Philippine Airlines held a Thai food festival for the month of April. They had consultant’s from People’s Palace help develop their menu. People’s Palace is my favorite Thai place in Manila and I was actually kind of looking forward to seeing what was in store.
Chicken meal – This seemed to be chicken in pineapple sauce. Didn’t taste Thai at all. The cake was a buttery sponge cake. Like most PAL desserts served in economy, they pile up on the cream and it’s too sweet. The only edible dish was the salad which was Thai vermicelli salad.
Fish meal – Much worse than the chicken. It looks unappetizing just by looking at it! No color, no taste, overcooked. I didn’t touch my fish meal.
Summary : Philippine airlines has never been known for their food in economy class. I don’t understand why they can’t make the food in coach edible. It’s always been bland or overcooked for me. The Thai food festival menu was much worse!!! I couldn’t even touch my fish. Do share with me your best and worst airline meals -=).
Rating : One-nighter
April 28, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Mukhang di nga masarap
April 28, 2008 at 6:30 pm
why is PAL food so bad. i had chicken popcorn for a transcontinental flight once.
April 28, 2008 at 7:40 pm
The funny thing is I think I’m one of the few people who loves airline food, no matter how bad it tastes! Just the idea of eating a meal thousands of feet up in the sky makes it better for me for some odd reason.
April 29, 2008 at 7:25 pm
yeah, the only time i had a good meal on PAL economy class was during Shanghai-Manila leg when LUCIO TAN was also on board.
other than that, it pretty much sucks.
April 30, 2008 at 9:41 am
Aline : Di nga… =(
Shella : Popcorn chicken even sounds better than bland colorless fish!!! =P
Hi Gus : Lucky you to have Lucio Tan onboard then! I haven’t had that luck yet and always had crappy food =D
Nice blog you have by the way. Funny…=)
April 30, 2008 at 9:46 am
Hi Ryan : Maybe it’s coupled with the excitement of going to a new place, new adventure =)
May 14, 2008 at 8:17 am
I got flak for prefering to eat croissant and jam over ensaymada when I blogged about PAL’s food. *shakes head* It’s actually better in business class. But how often do we get lucky and be upgraded?
Best would still be Singapore Airlines. My seatmate in business class’ beef dish looks so similar to the beef meal I had in economy in a previous flight XD
May 14, 2008 at 11:05 am
Hi Nina :
Just read your blog post on PAL airline food. Yep, yours didn’t look much appetizing either.
And it’s not being not nationalistic when we diss our airline’s food, as you’ve said.
It’s simply pointing out bad food when we see bad food!
April 29, 2009 at 1:30 am
PAL changed chefs recently. the past ones were experienced in several airlines. the last one was very creative, and loved Filipino flavors, though he was a Scot. we miss him.
not to diss anyone, but a lot of preparations go into airline menu preparation. down to the last gram on each plate, tray, and trolley, all these are weighed and carefully planned. foods in season, availability, cultural/religious sensitivities, quality management & feedback are just a few considerations that go into even the simplest meal item.
Yes, sometimes PAL gets it right,. . . but what i can say is PAL does get it right compared to most airlines. Considering that meals aren’t part of the ticket price at all (anywhere in the world – this is why smart budget airlines cropped up). I used to be one of the skeptics, until I travelled all over, and I really appreciated the work & quality of PAL output despite all the budget concerns.
We’re more flexible than most, and we react quickly. Other airlines won’t budge at all, what’s placed on your table is what you get!