enjoyable.
Indian Flavors Take Flight
It’s only natural that Indian food is served when leaving London, especially when it’s so much better than the traditional British cuisine, in my humble opinion! I’m a big fan of Indian food, even if it’s not entirely authentic. This particular dish wasn’t as impressive as the braised beef, but it was tasty enough to clear my plate.
This spinach pastry, or pasty as it’s sometimes called, was a bit of a mixed bag. It was decent but not exceptional. It reminded me of the spinach puff pastry cups my sister-in-law makes, but not as delicious.
Risotto with a Twist
The risotto had a lovely flavor, but it was just a tad undercooked. I’m not a huge fan of side salads, but the potato salad with dill and edamame was a real treat. I mixed it into the risotto for an extra burst of flavor.
Airplane Food: A Love Story
I’ve always enjoyed airplane food, even as a child. These reviews might be slightly biased, but I’m generally lenient, considering the constraints of preparing meals at such high altitudes. I commend the flight attendants for doing their best with what they have, which is essentially fancy microwave dinners. I can’t wait to see what culinary delights await me on my next journey in Delta One or Delta First Class!
