Religious Travelers - Cathay Pacific JFK-HKG Kosher meals First Class

Hi,

So I'm flying Cathay Pacific First Class, what can I expect if I order Kosher meals in First Class on Cathay Pacific JFK-HKG?.

IF they are going to serve those little plastic wrapped meals (Wilton, Borenstien etc.) I may just order vegetarian.

Thanks-

So am I (Mid next week). I'm gonna take a gamble on the KSML and hope for the best...

So am I (Mid next week). I'm gonna take a gamble on the KSML and hope for the best...

Please give us your trip report on the KSML meals your reserved, are you flying J or F?.

Flying F. Will report back

Flying F. Will report back

If the KSML in F is something to write home about, please take some pics. I also saw ONLINE they have a grilled fish on the regular Menu, I would chose that but I don't know your level of Kashrut LOL :)

They served the business class meal from Regal. Fish for dinner and Meat for lunch. I did not even venture to try it though it was definitely an upgrade over the economy meals though miles short of the Hermoles offerings.

I'd advise to order frozen or even fresh meals from a kosher establishment in Cedarhurst and either pick it up on your way or get it delivered to JFK (10 min away). I picked up from Wok Tov and was very happy with it. Crew had no problem chilling and re-heating them for me. Just make sure to bring along some extra silver foil for double wrapping

Was the regal on glass or plastic? Also let me know what they are serving on the return HKG-JFK.

I'm actually coming from Flatbush so allot of stuff on coney and thanks for the update very much appreciated.

Regal was on Plastic :(

Returning to TLV via BKK on EK & LY

Regal was on Plastic :(

Returning to TLV via BKK on EK & LY

How does EK connect with LY? I never knew LY flies to DBX! LOL..

Anyways I really appreciate the heads up on the JFK-HKG and I figured that would be the case after my last experience in J on the same Route, What Ill do is order vegetarian and get some food from either estihana on Ave J or Carlos and Gabby's.. I'm also going from HKG-SGN in J, you have any idea what meals are like these days out of HKG? last time I think it was from Belgium!!

They served the business class meal from Regal. Fish for dinner and Meat for lunch. I did not even venture to try it though it was definitely an upgrade over the economy meals though miles short of the Hermoles offerings.

I'd advise to order frozen or even fresh meals from a kosher establishment in Cedarhurst and either pick it up on your way or get it delivered to JFK (10 min away). I picked up from Wok Tov and was very happy with it. Crew had no problem chilling and re-heating them for me. Just make sure to bring along some extra silver foil for double wrapping

Hermolis is without a doubt the best Kosher Meal in the Sky. Is there an email or other address where we can advise the airline of our preference - that there are Real alternatives for the kosher traveler

Hermolis is without a doubt the best Kosher Meal in the Sky. Is there an email or other address where we can advise the airline of our preference - that there are Real alternatives for the kosher traveler

Intresting Hermolis has TWA as one of thier Airline clients lol :D
http://hermolis.com/site/airlines.htm

Also you can contact any Airline from the Airlines websites contacts, or call their regional offices and speak to the Managers.

Intresting Hermolis has TWA as one of thier Airline clients lol :D
http://hermolis.com/site/airlines.htm

Also you can contact any Airline from the Airlines websites contacts, or call their regional offices and speak to the Managers.

I take it that the Hemolis list is for the Airlines that they supply for the flights out of London only

AFAIK there is no way to get say a Hemolis meal for a flight out of the US, while Ive gotten them out of PEK or HKG, BCN etcetc, that was simply due to the caterering company in those places having contracts with Hemolis and if they had it with someone else then there isnt a way to request Hermolis and expect to get them. It seemed up thread someone thought there was a way to get Hermolis by simply asking the Airline they are flying to supply Hermolis, theres no way from what I know that that can be done

anyone have further insight into the meals? any other experiances regarding the kosher on first?

Hi,

I may just order vegetarian.

Thanks-

Vegetarian Airline meals frequently have red wine vinegar in them and should be considered 100% non-kosher

Vegetarian Airline meals frequently have red wine vinegar in them and should be considered 100% non-kosher

thanks for the heads up on that!

Please don't take halakhic advise from Flyertalk. Learn Shulchan Aruch instead. Especially the Remas dealing with buying cooked foods from the European market place.

Wine is not a simple issue. There are cases that it would be nullified up to a sixth. There are more issue than wine. It is not a business that the uneducated should involve themselves in.

Please don't take halakhic advise from Flyertalk. Learn Shulchan Aruch instead. Especially the Remas dealing with buying cooked foods from the European market place.

Wine is not a simple issue. There are cases that it would be nullified up to a sixth. There are more issue than wine. It is not a business that the uneducated should involve themselves in.

Please don't take halachic advice from Flyertalk - nor directly from the Rem"a, nor from Shimon nor from me. Ask your LOR (local Orthodox Rav) or reliable Kashrus authority.

Please don't take halachic advice from Flyertalk - nor directly from the Rem"a, nor from Shimon nor from me. Ask your LOR (local Orthodox Rav) or reliable Kashrus authority.

+1!

+1!
+2!!

(But I felt I should point out an obvious concern, because some people don't want to ask until they are convinced there is a real potential concern.)

Ok so here is what you get in CX First Class Kosher if your flying out from HKG, I did not post Kosher out of JFK as it was not even worth a picture:

http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad97/ual902/CX/asia111222.jpg
Hermolis BKK - HKG

http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad97/ual902/CX/154.jpg
Hermolis HKG - SGN

thanks for posting the pictures. was the first class meal out of jfk even edible? what a shame that for a first class ticket, you cant get decent kosher on china! really dissapointing.

thanks for posting the pictures. was the first class meal out of jfk even edible? what a shame that for a first class ticket, you cant get decent kosher on china! really dissapointing.

Serving kosher food on non-kosher china is a no-go.

And yes, it´s a shame that they can´t do better, the food looks very sad!

Serving kosher food on non-kosher china is a no-go.

And yes, it´s a shame that they can´t do better, the food looks very sad!

Notwithstanding what was served to the pax in C/F those meals are the normal Hermolis Y class product. The photos aren't flattering but, believe me, when you're at 35,000 feet halfway to Saigon, roast lamb is a lot better than the regular (non-kosher) guys are getting in coach! And the grilled salmon is very nice, too.

Definitely not "sad" - what do you expect??!!

Serving kosher food on non-kosher china is a no-go.

And yes, it´s a shame that they can´t do better, the food looks very sad!

Not so , what some Carriers do is to supply the kosher vendor with new plates etc , since they know theres x amount of breakage and replacement done anyway during the year. Ive gotten China on numerous flights the last ebing my CO EWR-TLV flight during Chol Ha'Moed. Ive gotten it also in 1st on BA with my Hermolis meals

If the carrier for whatever reason doesnt supply the kosher vendor with their Plates (same ones not used for another carrier so the vendor cant simply have a meal on say CX with AA dishes) then the vendor has no choice but to use what they do for the Coach meals as in ual902s pics

thanks for posting the pictures. was the first class meal out of jfk even edible? .

No, What I did was I just chose the Vegetarian option on the First Class Menu, I will not post the pictures of the Vegetarian options in this Forum as it might be "Maarit Ayin" and Ill say an extra Al Kheit on Yom Kippur! I'm posting a trip report with lots of pictures, in the trip report section next week so you can view what they serve for Veggie in First Class!

On both of my Lufthansa flights I got real China.

It would be shocking to the previous generation of Jews to hear a Jew say this but the Germans seem to be some of our best friends.

Lufthansa definitely does not cheapen out on kosher meals. They are not looking for the cheapest meals in the air (that award goes to Air China) and are not afraid from paying a little extra to get some of the best kosher food in the air.

Australia and America have good caterers but too many airlines are too cheap to use them for their kosher diners. I wonder how the situation is in the other continents on the world.

Serving kosher food on non-kosher china is a no-go.


There is no need to be concerned except when you get Stogel or Bangkok Airways on china. Or any boxed meal for that matter.

Sohar and Hermilis's hashkaghot will supervise the china. Hermilis does provide its own cutlery if it can be returned to it. Otherwise, the cutlery may be new sets that the caterer keeps and after it has been used the airline keeps it.

So I wrote to Cathay...

Dear Cathay: I understand that CX uses kosher economy meals for all classes, and I am hoping that you would reconsider your policy and upgrade the kosher first class meal to
a meal fitting first class. It would help enhance our experiance and all
those other people that fly first that only eat kosher and would give CX
a better name and reputation regarding this. thank you for your
consideration in this regard. I look forward to your response. Scincerely Palooza.

And here is their response (13 days later!):
Dear mr Palooza

With regards to your feedback pertaining to Kosher Meal (KSML) served on
Cathay Pacific (CX) flights, we would like to advise that CX provides
one kind of premium KSML for all classes except for flight operating
from New York (JFK). In New York, the supplier provide two kinds of
KSML, one is for First/Business class passengers and the other for
Economy class passengers.

However, customer feedback is important to us as it helps in our
endeavour to improve our service standards and we are grateful to you
for your feedback. Rest assured, a copy of your email has been forwarded
to the relevant department for their perusal.

hopefully we have been able to clarify the matter, however,
for any further assistance or clarification we kindly request you to
contact your nearest Cathay Pacific Airways reservations office.

May we take this opportunity to thank you for choosing Cathay Pacific
and we look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you on board our
flights soon.

Yours sincerely,
Customer Relations

In New York, the supplier provide two kinds of
KSML, one is for First/Business class passengers and the other for
Economy class passengers.

LIARS!

@ crazypalooza Thanks for writing this letter now CX has now 4 Daily Flights JFK - HKG plus the new ORD-HKG that is more flights then JFK - AMS and JFK - CDG, plus a whole lot of Kosher mealers fly this route as I have done this route twice once in Business and once in First Class, CX must re examine thier First Class and Business Class KSML.

On both of my Lufthansa flights I got real China.

It would be shocking to the previous generation of Jews to hear a Jew say this but the Germans seem to be some of our best friends.

Lufthansa definitely does not cheapen out on kosher meals. They are not looking for the cheapest meals in the air (that award goes to Air China) and are not afraid from paying a little extra to get some of the best kosher food in the air.

Australia and America have good caterers but too many airlines are too cheap to use them for their kosher diners. I wonder how the situation is in the other continents on the world.

LH as well as LX do not try to cut corners on KSML in C and F.
SA does a pretty good job in terms of KSML when it comes from South Africa. I don't remember if they provide a different meal in China for C pax. Haven't seen great KSML from Australia yet.

So I wrote to Cathay...

Dear Cathay: I understand that CX uses kosher economy meals for all classes, and I am hoping that you would reconsider your policy and upgrade the kosher first class meal to
a meal fitting first class. It would help enhance our experiance and all
those other people that fly first that only eat kosher and would give CX
a better name and reputation regarding this. thank you for your
consideration in this regard. I look forward to your response. Scincerely Palooza.

And here is their response (13 days later!):
Dear mr Palooza

With regards to your feedback pertaining to Kosher Meal (KSML) served on
Cathay Pacific (CX) flights, we would like to advise that CX provides
one kind of premium KSML for all classes except for flight operating
from New York (JFK). In New York, the supplier provide two kinds of
KSML, one is for First/Business class passengers and the other for
Economy class passengers.

However, customer feedback is important to us as it helps in our
endeavour to improve our service standards and we are grateful to you
for your feedback. Rest assured, a copy of your email has been forwarded
to the relevant department for their perusal.

hopefully we have been able to clarify the matter, however,
for any further assistance or clarification we kindly request you to
contact your nearest Cathay Pacific Airways reservations office.

May we take this opportunity to thank you for choosing Cathay Pacific
and we look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you on board our
flights soon.

Yours sincerely,
Customer Relations

I guess we should write the same to other carriers who do not honor C and F KSMLs. Such as TG, SN, ...

If more people email Cathay, maybe they'll consider improving the meals...

If more people email Cathay, maybe they'll consider improving the meals...

What is Cathay Email address that we could send?!

I suggest sending photographs of the food in all its 'glory' to the top management of the airline by registered mail. Ask them if that is what they think a First Class passenger should be receiving. Explain to them that there are suppliers of SKML who can do a significantly better job and do so with many other (named) airlines. Ask them how they would feel as a First Class passenger if that was wht they had received.

I have done this before (with EL AL, who were serving the most awful food imaginable to their First Class SKML passengers) and it can work.

It would help if some of us were flying in paid F :)

Do those haredim I have seen in first class redeem or pay?

What is Cathay Email address that we could send?!

send emails to: sfocrd@cathaypacific.com

Do those haredim I have seen in first class redeem or pay?

I think it is irrelevant if people are using milage. They are redeeming for First class and First class standards are not crap economy meals.

I think it is irrelevant if people are using milage. They are redeeming for First class and First class standards are not crap economy meals.

Indeed, it is irrelevant. Some airlines seem to be intrested in discriminating revenue pax from redemption pax. But that's besides the point now.

I suggest sending photographs of the food in all its 'glory' to the top management of the airline by registered mail. Ask them if that is what they think a First Class passenger should be receiving. Explain to them that there are suppliers of SKML who can do a significantly better job and do so with many other (named) airlines. Ask them how they would feel as a First Class passenger if that was wht they had received.

I have done this before (with EL AL, who were serving the most awful food imaginable to their First Class SKML passengers) and it can work.

I received as an 'excuse' that "... If you really want a superior meal, we can offer you the regular meal that is served on board. If you choose KSML, we have only one option to offer you.".
How can airlines understand that they need to cater the needs of pax who order KSML in premium class too. I notice that some airlines order once a month or so a bunch of KSML's (frozen or long life), and distribute it on board whenever one is ordered.
Read today an article about QF serving old frozen meals to pax while claiming that it was all fresh. If it was not mentioned in the article as a general complaint, I would have insinuated that this is what is happening with KSML.

I received as an 'excuse' that "... If you really want a superior meal, we can offer you the regular meal that is served on board..

You need to write back that you will take your premium custom away from them as a result of their total lack of consideration. It is simply not possible for an Orthodox Jewish passenger to eat their regular meal. Other airlines offer premium kosher meals to premium passengers and that is where you intend to give your business in future. Just rub in the bits about being a premium passenger and that you will fly with their competitors in future. You can mention that you intend to share your negative experience with other Orthodox Jewish flyers on a bulletin board catering to such people and you are sure that they too will make sure that they choose other airlines in the future.

Remember that what counts to them is the bottom line!

Indeed, it is irrelevant. Some airlines seem to be intrested in discriminating revenue pax from redemption pax. But that's besides the point now.

Including the communist Air China.

I received as an 'excuse' that "... If you really want a superior meal, we can offer you the regular meal that is served on board. If you choose KSML, we have only one option to offer you.".
How can airlines understand that they need to cater the needs of pax who order KSML in premium class too. I notice that some airlines order once a month or so a bunch of KSML's (frozen or long life), and distribute it on board whenever one is ordered.
Read today an article about QF serving old frozen meals to pax while claiming that it was all fresh. If it was not mentioned in the article as a general complaint, I would have insinuated that this is what is happening with KSML.

IMO the only thing that May change the way they look at KSML is if enough people who order KSML are on expensive revenue tkts = paid top $$ for the cabin they are flying in and instead fly with anotehr carrier paying that verye xpensive fare and then sending in proof to the 1st carrier that they wont be flying with them again till they change the way they do things with KSML


The above excludes flying on free tkts or deeply discounted fares or a tkt purchased via a consolidator. If theres enough people purchasing the the very expensive Fully Refundable fares and they stop doing so that may be the only way a Carrier will listen. Till then I dont see much change taking place

IMO the only thing that May change the way they look at KSML is if enough people who order KSML are on expensive revenue tkts = paid top $$ for the cabin they are flying in and instead fly with anotehr carrier paying that verye xpensive fare and then sending in proof to the 1st carrier that they wont be flying with them again till they change the way they do things with KSML


The above excludes flying on free tkts or deeply discounted fares or a tkt purchased via a consolidator. If theres enough people purchasing the the very expensive Fully Refundable fares and they stop doing so that may be the only way a Carrier will listen. Till then I dont see much change taking place

The carrier will respond to customer feedback, if they do. They won't do so on a financial basis. A small percentage of travellers are jewish, and an even smaller percentage are religious people ordering KSML. An even smaller percentage of them are willing to write to the airline and on FT. Correct me if I am wrong.

The carrier will respond to customer feedback, if they do. They won't do so on a financial basis. A small percentage of travellers are jewish, and an even smaller percentage are religious people ordering KSML. An even smaller percentage of them are willing to write to the airline and on FT. Correct me if I am wrong.

I feel if say the vast majority of those flying in the Premium cabins are doing so on Free tkts or greatly reduced reduced discount fares the Carrier wont care too much, if however say a number of those who in fact purchase Full Fare Biz or FC tkts complain and say if you cant get me (us) a decent special meal after what we are paying and XX charges the same for the tkt then I (we) will fly XX hence forth. That carrier will listen as it doesnt want to lose 10s of $1000s for a few bucks

now if its that they see people are flying up front Only using their miles or upgrading from cheap coach fares, then they dont have much to lose or care if you walk

Im a 1K with UA the past few yrs (CO Plat B 4 that) all I know is that UA will make a heck of alot more $$$ to its bottom line from a person paying even a Full Fare Intl Coach fare then they will from me and my flying over 100k with them them just the facts.

Now if I was a UA GS (invitation only based on $$$ spent and top fares) Im sure UA would listen to whatever I send in to them.

Award tickets are not really free, the Airlines do make money when one travels on Award tickets, just to get the Award is cause you are using a credit card or being loyal to an Airline that makes the Airline money!

Award tickets are not really free, the Airlines do make money when one travels on Award tickets, just to get the Award is cause you are using a credit card or being loyal to an Airline that makes the Airline money!

Not always I will requalify for UA 1K for '12 @ < $2000 out of pocket, those 100K EQMs = 200K RDMs which can land me in Biz/FC on an Intl flight that would have brought 5 figures to that Carrier, on the other hand if I was dumb enough to purchase even a Y tkt to TLV I would be paying > .10 cpm for the cheapest ElCheapo and earn all of 11k EQMs while that same $$ can bring me in well over 25K in EQMs on domestic flights

so yes a Carrier will in some way get some $ for the miles it took for the so called free tkt, but if played correctly very little at that and at times a person can walk away making some $$ eg a recent trip that cost me $200 yielded me a VDB worth $400

this is exactly why I said Full Fare passengers may have a way to change things, once a Carrier pulls up my acct they wont listen , now had I been spending say $50K to make 1K and not <$2K and others doing likewise speak up Im sure any carrier will at least look it over to see if they want to change the way they are doing something, when they pull up and see the Compaliners are either on Free tkts or heavy discounted tkts they will simply move on to the next isuue at hand. and I dont Blame them

Very true, also on a recent CX HKG-JFK Flight in F, the F Flight attendant told me he has a list of exactly who paid and how much they paid, and who is flying on an award and who was using upgrades!


Pretty much he told me 3 people paid not sure full fare or from discount consolidator and 3 people were using upgrades and awards including myself!

Very true, also on a recent CX HKG-JFK Flight in F, the F Flight attendant told me he has a list of exactly who paid and how much they paid, and who is flying on an award and who was using upgrades!


Pretty much he told me 3 people paid not sure full fare or from discount consolidator and 3 people were using upgrades and awards including myself!

First time I hear such a story. And what is the reason why a flight attendant would have such a list available?

Not always I will requalify for UA 1K for '12 @ < $2000 out of pocket, those 100K EQMs = 200K RDMs which can land me in Biz/FC on an Intl flight that would have brought 5 figures to that Carrier, on the other hand if I was dumb enough to purchase even a Y tkt to TLV I would be paying > .10 cpm for the cheapest ElCheapo and earn all of 11k EQMs while that same $$ can bring me in well over 25K in EQMs on domestic flights

so yes a Carrier will in some way get some $ for the miles it took for the so called free tkt, but if played correctly very little at that and at times a person can walk away making some $$ eg a recent trip that cost me $200 yielded me a VDB worth $400

this is exactly why I said Full Fare passengers may have a way to change things, once a Carrier pulls up my acct they wont listen , now had I been spending say $50K to make 1K and not <$2K and others doing likewise speak up Im sure any carrier will at least look it over to see if they want to change the way they are doing something, when they pull up and see the Compaliners are either on Free tkts or heavy discounted tkts they will simply move on to the next isuue at hand. and I dont Blame them


In fact, you are admitting yourself that most of us in order to cut costs do not purchase full fares. And besides, the difference in $$$ for a full fare exceed by far 10's if not 100's of KSML F and C.

In fact, you are admitting yourself that most of us in order to cut costs do not purchase full fares. And besides, the difference in $$$ for a full fare exceed by far 10's if not 100's of KSML F and C.

All I said was if a person expects any Carrier to listen and maybe change things, then the best way that may happen is if those complaining or inquiring are Full Fare Passengers. If the Carrier checks and sees that those asking for changes which will cost the Carrier more $$$ then if those passengers generally arent Full Fare passengers the Carrier will most likely not do anything but toss it in the circular file

It is a #s game but not the # of people complaining but $$$ that are being spent on tkts (there was athread some time ago by a guy in Panama who was miffed that his company was spending alot on tkts very yr and yet not 1 person was made a GS by UA, turned out they dont purchase Full fare nor anything but Coach). So the type of fares purchased does matter

LH as well as LX do not try to cut corners on KSML in C and F.
SA does a pretty good job in terms of KSML when it comes from South Africa. I don't remember if they provide a different meal in China for C pax. Haven't seen great KSML from Australia yet.

Don't the ex-FRA KSML's on LH come from some rather well known local restaurant that is well liked by those who keep Kosher?

All I said was if a person expects any Carrier to listen and maybe change things, then the best way that may happen is if those complaining or inquiring are Full Fare Passengers. If the Carrier checks and sees that those asking for changes which will cost the Carrier more $$$ then if those passengers generally arent Full Fare passengers the Carrier will most likely not do anything but toss it in the circular file

It is a #s game but not the # of people complaining but $$$ that are being spent on tkts (there was athread some time ago by a guy in Panama who was miffed that his company was spending alot on tkts very yr and yet not 1 person was made a GS by UA, turned out they dont purchase Full fare nor anything but Coach). So the type of fares purchased does matter

I'm in dissagreement. I think if the airline gets enough people complaining they'll think about it. Either way there's nothing to lose in trying!

Don't the ex-FRA KSML's on LH come from some rather well known local restaurant that is well liked by those who keep Kosher?

From what I've seen, all ex-FRA meals come from the same place, with local kosher certification. It is liked by some and not by others. I am going to try to do my own research on it as I have a couple of ex-FRA flights coming up.

You can PM me for my qualifications on this subject.

From what I've seen, all ex-FRA meals come from the same place, with local kosher certification. It is liked by some and not by others. I am going to try to do my own research on it as I have a couple of ex-FRA flights coming up.

You can PM me for my qualifications on this subject.

Please keep us posted, as I am unable to find back the details of the caterer for LH flights ex-FRA.

Please keep us posted, as I am unable to find back the details of the caterer for LH flights ex-FRA.

It's the Sohar Restaurant (http://www.sohars-restaurant.com/www_v02/www_re_en/index_en.php). Excellent meals - and I'd say that if they aren't as good as the Hermolis ones then they're a dashed close second.

A very nice starter for lunch here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18211470@N04/3396071907/in/photostream

It's the Sohar Restaurant (http://www.sohars-restaurant.com/www_v02/www_re_en/index_en.php). Excellent meals - and I'd say that if they aren't as good as the Hermolis ones then they're a dashed close second.

A very nice starter for lunch here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18211470@N04/3396071907/in/photostream

http://www.sohars-restaurant.com/www_v02/www_re_en/oeffnungszeiten_en.php
Opened on saturday from 12.00 to 14.00. Intresting

http://www.sohars-restaurant.com/www_v02/www_re_en/oeffnungszeiten_en.php
Opened on saturday from 12.00 to 14.00. Intresting

you can find the samething with the restaurants in Budapest,Vienna,Prague, Berlin in other words these restaurants are opened for a few hours on Shabbos for meals you must Prepay and nothing is being cooked. i would think the same is with Sohar, drop in with a CC or cash in hand and they wont take it but if they have extra food will feed you and ask that you come back after Shabbos to settle up

if they didnt show any hrs as being opened I would assume there was no way to be able to eat Lunch there on Shabbos afternoon and isnt saying they arent Shomer Shabbos but simply saying they are open for meals 12-14

you can find the samething with thye restaurants in Budapest,Vienna,Prague, Berlin in other words these restaurants are opened for a few hours on Shabbos for meals you must Prepay and nothing is being cooked. i would think the same is with Sohar, drop in with a CC or cash in hand and they wont take it but if they have extra food will feed you and ask that you come back after Shabbos to settle up

if they didnt show any hrs as being opened I would assume there was no way to be able to eat Lunch there on Shabbos afternoon and isnt saying they arent Shomer Shabbos but simply saying they are open for meals 12-14

Got you. Should have been Dan Le Kaf Z'chut. ^

Just to update, I had the upgraded kosher meal made by borenstein exclusive to jfk>hkg and surprisingly it was very edible, and I wasnt unhappy. Can't remember exactly what they served for each meal as it was over a week ago, think dinner was meat, snack was a turkey sandwich and breakfast was blintzes. food was relatviely tasty.

Had hermolis on hkg>pek as a breakfast meal and shockingly, the food was inedible!!! The eggs were waterlogged and soggy and the bagel was so stale it was inedible even drenched in butter/jelly.

had hermolis pek>hkg and for breakfast at 7:40 am was served hot turkey and kishka, but it was ok so not complaining.

had hermolis hkg>jfk. I think they changed the kosher meal policy (policy was to only use upgraded meal from jfk>hkg and not on any other route or direction) for the return as it seemed to be upgraded meals. Dinner was cooked salmon course (not that great, but still nice that they had an extra course) and lamb for the main. the lamb and sides served with it were excellent! snack was turkey pastrami sandwhich which looked fine, but didn't eat it, as I didnt want to be fleishig at that point, so opted for the haagan daaz instead. breakfast was an upgraded version of what I had on hkg>pek, with more food and sides being served, however I didnt even bother trying the eggs after how bad they were previously, and once again the bagel was stale and inedible, although this time they gave a roll also which was fine.

Just to update, I had the upgraded kosher meal made by borenstein exclusive to jfk>hkg and surprisingly it was very edible, and I wasnt unhappy. Can't remember exactly what they served for each meal as it was over a week ago, think dinner was meat, snack was a turkey sandwich and breakfast was blintzes. food was relatviely tasty.

Had hermolis on hkg>pek as a breakfast meal and shockingly, the food was inedible!!! The eggs were waterlogged and soggy and the bagel was so stale it was inedible even drenched in butter/jelly.

had hermolis pek>hkg and for breakfast at 7:40 am was served hot turkey and kishka, but it was ok so not complaining.

had hermolis hkg>jfk. I think they changed the kosher meal policy (policy was to only use upgraded meal from jfk>hkg and not on any other route or direction) for the return as it seemed to be upgraded meals. Dinner was cooked salmon course (not that great, but still nice that they had an extra course) and lamb for the main. the lamb and sides served with it were excellent! snack was turkey pastrami sandwhich which looked fine, but didn't eat it, as I didnt want to be fleishig at that point, so opted for the haagan daaz instead. breakfast was an upgraded version of what I had on hkg>pek, with more food and sides being served, however I didnt even bother trying the eggs after how bad they were previously, and once again the bagel was stale and inedible, although this time they gave a roll also which was fine.


Thanks for the update, were you on J or F? I may have to do this route in October, probably in F.

Thanks for the update, were you on J or F? I may have to do this route in October, probably in F.

was in f.

was in f.

Their F product is great.

Im on F CX 831 JFK-HKG next week, how's the KSML these days with CX JFK - HKG in F?.

I was actually curious about this issue and quite surprised to find this thread.
Flying Sunday SFO-MNL on CX F and ordered Kosher. We shall see what happens. I promise to update upon my return.

Just got off JFK-HKG F, I would not even serve those regal meals to a dog.

Just found this thread.

I had Hemoiles on UA BRU-NY in Y. Was quite good.

I flew Y LH FRA-TLV, and the meal was served on China/Flatware.

Hope this helps someone

Just got off JFK-HKG F, I would not even serve those regal meals to a dog.

Yea from my experience on CX on this route (in J, not F) JFK-HKG (Regal) is a huge disappointment. Luckily the food is much much better HKG-JFK (or really HKG to anywhere) as CX uses Hermolis ex-HKG.

It's unfortunate that CX doesn't pressure Regal to up their quality or choose another NYC based caterer to handle J/F food on this route.

It's unfortunate that CX doesn't pressure Regal to up their quality or choose another NYC based caterer to handle J/F food on this route.

imo, Regal is the best in NY. Had them on CO in BF plenty of times and it was a very decent meal. Just wondering if CX is paying less $$ then CO was and therefore the meal wasnt as good. But Id expect CX to be paying more $$ then CO did , so I dont understand whats happening

Just be Glad you arent flying UA where you get KoshAir and the meals are not much better maybe even worse then Stogels

Ive yet to fly CX in any cabin so I can not comment on the meals served directly

Just bumped into this thread as well. Any updates on the kosher meals for jfk-hkg in Business? Does business and first get the same kosher meals?

It's the Sohar Restaurant (http://www.sohars-restaurant.com/www_v02/www_re_en/index_en.php). Excellent meals - and I'd say that if they aren't as good as the Hermolis ones then they're a dashed close second.

A very nice starter for lunch here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18211470@N04/3396071907/in/photostream

Bumping this link as I'd like to say thanks for mentioning Sohar. Not Jewish by religion but a big fan of Jewish food and culture.

Will try this place on my next visit to Frankfurt for sure. Any recs on signature dishes or similar?

Just bumped into this thread as well. Any updates on the kosher meals for jfk-hkg in Business? Does business and first get the same kosher meals?

Yes the same btw bring your own food jfk - hkg my last trip in may in f was horrible not edible ksml in f.

Yes the same btw bring your own food jfk - hkg my last trip in may in f was horrible not edible ksml in f.

Oh, that's not good news - I'm in F too and thought the food would at least be okay. Planning to bring my own food anyway because it's a 16 hour flight but I thought I'd be able to look forward to at least 1 good hot meal. Thanks!

Oh, that's not good news - I'm in F too and thought the food would at least be okay. Planning to bring my own food anyway because it's a 16 hour flight but I thought I'd be able to look forward to at least 1 good hot meal. Thanks!

You can see pictures of the meal here

http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/24056

Doesnt look too good to me!

You can see pictures of the meal here

http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/24056

Doesnt look too good to me!

Thanks for the link - he actually writes under the image of the meal he got going out of JFK: "An edible kosher meal, JFK-Vancouver". My flight is not stopping in Vancouver but I'm assuming that the catering is the same on all Cathay flights out of JFK so I hope I can at least look forward to one edible meal on the outbound flight.

Anyone know about the current quality of the food on the return flight HKG-JFK?

Thanks for the link - he actually writes under the image of the meal he got going out of JFK: "An edible kosher meal, JFK-Vancouver". My flight is not stopping in Vancouver but I'm assuming that the catering is the same on all Cathay flights out of JFK so I hope I can at least look forward to one edible meal on the outbound flight.

Anyone know about the current quality of the food on the return flight HKG-JFK?

Everything going out of HKG is hermolis, no dishes just extra food which is decent, I'm at a point where I now only order vegetarian this is me and a personal decision.

Everything going out of HKG is hermolis, no dishes just extra food which is decent, I'm at a point where I now only order vegetarian this is me and a personal decision.

But, I'm assuming that vegetarian is not certified kosher, or is it?

Everything going out of HKG is hermolis, no dishes just extra food which is decent, I'm at a point where I now only order vegetarian this is me and a personal decision.

I've received Stogel and Bangkok Air Catering. Mind you it happened even on a Business class flight with NZ to LHR.

But, I'm assuming that vegetarian is not certified kosher, or is it?

Correct Vegetarian is NOT certified kosher.

Vegetarian needs a lot less to be certified. Plus there is VKML.