What do you eat at an altitude of 12 km? My culinary business class experience with Cathay Pacific
Let’s be honest: when you think of airplane food, culinary masterpieces usually aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet Cathay Pacific promises something completely different in business class. Collaborations with renowned chefs, fresh ingredients and a high level of service. Time to taste it for myself on my flight to Hong Kong!
From the moment I step into my seat, I feel like a VIP. A smile, a welcome drink and the ‘Cathay Delight’ (a refreshing mix of kiwi, coconut milk and mint) immediately make for a cheerful welcome. Hydration is key, so a constant stream of water bottles follows. Service = A+.
Dinner at an altitude of 12 kilometres: refined comfort food
The flight has barely begun when the flight attendant smoothly transforms my seat into a dining table, complete with a white linen tablecloth. My culinary experience begins with poached shrimp with spiced horseradish dressing and avocado. The shrimp are juicy and perfectly cooked, while the dressing adds a subtle spiciness that balances the dish beautifully.
Although I had resolved not to drink alcohol, a glass of Taittinger champagne quickly puts an end to that plan. And can you blame me? It is research, after all, right? Besides bubbles, wine and beer, there is also a wide selection of three types of whisky (Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve, Jack Daniel’s and Canadian Club), Campari, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Bacardi, Absolut Vodka, Hine Rare VSOP, Cointreau and Baileys, as well as a variety of cocktails.
For the main course, I opt for a classic beef burger with Monterey Jack cheese on brioche, with fries on the side. And it turns out to be surprisingly good! The cheese is melted, and the bun is soft but sturdy enough to hold everything together. The fries could have been crispier, but the meat is juicy and rich in flavour.
Dessert? No, I skip that, but choose chocolates instead. Small, perfect and just enough to finish.
Midnight cravings: signature wonton soup and an airy lounge vibe
Later in the evening, my stomach starts rumbling again. The signature wonton noodle soup with fish balls does not disappoint – spicy broth, tender fish balls, a delight at 12 km above the ground.
After that, I give the crew the green light to transform my space into a flying cocktail lounge. I order a Johnnie Walker Gold Label whisky – smooth and surprisingly good. Then a Negroni that would undoubtedly belong in a better cocktail bar. Who says you can’t sip in style above the clouds?
Honestly, this is pure enjoyment. Where else do you get to experience your business class seat successively transform from workspace to mini hotel room, restaurant, late-night bar, flying cinema and finally a bed-between-the-stars? My final setup is a mix of a late-night bar and a private cinema. Unlimited bottles of water and late-night snacks flow into my lounge in an endless stream.
Cathay x whisky: high-flying flavours
The Johnnie Walker Gold already surprises me, but then comes the exclusive Cathay x Glenfarclas whisky. With its rich flavour profile of dark fruit, chocolate and a hint of sweetness from the sherry casks, it brings to mind a Christmas cake in a glass. What truly makes this limited edition unique is its impressive cask strength of 60 percent. This whisky is bottled straight from the cask without dilution, making it a rare find for any collector. But yes, you can only buy it on board Cathay…
That alone would be reason enough to fly with them. Brilliant, because extras like these make all the difference and reinforce Cathay Pacific’s status as a premium lifestyle travel brand. Cathay Pacific’s business class is more than a luxury seat. It is an experience of comfort, gastronomy and service that transforms your flight into a flying boutique hotel experience. You’re not simply flying here; you’re enjoying yourself!
Also read:
- Forget that nasty airplane snack: here you can enjoy a Michelin-starred meal on board
- Airplane food: what you need to know
- Planes that ‘fly sustainably on frying oil (SAF)’: pure deception
