BAH: Gulf Air [Economy, International, Long-Haul]
Pan-fried banana on top of rice with beef?
Merry Christmas, everyone! May this season brings joy and peace across the globe. For today, let's take a look at what were served by Gulf Air, the flag carrier of Bahrain, onboard the long-haul flight from Manila, the Philippines to Manama, Bahrain.
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Pikachu had no choice but to unfasten his seat belt to enjoy his meal, despite the sign shown on the screen.
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Pre-Meal Beverage
I had orange juice to quench my thirst. My BFF asked for apple juice, but it wasn't available.
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GF Meal #1
Waldorf Salad - Taste: 6/10
It was an incomplete Waldorf salad comprising celery, apples and raisins. While the ingredients were of adequate freshness, I found the dressing to be somewhat heavy, so much so that it felt cloying towards the end.
Baked Fish with Mashed Potatoes - Taste: 7/10
The fish was pretty succulent, although I felt that the mushroom sauce could be more flavourful. It was accompanied by ratatouille (French stewed vegetable dish) and mashed potatoes that could be more velvety.
Minced Beef with Rice - Taste: 8/10
I enjoyed the minced beef more as the red meat was juicy and tasty, alongside vegetables that still retained their crunch. Something unique was the inclusion of pan-fried banana, which was somewhat dehydrated, yet sweet and fragrant.
Vanilla Pound Cake - Taste: 7.5/10
Dusted with castor sugar, the pound cake was leaning more towards the light and airy side. Having said that, the aroma of vanilla could definitely be stronger.
Bread
I didn't quite like the sight of nitrogen-packed bread onboard, but it was fluffy alright.
Cheese Crackers
No cheese served, but each passenger was given a packet of cheese crackers that were nicely savoury.
Beverages
I don't think Gulf Air is a dry airline, but I didn't see any alcohols on the trolley. Anyway, all I wanted that afternoon was a cup of cold Coca Cola. Pika's advice: While coffee and tea were also available, the flight attendants didn't make rounds to offer those after distributing the meal trays. You have to ask.
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GF Meal #2
Stir-Fried Vegetables with Rice - Taste: 7/10
There wasn't any options communicated by the flight attendant for the second meal service. The cabbages, long beans and carrots were stir-fried with lots of garlic, which were appetising. Some of the rice grains were a bit hard though.
Fruits
The honeydew and pineapple cubes were pretty sweet.
Beverages
I requested for a cup of orange juice to freshen myself up, as well as a cup of tea to end the meal.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 7/10
Ambience: 6/10
Service: 6.5/10
Overall: 6.5/10
There wasn't any snacks available mid-flight, but I recall the flight attendant serving my side coming with mineral water twice in between the two meals.
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Gulf Air
Economy Class Cabin
Airbus 330-200
*No separate price given as meals are included in the ticket price.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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