I flew HKG to LAX recently and had similar experience. The food was bad and portions small. There was only one option of bread and it was served cold. The salad was tiny and the main course was not much better than a premium economy meal. I had better food in coach on a 4 hr. Cathy Pacific flight the day before. I was never offered a mid flight snack that as the menu suggested I would be. When dessert came around I asked for the cheese plate and ice cream. The older FA was shocked I would do that and the young FA said they had enough to give me both. United used to offer the cheese plate as its own course. The older male FA never would say a word to passengers. He would just stare.

The FAs were not polished at all and need a lot more training in providing service in a premium cabin. They did the minimum. Cathy FAs in coach were more service oriented.

When I asked for the wine presented on the menu the FA had no idea what I was talking about and couldn't care less. They just served the wrong wine and I could take right away it was incorrect. There was one FA who was friendly, but not polished. The PDB was so rushed and was not even a choice. It was water or orange juice.

The seat was comfortable as I was against the window. I would not want the seat facing the aisle. United Polaris leaves a lot to be desired. It feels more like a premium economy in terms of service and soft product. The hard product is fine and I like that United has air vents.

You can tell United spends very little money on soft product and training for FAs when it comes to cabin service. If you want more than just a seat and an actual premium experience I would not recommend United Polaris.