SFO to HND and back changes between noodles and fried rice. In talking to a purser a few months ago, she said they do a switch every quarter but it’s only two items a year, so A B A B by quarter, and different for each direction. They are also actually listed on the menu but not obvious to most folks. I’m usually one of the very few who orders one, as I am sick of the normal meals since I travel the route so much. I just find them better options occasionally than the normal entrees.

Often times the FA puts two portions together in an entree bowl without prompting since they feel bad I skip the meal services apparently.

Availability varies by hours flown on the route. Also the 787-V (that’s what a crew called it but I’m not sure what that is other than an older 787) doesn’t have galley space for hot snacks so on those birds, they have noodle cups heated up by hot water.

The tomato soup and grilled cheese is not served on California to Japan routes or back. Only California to China, because of the longer flight times. I assume also on other longer flights to central and east coast destinations.