NLD: KLM KL836 [Economy, International, Long-Haul]
Waking up to a delectable cheesy and herby frittata!
The time has finally come for me to write on my food adventure in Turkey. Are you ready? Focusing on Istanbul, Izmir and Selcuk this time round, I'll try to review the food my BFF and I had in chronological order. Anyway, it was my virgin experience flying KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the flag carrier of land of the tulips.
As always, Pikachu couldn't wait to dig into the colourful platter in front of him. :)
KL Snack #1
The first snack came soon after the seat belt sign had been switched off. The roasted almonds were particularly fragrant and had just the right amount of salt. To quench my thirst, I had a cup of apple juice.
KL Meal #1
Waldorf Salad with Walnuts - Taste: 8.5/10
The salad, comprising celery, green apples and walnuts on a bed of lettuce, was as fresh as it could get. The mayonnaise could be slightly richer, but it was a really delectable appetiser nonetheless.
Braised Beef with Herbed Potato Mash - Taste: 7.5/10
The first main course option was a Western dish of braised beef in savoury brown sauce. I found the red meat to be tender and juicy, going well with the smooth mashed potatoes specked with herbs. However, the triad of vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower and carrots - was too watery, negatively affecting the whole dish.
Chicken in Black Pepper Sauce with Rice - Taste: 7.5/10
The second main course option was a Chinese dish of chicken in black pepper sauce that I found to be pretty hot and aromatic. It was really a delight to ladle the sauce over the rice. Contrary to the first dish, the vegetables in this dish seemed to be dehydrated, but not dry.
Marble Mocha Cheesecake - Taste: 8/10
The cheesecake was a good closure to the late night dinner. Sweet without being overly rich, the fragrance of mocha was unmistakable. The texture could be slightly more velvety to earn a higher score.
Bread
The bread was pretty soft. I had no complaints about it.
Others
I enjoyed the cheddar cheese that was springy, as well as the salty crackers.
Beverages
A bottle of water came with each tray. In hope to be able to sleep better, I decided to go for a bottle of red wine, which happened to be too thin for my palate.
KL Snack #2
About halfway through the flight, when many people were sleeping soundly, the flight attendants handed the passengers who was awake the famous Dutch stroopwafel (lit. syrup waffel) a cup of water each. The cinnamon waffle filled with caramel was to-die-for due to its brilliant sweet and salty balance. Pika's advice: For those who want more stroopwafel, the flight attendants usually put the rest in the galleys. Grab them before they run out!
KL Snack #3
Still feeling peckish? Simply head down to one of the galleys in the aircraft to get some tidbits. I really can't remember how many cups of apple juice I had throughout the entire flight.
KL Meal #2
Cheese and Herb Frittata with Tomato Relish - Taste: 8.5/10
Waking up to an Italian omelette-like dish was truly rewarding. Each of the triangular-shaped egg was moist, velvety and aromatic, coupled with tomato relish that was refreshingly sweet and sour.
Bread
The bread was no different from the one served for dinner. It was soft alright.
Yogurt
Swiss Premium is one of my favourite yogurt brands. The strawberry flavour was served the other day.
Fruits
The quartet - watermelon, papaya, dragon fruit and grapefruit - was pretty sweet and juicy overall.
Beverages
Once again, a bottle of water came with each tray. Additionally, I requested for a cup of tea, which turned out to be of moderate strength.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8/10
Ambience: 5.5/10
Service: 7.5/10
Overall: 7/10
While the food and service were pretty good, the ambience wasn't equally so. The seat wasn't that comfortable as it was a bit hard, not to mention the fact that it could only be reclined a few degrees. Also, the dull yellow lighting was typical of an old aircraft.
KLM
Economy Cabin
Boeing 777-300
*No separate price given as meals are included in the ticket price.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
Comments