Gone are the days of undesirable airplane food, especially if you have the luxury of flying in Executive Class (business class) on Japan Airlines.
Ochazuke soup — Photo courtesy of Japan Airlines
For a moment, you may think you're in a high-end restaurant. Each course is served one by one with hardly an ingredient out of place, despite turbulence or take-off.
Guests receive an elegantly printed menu from which they choose between a Western or Japanese meal. Everyone receives the same amuse-boche first course of nuts and gorgeous marinated squid, for example, while cocktails are refreshed. Hors d'oeuvres on the Western side may include a trio of delights such as smoked duck with pink grapefruit, salmon brioche and poached prawns.
The mix of colors and design of the Japanese hors d'oeuvres may prompt a reach for the camera. Nine delicacies are beautifully presented in small Kobachi bowls resting inside a bento box. Deep-fried sea bream, shrimp and eggplant with chili sauce, yam kelp and squid julienne are examples of what you might see here.
Beef Wellington served in Executive Class — Photo courtesy of Japan Airlines
Koshikari rice is freshly-steamed onboard and served with miso soup and Japanese pickles. Main courses include gourmet twists on prime cuts of beef or fish to suit a Western or Japanese palate. Desserts range from fruit to delicious cakes.
Should you be hungry on a long haul flight in between meals, not to worry. At any time after the first meal service, you may ask for a variety of favorites including soba noodles in soup, risotto with mushroom and chestnuts, Japanese curry (a specialty dish), a fruit and cheese plate, croissant sandwiches and more.
Our advice? Leave the diet behind. We didn't even get into the premium sake, whiskey and wine selection.
