JPN: All Nippon Airlines NH833 (Business)

Gelée glimmers, sky-high shimmers~

It was my first Business Class experience with ANA, flying from Narita International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Passengers could choose between a Japanese or Western set menu for dinner, followed by a variety of lighter dishes and snacks available that can be ordered at any time throughout the flight.

Pikachu couldn't wait to tear open the packet of ANA Findelish cake.

Welcome Drink

Before departure, I enjoyed a glass of Champagne Charles Collin Brut Classique NV, which is celebrated for its elegant aromas of apple, pear, citrus and notes of brioche. The flight attendants also handed each of us a bottle of mineral water.

Pre-Meal Snack & Beverage

While waiting for dinner to be ready, I munched on a mix of rice crackers. To complement it, I sipped on Screwdriver, a simple yet refreshing cocktail made of orange juice and vodka.

NH Meal #1: Japanese Cuisine

While waiting for dinner to be ready, I munched on a mix of rice crackers. To complement it, I sipped on Screwdriver, a simple yet refreshing cocktail made of orange juice and vodka.

Zensai - Taste: 7.5/10

The selection of morsels was pretty, featuring grilled chicken and burdock roll, fish cake, amberjack sushi, broccoli with miso (Japanese fermented rice, barley and/or soybean) paste and a small plate of crab meat and pea sprouts with plum sauce. My favourite was the first one on the list for its savoury depth that stood out among the assortment.

Grilled Conger Eel with Celery and Bonito Vinegar Gelée - Taste: 6.5/10

Had I not seen the menu, I wouldn't have guessed what the dish was just by looking at it. While the eel was tender with subtle smokiness from the grill, the gelée on top offered only mild flavours. Together with the crisp cut celery, it was a rather interesting combination of textures, but the dish didn't leave a lasting impression.

Miso Soup - Taste: 7.5/10

The Japanese set menu wouldn't be complete without miso soup, its warm, flavourful broth brought comfort and familiarity onboard.

Simmered Beef and Tomatoes in Soy-Based Sauce with Rice - Taste: 7.5/10

For the main course, I enjoyed the red meat that'd been simmered to a pleasing texture, paired with tomatoes that lent a gentle acidity to the dish. I was glad that the rice turned out to be fluffy enough, absorbing the sauce well.

ANA Findelish Gateau Chocolate - Taste: 8/10

The pre-packed chocolate cake provided a sweet, yet light finish to the meal. Chocolately without being overwhelming, its soft texture made each bite enjoyable. Pika's advice: ANA Findelish products can actually be purchased online through Rakuten whenever available, letting you enjoy a taste of the in-flight treats at home.

NH Meal #1: Western Cuisine

Just like in my previous experiences with its competitor, Japan Airlines, I found myself being drawn more towards the Western cuisine on this particular flight as well.

Roast Beef and Wasabi Avocado Salad - Taste: 8/10

At the heart of such a refined starter were thin slices of well-seared beef, each being tender with a subtle smoky note. Arranged on the side was a vibrant mix of vegetables, including reddish-pink slivers of Japanese ginger, baby corn cobs and cherry tomatoes, accompanied by avocado cream infused with wasabi (Japanese horseradish). The Japanese-style gelée made of dashi (Japanese stock made of fish and kelp) added a delicate flavour that tied all the elements together.

Roasted Herb Chicken with Chorizo and Tomato Risoni - Taste: 8/10

The roasted chicken thigh was well-executed, boasting a golden-brown, slightly crispy skin that gave way to succulent white meat. It came with a generous topping of minced herbs that provided a zesty, aromatic lift. The risoni, also known as orzo, was cooked with tomato paste and a small amount of pork sausages. Its subtle sweetness nicely complemented the savoury chicken.

Citrus Mango Cream - Taste: 8/10

The dessert featured golden-yellow mango cream with a hint of citrus that balanced out the sweetness of the tropical fruit. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and jelly cubes, it rounded off the meal nicely with its smooth texture.

Bread

The rustic-looking sourdough baguette and pillowy kale focaccia came with unsalted butter.

Beverages

Instead of opting for alcoholic drinks, I went for the airline's signature drink made of kabosu, a citrus fruit mainly grown in Oita Prefecture, lightly sweetened with honey. Additionally, I had roasted green tea, whose warm, toasty notes provided a comforting finish.

NH Meal #2

Approximately two hours before arrival, the flight attendants made their round to ask if we'd like to order any snacks or drinks.

Tandoori Chicken Sandwich - Taste: 7/10

Frankly speaking, I didn't have high expectation for the sandwich. While the bread could be fluffier, the spiced chicken filling was pretty flavourful with the piquant crunch of onions providing a welcome contrast.

Creamy Soup Pasta with Porcini

I was delighted to have one of my favourite Knorr products: Soup Deli instant pasta. Specifically, they carried the creamy fusilli with porcini mushrooms.

Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream

I can vaguely recall that there were two flavours offered, but I can only distinctly remember having the vanilla. 

Melon's Rating
Taste: 7.5/10

Ambience: 8/10

Service: 9/10

Overall: 8/10

Have you had a particularly memorable Japanese meal onboard?

ANA

Business Class Cabin

Boeing 787-8

https://www.ana.co.jp/

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

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)