What's going on with CX food in J?
Jul 21, 2015, 4:10 am
#166
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 73
Quite clearly those are lousy excuses from CX. Caterers don't just make a couple of same menus and supply all airliners. They of course can customise according to needs. CX is cheap in F&B in J. End of.
Jul 21, 2015, 6:32 pm
#167
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: MNL
Programs: CX MPO DM, Le Club Accor Platinum, World of Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 2,284
That's actually why I'm wondering why SQ food is better than CX. I'm sure the catering department is managed like a different company and maybe SQ is paying more, but Cathay Pacific should be ashamed that a competitor using their own catering company has better food than them.
Jul 21, 2015, 9:12 pm
#168
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX Diamond / SQ Gold / Bonvoy Platinum / Hyatt Globalist / Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,098
That's actually why I'm wondering why SQ food is better than CX. I'm sure the catering department is managed like a different company and maybe SQ is paying more, but Cathay Pacific should be ashamed that a competitor using their own catering company has better food than them.
They just want to cut costs and be cheap.
Jul 21, 2015, 11:31 pm
#169
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hong Kong, London, Toronto, Bangkok
Programs: MPC, OneWorld, 1865 Voyager, Hyatt, Horizon Club
Posts: 149
CX catering standards in J are borderline bad. On a recent DOH/HKG flight the continental breakfast served before arrival consisted of:
- fruit (why are the melons always rock hard?)
- gloopy bircher muesli
- one sad-looking danish pastry (very heavy)
- choice of croissant and/or muffins served by the cabin crew
I know it's not a like-for-like comparison, but it's bad when I prefer the Y meal on another airline over the J meal on CX!
- fruit (why are the melons always rock hard?)
- gloopy bircher muesli
- one sad-looking danish pastry (very heavy)
- choice of croissant and/or muffins served by the cabin crew
I know it's not a like-for-like comparison, but it's bad when I prefer the Y meal on another airline over the J meal on CX!
Jul 23, 2015, 5:00 am
#170
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 7,708
One LHR anecdote vs many N.A. ones
I recently flew to LHR on CX, a nice change of pace from my usual pattern of countless N.A. longhaul flights. Thought I'd share.
I found myself "pleasantly" surprised at what I considered an upgrade (or at least change of pace) to the flight experience va N.A which I am intimately familiar with! For example:
*Two full meals (I was on CX257). Breakfast and lunch. Typically, even on a daytime NA sector, the first meal is "full"(in the case of dinners, for example, drink service with nuts, appetizer, main cart bread, more drinks, cheese/fruit, and then cake) whereas the second service is missing an element or two, like cake or complete cheese offering etc. Lunch (second meal) on cx257 included everything including the proper cheese and cake service.
*true, breakfast to lhr was NOT as robust as an ex-NA redeye. A typical ex-NA redeye has the most robust breakfast offering of any J class IME (but those flights also have a limited aka disappointing supper service). fwiw, breakfast contents ex NA on a redeye is virtually identical to an intra-Asia morning F flight (to TPE, Japan, etc).
To LHR, I specifically noted the lack of cereal, which I have seen many European travelers mention in this forum and until now I hadn't seen in person. I see what you guys are saying. That said, I had filled up on a lovely poached egg in the Pier and didn't eat breakfast!
*4 snack options on my flight instead of the 3 I'm familiar with to/from NA (options last week on cx257 were dumpling noodle soup, hamburger with katchup on the side, British teatime snacks/stuff I'm not familiar with but seemed robust, and ice cream...to/from NA lately, I haven't seen the British tea snacks offered, just the other three).
*a shorter flight time by as much as 3+ hours, yet what appears to be a very similar menu LHR vs North America. In short, you're getting more bang for your buck to London (not to mention the ticket prices i paid were a lot more affordable!).
*I continue to throw away the disgusting (IMO) salad dressing CX services on your tray (that pre mixed strange substance in the plastic container) in favor of the olive oil/balsamic glass jars they have with the bread basket. I really hope those don't go away, and I certainly recommend everyone do the same. It's far better salad dressing. Just mix up the glass jar and use that as your dressing. blBecause the dressing from the HK supplier is absolutely disgusting and is on every J flight I've had for quite some time, whether regional, mid haul or long haul.
Fwiw, I had the Chinese main for lunch which was quite fine. Not five star dining but I appreciate attempts at acceptable Chinese food. One of the Western dishes looked abhorrent. No this isn't Emirates, but I'm still usually able to get something I can fill up on, particularly as a Diamond. If I wasn't DM and couldn't guaranteed get a burger, or my main, etc., I would probably own a much more negative view.
I found myself "pleasantly" surprised at what I considered an upgrade (or at least change of pace) to the flight experience va N.A which I am intimately familiar with! For example:
*Two full meals (I was on CX257). Breakfast and lunch. Typically, even on a daytime NA sector, the first meal is "full"(in the case of dinners, for example, drink service with nuts, appetizer, main cart bread, more drinks, cheese/fruit, and then cake) whereas the second service is missing an element or two, like cake or complete cheese offering etc. Lunch (second meal) on cx257 included everything including the proper cheese and cake service.
*true, breakfast to lhr was NOT as robust as an ex-NA redeye. A typical ex-NA redeye has the most robust breakfast offering of any J class IME (but those flights also have a limited aka disappointing supper service). fwiw, breakfast contents ex NA on a redeye is virtually identical to an intra-Asia morning F flight (to TPE, Japan, etc).
To LHR, I specifically noted the lack of cereal, which I have seen many European travelers mention in this forum and until now I hadn't seen in person. I see what you guys are saying. That said, I had filled up on a lovely poached egg in the Pier and didn't eat breakfast!
*4 snack options on my flight instead of the 3 I'm familiar with to/from NA (options last week on cx257 were dumpling noodle soup, hamburger with katchup on the side, British teatime snacks/stuff I'm not familiar with but seemed robust, and ice cream...to/from NA lately, I haven't seen the British tea snacks offered, just the other three).
*a shorter flight time by as much as 3+ hours, yet what appears to be a very similar menu LHR vs North America. In short, you're getting more bang for your buck to London (not to mention the ticket prices i paid were a lot more affordable!).
*I continue to throw away the disgusting (IMO) salad dressing CX services on your tray (that pre mixed strange substance in the plastic container) in favor of the olive oil/balsamic glass jars they have with the bread basket. I really hope those don't go away, and I certainly recommend everyone do the same. It's far better salad dressing. Just mix up the glass jar and use that as your dressing. blBecause the dressing from the HK supplier is absolutely disgusting and is on every J flight I've had for quite some time, whether regional, mid haul or long haul.
Fwiw, I had the Chinese main for lunch which was quite fine. Not five star dining but I appreciate attempts at acceptable Chinese food. One of the Western dishes looked abhorrent. No this isn't Emirates, but I'm still usually able to get something I can fill up on, particularly as a Diamond. If I wasn't DM and couldn't guaranteed get a burger, or my main, etc., I would probably own a much more negative view.
Jul 23, 2015, 10:14 am
#171
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 73
Interesting - thanks for sharing. Let's see what you think of SQ's new J LHR-SIN trip report.
It's out of the league, one of the best in class for sure, which CX isn't even in the race or anywhere close to the race. That is F class quality in my opinion.
(PS. The seat might be comfy but it looks like a monster! I love the fact that Air France made La Premiere seat a seat, as if you're sitting at home. The SQ one looks eugh I'm inside a metal box)
It's out of the league, one of the best in class for sure, which CX isn't even in the race or anywhere close to the race. That is F class quality in my opinion.
(PS. The seat might be comfy but it looks like a monster! I love the fact that Air France made La Premiere seat a seat, as if you're sitting at home. The SQ one looks eugh I'm inside a metal box)
Last edited by Justinroundtheworld; Jul 23, 2015 at 10:25 am
Jul 23, 2015, 10:33 am
#172
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: CX - DM; Hilton - Diamond, Marriott - Titanium
Posts: 542
I recently flew to LHR on CX, a nice change of pace from my usual pattern of countless N.A. longhaul flights. Thought I'd share.
I found myself "pleasantly" surprised at what I considered an upgrade (or at least change of pace) to the flight experience va N.A which I am intimately familiar with! For example:
*Two full meals (I was on CX257). Breakfast and lunch. Typically, even on a daytime NA sector, the first meal is "full"(in the case of dinners, for example, drink service with nuts, appetizer, main cart bread, more drinks, cheese/fruit, and then cake) whereas the second service is missing an element or two, like cake or complete cheese offering etc. Lunch (second meal) on cx257 included everything including the proper cheese and cake service.
*true, breakfast to lhr was NOT as robust as an ex-NA redeye. A typical ex-NA redeye has the most robust breakfast offering of any J class IME (but those flights also have a limited aka disappointing supper service). fwiw, breakfast contents ex NA on a redeye is virtually identical to an intra-Asia morning F flight (to TPE, Japan, etc).
To LHR, I specifically noted the lack of cereal, which I have seen many European travelers mention in this forum and until now I hadn't seen in person. I see what you guys are saying. That said, I had filled up on a lovely poached egg in the Pier and didn't eat breakfast!
*4 snack options on my flight instead of the 3 I'm familiar with to/from NA (options last week on cx257 were dumpling noodle soup, hamburger with katchup on the side, British teatime snacks/stuff I'm not familiar with but seemed robust, and ice cream...to/from NA lately, I haven't seen the British tea snacks offered, just the other three).
I found myself "pleasantly" surprised at what I considered an upgrade (or at least change of pace) to the flight experience va N.A which I am intimately familiar with! For example:
*Two full meals (I was on CX257). Breakfast and lunch. Typically, even on a daytime NA sector, the first meal is "full"(in the case of dinners, for example, drink service with nuts, appetizer, main cart bread, more drinks, cheese/fruit, and then cake) whereas the second service is missing an element or two, like cake or complete cheese offering etc. Lunch (second meal) on cx257 included everything including the proper cheese and cake service.
*true, breakfast to lhr was NOT as robust as an ex-NA redeye. A typical ex-NA redeye has the most robust breakfast offering of any J class IME (but those flights also have a limited aka disappointing supper service). fwiw, breakfast contents ex NA on a redeye is virtually identical to an intra-Asia morning F flight (to TPE, Japan, etc).
To LHR, I specifically noted the lack of cereal, which I have seen many European travelers mention in this forum and until now I hadn't seen in person. I see what you guys are saying. That said, I had filled up on a lovely poached egg in the Pier and didn't eat breakfast!
*4 snack options on my flight instead of the 3 I'm familiar with to/from NA (options last week on cx257 were dumpling noodle soup, hamburger with katchup on the side, British teatime snacks/stuff I'm not familiar with but seemed robust, and ice cream...to/from NA lately, I haven't seen the British tea snacks offered, just the other three).
Perhaps you often take ex-HKG late night departure to NA that's why you had this pleasant surprise?
P.S. Am I the only one finding those 'savoury dips + seasonal fresh berries with rose syrup' on the supper menu a complete joke? They have been on the menu on every single flight with late night departure forever!
Jul 23, 2015, 1:33 pm
#173
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: EWR
Programs: CX Green | UA Silver | Marriott Lifetime Platinum | Hyatt Globalist | Hilton Gold | AA EXP
Posts: 813
I did LAX last month (CX884) they had the same two full meal service but just in reverse order: full lunch after take off + full breakfast prior to arrival. Snacks have 4 to choose if I remember correctly: the beefburger, the usual Chinese noodles, afternoon tea set (scones + sandwiches) and the ice cream.
Jul 23, 2015, 10:16 pm
#174
Suspended
Join Date: May 2006
Location: HKG
Programs: A3, TK *G; JL JGC; SPG,Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,952
Jul 23, 2015, 11:39 pm
#175
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hong Kong, London, Toronto, Bangkok
Programs: MPC, OneWorld, 1865 Voyager, Hyatt, Horizon Club
Posts: 149
Tacking onto QRC3288, when I was on CX253 two weeks ago, I also had 2 full meals of Lunch and Dinner (all courses including cheese/dessert - tasted ok, and a good french red), which is very different from some other LHR choices like the midnight flights serving express supper and breakfast.
BTW the afternoon tea is like this: (scone is warmed, and the fruit tart is good. The other two.. not so much)
BTW the afternoon tea is like this: (scone is warmed, and the fruit tart is good. The other two.. not so much)
Jul 24, 2015, 7:25 am
#176
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 185
Concur with this. Had the same lamb chops recently that were average at best. Risotto was inedible but fortunately it was supper and I was exhausted anyway. Love CX but their J food is average at best and needs some work.
Aug 1, 2015, 1:17 am
#177
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 7
So since I was on the 1240 flight from HGK to ROM on Fri morning I got to try the crissini and dip. After hearing the bad reviews about it, I was expecting the worst, but I actually liked it. The babagonoush was smokey and I liked the roasted capsicum one the best. Pity there wasn't more crissini.
That said from Syd to HGK the prawn wonton noodle soup lacked flavour. I had to drown it in chili sauce and the noodles was like eating paper. I saw another pax complaining, though not sure why, and ended up getting a bowl of 2 min noodles.
That said from Syd to HGK the prawn wonton noodle soup lacked flavour. I had to drown it in chili sauce and the noodles was like eating paper. I saw another pax complaining, though not sure why, and ended up getting a bowl of 2 min noodles.
Aug 2, 2015, 9:04 am
#178
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: EWR
Programs: CX Green | UA Silver | Marriott Lifetime Platinum | Hyatt Globalist | Hilton Gold | AA EXP
Posts: 813
So since I was on the 1240 flight from HGK to ROM on Fri morning I got to try the crissini and dip. After hearing the bad reviews about it, I was expecting the worst, but I actually liked it. The babagonoush was smokey and I liked the roasted capsicum one the best. Pity there wasn't more crissini.
Aug 3, 2015, 3:59 am
#179
Suspended
Join Date: May 2006
Location: HKG
Programs: A3, TK *G; JL JGC; SPG,Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,952
It's all relative depending on one's palate and experience (on other airlines). I cannot speak for others but my issue with CX babagonoush was that ... well ... I was comparing it with what's being served on QR (which probably isn't really fair since QR is a ME airlines and we're talking about ME food). Pictures below should speak for themselves.
Aug 5, 2015, 3:44 am
#180
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: OW Emerald
Posts: 524
The tea set must be a new addition. I noticed the tea set as one of the snack options on CX884 July 14 12:55p - 11:15a HKG-LAX. It wasn't on the menu on the HKG-LAX CX J flights I took back in May.
I took a pic, I'll try posting it up soon. The warmed up Scone and fruit tart are tasty, the 2 cold sandwiches were meh.
Updated: Posted Pic.
Last edited by dchen2; Aug 6, 2015 at 1:56 am