TRY: Turkish Airlines TK208 (Economy)

Surprisingly rich chocolate mousse!

Here's the last post to wrap up the travel to the Americas. After travelling in the Business Class cabin from Panama City, it was time to head to the back of the plane for the next leg of the journey from Istanbul, Turkey to Singapore. Despite the more modest comfort, the food wasn't too shabby.

I'm not sure, but Turkish Airlines is possibly one of the last few that still provides Economy Class passengers with printed menu.

TK Meal #1

Hummus - Taste: 7.5/10

I wasn't expecting two appetiser dishes to be presented on the tray. The hummus was smooth and creamy enough with a mild, nutty flavour that blended nicely with the subtle tang of lemon juice.

Shepherd's Salad - Taste: 7.5/10

The medley of tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives was refreshing, offering a crisp and light bite. There were also two small cubes of white cheese to add a richer dimension to the salad, which made me wish for a bit more.

Chicken Paprika with Buttered Rice - Taste: 7.5/10

The meat-based main course showcased chicken chunks that were pretty tender, coated in a creamy and mildly spicy paprika sauce that gave a pleasant warmth without overwhelming the palate. While the butter rice could be more pronounced, I appreciated the fact that it wasn't dry.

Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce - Taste: 6.5/10

As for the meatless main course, I'd gladly rate it higher if the penne pasta had been cooked better. Although the appearance left much to be desired, the tomato sauce was surprisingly potent, striking a nice balance between sweetness and acidity.

Chocolate Mousse - Taste: 8/10

The star of the dinner was the chocolate mousse with its smooth, velvety texture that melted effortlessly on the palate. The chocolate flavour was rich enough without being overwhelming. It was crowned with a dollop of whipped cream and a dark cherry.

Bread

Unfortunately, the bread was pretty hard and dry.

Beverages

A small packet of mineral water was placed on each tray. That aside, I had Turkish red wine that enticing aromas of blackcurrant and plum.

TK Meal #2

Seasonal Salad - Taste: 7/10

The second service began with a rather nondescript bowl of salad, fresh enough to be enjoyable. Drizzled with a light lemon olive oil dressing, it helped perk me up after a nap.

Izgara Kofte - Taste: 7.5/10

There was only one main course offering. The traditional grilled meatballs were quite juicy and well-seasoned, infused with a blend of spices that elevated their natural flavours. The dish also included  bulgur rice pilaf, as well as roasted bell peppers. Pika's advice: While the first meal included a vegetarian option, the second meal did not, so be sure to pre-book if you need one.

Wild Berry Mascarpone - Taste: 6/10

Unlike that served at dinner, the wild berry mousse wasn't particularly remarkable. The mascarpone cheese, which should've had the potential to elevate the mousse, fell short. While the mousse itself wasn’t overly sweet, the mascarpone lacked the expected creaminess.

Bread

It was exactly the same type of bread that'd been served for dinner. Enough said.

Beverages

I had chilled apple juice to go with the meal for a start. Subsequently, I had a cup of coffee that was quite fragrant and potent.

Melon's Rating
Taste: 7/10

Ambience: 7/10

Service: 7.5/10

Overall: 7/10

Even though I've been to Istanbul quite a number of times because my sister used to study there, it was my very first direct flight home from Istanbul to Singapore.

Turkish Airlines

Economy Class Cabin

Boeing 787-9

https://www.turkishairlines.com/

*No separate price given as meals are included in the ticket price.

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)