PHI: Philippine Airlines PR211 (Business)

Medium-rare filet mignon done right!

There's always a quiet sense of anticipation when it comes to Business Class meals, isn't it? For the 8-hour journey with Philippine Airlines PR211 from the capital city to Sydney, Australia, two meals are served: supper and breakfast. It was my first long-haul flight with flag carrier of the Pearl of the Orient Seas. 

If you thought that was Filipino garlic rice, you’re absolutely right.

Welcome Drink

As a thirst quencher before take-off, I had a glass of Moët & Chandon champagne that was directly poured before my eyes rather than served on a tray.

PR Meal #1

Tuna Tataki Salad - Taste: 8/10

The supper began on a light and refreshing note with the salad comprising arugula, lettuce, cucumber and cherry tomatoes tossed in dressing made of ponzu (Japanese citrus-based sauce) and truffle oil. Though I was hoping for a slightly bigger portion of the seared tuna, it was well executed with the slices retaining a delicate rare centre and a subtle smokiness from the light sear.

Others

Quite possibly the smallest dinner roll I've ever had onboard, the bread was nevertheless soft. It was served with a packet of unsalted butter. There was also a packet of salted cashew nuts.

Ilocano Chicken Adobo - Taste: 7.5/10

A distinctive dish from the Ilocos region, the chicken was braised in dark soy and vinegar sauce, which was reduced until the meat was cooked in its own oil. Coated in thick, concentrated sauce that packed a  punch, the chicken was enjoyably tender. However, it was a pity that the accompanying garlic rice had some dry, overcooked bits.

Filet Mignon - Taste: 8.5/10

Medium-rare steak is never easy to execute as an in-flight meal, which made the tenderloin served with local Tanduay rum sauce all the more impressive. Cooked to a proper medium-rare, the succulent beef had its natural juice held pretty nicely beneath a lightly browned, savoury crust. It came with velvety mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Mango Crepe Samurai - Taste: 8.5/10

A popular Filipino dessert that blends French thin pancakes with local mango, the dish featured a warm, golden-baked surface with delectably sweet mango slices and a sprinkling of crushed pistachios. Creamy vanilla custard provided a smooth, rice base that tied everything together beautifully.

Cheese Plate

I also had a well-curated cheese plate, offering a trio of cubes: smooth Gouda, tangy Chèvre and kesong puti (Filipino unaged cheese made of carabao milk and curdled with vinegar or citrus juice) topped with chopped parsley). They were rounded out with crisp wheat crackers, almonds and a dried apricot.

Ice Cream 

Carmen's Best is a beloved artisanal ice cream brand from the Philippines known for its rich and indulgent flavours. I had a cup of salted caramel ice cream that delivered a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel with the right balance of the sweet and the salty. Pika's advice: It's always worth asking the flight attendant what flavours are available onboard as the selection may change. Pistachio flavour was also on offer that day.

Beverages

Instead of wine, beer or non-alcoholic drinks, I decided to try two different cocktails. The first was Buck's Fizz, a simple mix of champagne and orange juice that felt perfect as a pre-meal drink. To end things on a stronger note, I had Rob Roy, a classic concoction of Scotch whiskey, Vermouth and Angostura bitters.

PR Meal #2

Seasonal Fresh Fruits

The light breakfast service began with a fruit platter comprising neatly arranged wedges of papaya, pineapple and honeydew.

Ube Waffles and Chicken Sausage - Taste: 8/10

Instead of going for a plate of cold cuts and cheese for the main course, I opted for the waffles with purple yam. The local twist on a breakfast classic was delightful, especially when paired with a drizzle of maple syrup. Accompanying the waffles were slices of savoury chicken sausages and the same selection of fruits, but cut into cubes.

Bread

It was the same bread that'd been served for supper.

Beverages

At the start of the service, the flight attendant did ask whether I'd like to have some orange, apple, pineapple or mango juice, but I politely declined and went straight for a cup of black coffee instead. It was robust and aromatic, a simple yet satisfying way to begin the morning at altitude.

Melon's Rating
Taste: 8/10

Ambience: 8.5/10

Service: 9/10

Overall: 8.5/10

Even though it was annoying to have my direct Manila-Melbourne flight cancelled and to be routed through Sydney first as a result, I was pleased with the food and beverages served onboard.

Philippine Airlines

Business Class Cabin

Airbus 330-300

https://www.philippineairlines.com/

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

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)