Questions and Answers

Hi lucky,

Apologies if you’ve answered this already but I was wondering how different airlines handle vegetarian meals in business class or first class.

I noticed your recent Emirates flight had a single vegetarian option for starter and entree. Is it possible to get more variety, especially for such a long flight where you will eat more than once, by letting them know in advance (akin to requesting a special meal in Economy)?

I know that SQ’s book the cook is well set up for this since there are numerous vegetarian options to
choose from but wondering about how it works on other airlines you frequent (and if there are any you think would be worth choosing over others for this reason). Would appreciate knowing business class as much or more than first if possible.

Thank you!

You can book in advance with Emirates, sadly not that much information about the different special meals on their website.
[URL]http://www.emirates.com/english/plan_book/essential_information/dietary_requirements.aspx[/URL]

Try googling the airline you are wondering about and vegetarian meal, that often gives you many answers.

Just a word of warning. I flew from Bangkok to Auckland in Business on Emirates, via Sydney. The first flight operated by Emirates was excellent. On the second flight, operated by Qantas, I had ordered a vegetarian meal. It was nothing less than appalling. The equal-worst airline meal I’ve ever had (I once had a terrible Jet Airways meal), and I have at least fifteen airline meals a year – mostly in Economy. The meal was incredibly bland and flavourless. I had a few mouthfuls and stopped.

So my advice – never try the veggie option on Qantas (after something that bad they don’t deserve a second chance), and be very wary of those Emirates flights operated by Qantas.

DO inquire about what the options might be. I forget which carrier it was, but I had requested a vegetarian meal. What came out was a tray with an apple and two slices of bread with shredded carrots between them. A carrot sandwich. No mayo/butter/etc. Just two pieces of wheat bread with carrots.

That said, I’ve also had some absolutely delicious options over the years (black beans & rice, quinoa, some great pesto pasta dishes).