VIE: Vietnam Airlines VN662 (Economy) - 1st
A unique combination of fish cakes and shrimps!
Melon was too eager to start eating!
It wasn't only my virgin experience with Vietnam, but also my first time flying with its national carrier last year. Currently receiving the Skytrax 3 Star Airline rating, Vietnam Airlines is striving to gain one level up by 2016. I booked an Economy Class seat for the SIN-HAN (Changi International Airport, Singapore - Noi Bai International Airport, Vietnam) sector, and a Business Class seat for the return flight.
Melon was too eager to start eating!
VN Snack
Immediately after taking to the skies, beverage service commenced. I hadn't had any idea initially that they'd be offering a packet of roasted peanuts as well. It was only after the beverage cart was out of sight that the flight attendants started giving it out to each passenger.
VN Meal
Beef Ham Salad - Taste: 8/10
I enjoyed the appetiser comprising fresh iceberg lettuce, cherry tomato, potato salad and black pepper beef ham. The medley of flavours tantalised my taste buds, especially those imparted by the savoury ham.
Fish Cakes, Shrimps and Sautéed Vegetables with Fried Rice - Taste: 8/10
An interesting combination of two slices of something akin to otah (Peranakan fish cake) and delicate shrimps was presented in front of me. The former were appetisingly spicy, while the latter were pretty sweet. The fried rice was mildly flavoured, and the vegetables weren't overcooked.
Beef and Steamed Vegetables with Rice - Taste: 7/10
The beef slices were cooked in oyster sauce. Despite being a tad too salty, they weren't tough. I enjoyed the well-cooked rice and the sweet steamed carrots. However, the chye sim (Chinese mustard green) was overly soft.
Bread
The bread was adequately soft, even though the outer layer could be less dry.
Fruits
Two juicy watermelon slices came with two slightly dry pineapple slices, as well as a piece of canned longan.
Beverages
A variety of soft drinks and fruit juices, as well as alcoholic beverages, were offered. I requested for another cup of apple juice, followed by a cup of mild-flavoured tea. It was great to see that they prepared lemon slices to go with the tea.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 7.5/10
Ambience: 6.5/10
Service: 7/10
Overall: 7/10
For a flight that was slightly less than 3.5 hours, the meal served was adequate. Service was quite efficient, but could be warmer. Pika's advice: As the aeroplanes used for the SIN-HAN sector aren't equipped with IFE (In-Flight Entertainment), do bring your own entertainment devices.
Vietnam Airlines
Economy Class Cabin
Airbus 321-200
*No separate price given as meals are included in the ticket price.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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