Worst Vegetarian meal and crew behavior in Singapore Airlines business class
#16
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@Vvkant
Since you have not returned, I don't know if you've read any of the comments above. Also, it is not clear if you were in Business, Premium Economy or Economy - and that may matter as to the meal you received.
Regardless if SQ or other airlines, many do a poor job with SPMLs (Special Meals). sometimes it's the catering company they contract with, or sometimes the airline just doesn't budget for a decent SPML. I've had this issue with a few airlines.
I would also suggest those who are unfamiliar with the differences between Vegetarian meals, make sure to read the descriptions where available.
I learned the hard way tat what airlines call "Asian Vegetarian" is most often Indian-type food or seasoning and has curry. I was advised to always order "Vegetarian Oriental". While the contents very from airline to airline, it is more Chinese-style with vegetables, rice/noodles, tofu and similar protein. No meat, dairy or curry. It is often coded as VOML but always check to make sure.
Also, most airlines have variations of Hindu meals and may also have a Hindu Vegetarian option.
SQ seems to have one of the largest selections of vegetarian meals that I've seen with airlines I've flown.
As ALWAYS, we need to be responsible and prepare for the possibility that our SPML is not boarded, or it's the wrong meal or there is something about it and we can't eat it. I have low expectations when it comes to SPMLs so I carry cereal bars, dried fruit, or buy something in the terminal prior to boarding. These options may not suit everyone but I'd rather have a back-up plan than have nothing.
Since you have not returned, I don't know if you've read any of the comments above. Also, it is not clear if you were in Business, Premium Economy or Economy - and that may matter as to the meal you received.
Regardless if SQ or other airlines, many do a poor job with SPMLs (Special Meals). sometimes it's the catering company they contract with, or sometimes the airline just doesn't budget for a decent SPML. I've had this issue with a few airlines.
I would also suggest those who are unfamiliar with the differences between Vegetarian meals, make sure to read the descriptions where available.
I learned the hard way tat what airlines call "Asian Vegetarian" is most often Indian-type food or seasoning and has curry. I was advised to always order "Vegetarian Oriental". While the contents very from airline to airline, it is more Chinese-style with vegetables, rice/noodles, tofu and similar protein. No meat, dairy or curry. It is often coded as VOML but always check to make sure.
Also, most airlines have variations of Hindu meals and may also have a Hindu Vegetarian option.
SQ seems to have one of the largest selections of vegetarian meals that I've seen with airlines I've flown.
As ALWAYS, we need to be responsible and prepare for the possibility that our SPML is not boarded, or it's the wrong meal or there is something about it and we can't eat it. I have low expectations when it comes to SPMLs so I carry cereal bars, dried fruit, or buy something in the terminal prior to boarding. These options may not suit everyone but I'd rather have a back-up plan than have nothing.
#17
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,158
That is what SQ website description (taken from one of my current bookings):
To my experience that meal is usually a veggie curry.
In addition SQ offers 4 more Vegetarian options.
Vegetarian Indian Meal
Non-strict vegetarian meal prepared Indian style, served with pickles or chutney and curd/raita, usually spicy in composition. No meat, fish, game, shellfish or egg is included. Dairy products may be included.In addition SQ offers 4 more Vegetarian options.
#18
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,677
I dont assume that the airline meal is going to be something I will eat, so I eat before,
If the meal , mostly pasta (being vegetarian myself) I may nibble, just out of being bored.
BA both to and from India has some very tasty Indian options...(actually look forward to see what they have each time I fly)
If the meal , mostly pasta (being vegetarian myself) I may nibble, just out of being bored.
BA both to and from India has some very tasty Indian options...(actually look forward to see what they have each time I fly)
#19
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Posts: 1,465
I've always assumed SQ does rather well with special meals in Economy, given the dietary requirements of the various ethnic and religious groups that live in Singapore. There always seems to be a lot of bustling around the cabin once the door is shut by FAs putting stickers on seats that relate to some special meal request
#20
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: SQ TPP
Posts: 125
I've always assumed SQ does rather well with special meals in Economy, given the dietary requirements of the various ethnic and religious groups that live in Singapore. There always seems to be a lot of bustling around the cabin once the door is shut by FAs putting stickers on seats that relate to some special meal request
Not sure we can go much further with this Thread as the OP seems to have disappeared.
#21
Join Date: Mar 2017
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I was extremely disappointed with the (lack of) veg options in BTC. My girlfriend recently flew J for SIN-HKG-SFO and we combed through the BTC options and there were barely 1-2 dishes. Both of us were appalled. In the end she chose the veg option in the special diets section and it was exactly the same meal one gets in economy when choosing the same option, but plated better. The CSO over the phone also confirmed that when choosing the veg option in the dietary meals section, it is the same meal in Y and J.
#22
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The best vegetarian meals on SQ are the VOML (Vegetarian Oriental-Chinese style). Depending on the origins, AVML can be iffy. Note that SQ has many versions of Indian vegetarian meals. Which one did you order?
But true, if you didn’t like the meal, what’s the cabin crew to do mid way? Materialise another vegetarian meal for you?
But true, if you didn’t like the meal, what’s the cabin crew to do mid way? Materialise another vegetarian meal for you?
#23
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: MSP
Posts: 185
I'm a vegetarian and having just returned from a 3 segments on SQ in PE, I can somewhat relate to OP. We changed from "Vegetarian" to "Hindu Vegetarian" for our return segments and the food was significantly better.
#24
Join Date: May 2003
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It may depend on the route. If it was SIN-CGK or BKK it is more likely to be take it or leave it. If it was SIN-EWR, then one would expect a degree of creativity and empathy from the crew. Also there are certain routes, I've observed that the passengers do really test the crew with their demands, and you can visibly see that the crew struggle to meet those demands and provide the usual high level of services that we are used to on SQ. Not an excuse, but on such routes the service does seem sub par to rest of network, and crew do seem to have more of an attitude.
#25
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SIN
Posts: 543
It may depend on the route. If it was SIN-CGK or BKK it is more likely to be take it or leave it. If it was SIN-EWR, then one would expect a degree of creativity and empathy from the crew. Also there are certain routes, I've observed that the passengers do really test the crew with their demands, and you can visibly see that the crew struggle to meet those demands and provide the usual high level of services that we are used to on SQ. Not an excuse, but on such routes the service does seem sub par to rest of network, and crew do seem to have more of an attitude.
#26
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
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My experience with SQ crew is essentially the opposite. I often find the portion (particularly of the second meal) to be rather large for me and end up leaving some of carbs. On seeing that, the crew members often look horrified and enquire if I did not like something about the meal.
I have to reassure them that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the meal, merely my having been rather full after being sedentary on the flight and therefore not having a huge appetite, but I enjoyed the meal enough to only leave a bit of the carbs behind.
#28
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#30
Join Date: May 2003
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