Originally Posted by ks_8999
Every month, I go ORD-NRT-BKK and always order the HINDU VEGETARIAN meal on both of the flights. It is EXCELLENT. In my opinion, much tastier than the steak or chicken you get on the C-class regular menu.
On the return trip BKK-NRT-ORD, I only get the Hindu Veg. meal on NRT-ORD. I do not know what a Hindu Veg. breakfast (BKK-NRT) would be. Maybe I should find out.
It is my experience that on a direct flight (like 882 BKK-ORD), you need to book it as 2 seperate segments (882 BKK-NRT connecting to 882 NRT-ORD) in order to get the special meal on only one of the flights. (You should book this trip this as 2 seperate segments anyway for many reasons - more miles, more segments, better chance of clearing upgrade lists, ability to make changes, etc.)
Added: I have never had the "Asian Vegetarian", and I think the INDIAN VEGETARIAN is the same as the HINDU VEGETARIAN.
This is spot on correct. And I agree, the Hindu meal on UA is excellent both in Y and C (C is larger portions and better presentation mainly versus Y, but similar food items). The Hindu meal on UA in Y is as good or better than the same meal to/from India on SQ in Y. I kid you not.
For a early morning flight, it would be a typical Hindu veg. breakfast (cream of wheat, and potato pancake type things)...but I typically select "fruit plate" as my special meal for that leg.
The advice to book the flight as separate segments is also very good advice, so that you can select a different special meal type for each segment.
I disagree with
kv99 on one point and slightly agree as well. If you request "Hindu" you will many times get "IVML" or Indian Veg meal printed on the yellow card. But there is a Hindu Vegetarian meal you can order, and it is vegetarian, because (a) Hindus (strict) are vegetarians, and (b) UA's website says so:
Hindu meals
United's Hindu meals are pure vegan meals that do not include meat, fish, eggs or dairy products
However keep in mind when requesting "Hindu" meal, you will usually get the "IVML" which will have dairy content.
Bottom line, it's a great special meal.