I had a unique opportunity to attend a special media event by Japan Airlines Catering Team to try out their Business Class inflight meals.
On select long-haul flights in JAL First Class and Business Class, special sustainability themed meals created by their collaboration Chef are offered to guests. Furthermore, the meals showcase Japanese ingredients including sweet potatoes, enoki mushrooms, seaweed and more. JAL aims to give guests an authentic taste of Japan prior to landing!
In particular, JAL became the first airline to acquire Marine Stewardship Council certification to ensure the use of responsibly managed marine products on their menu.
Business Class Cuisine Options
For JAL Business Class, you have choice of a Japanese meal or International meal. Their meal schedule changes 4 times a year according to the season.
It was quite a feast as we tried both the Japanese and International cuisine offerings.
Japanese Cuisine
Appetizer Box: Steamed Chicken & Asparagus with Whole Grain Mustard; Jellyfish with Sesame Vinegar Goji Berries; Chicken & Bamboo Shoot Cake topped with Wasabi; Potato Dumplings with Miso Sauce; Assorted Spring Vegetables; Smoked Salmon, Grilled Scallop; Grilled Bamboo Shoots & White Leeks; and Apple Jelly.
Main: Braised Pork with Soy Starchy Sauce with Steamed Rice, Miso Soup and Japanese Pickles
Dessert: Yuzu Cream Cheese
My favourites from the Washoku (Japanese Cuisine) option were the Jellyfish with Sesame Vinegar; Chicken & Bamboo Shoot Cake topped with Wasabi; Braised Pork with Soy Starchy Sauce; and Yuzu Cream Cheese Dessert.
International Cuisine
Hors-d’œuvre: Duck with Fruited Couscous Salad
Main Dish: choice of Beef Cheeks with Sherry Reduction with Gruyère Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables OR Oceanwise Panko Crusted Steelhead with Tomato Caper
Dessert: Tiramisu
From the International Cuisine option, I really loved the Oceanwise Panko Crusted Steelhead and the Duck with Fruited Couscous Salad.
Beverages
And of course, we were treated to their beverage offerings ranging from sake, wine, coffee tea and nonalcoholic options as well as snacks.
