PHI: Philippine Airlines PR5210 (Economy)
Supposed to have breakfast onboard, but had dinner instead!
https://www.philippineairlines.com/
I was supposed to fly from Melbourne, Australia to Manila, the Philippines in the morning on Philippine Airlines PR210. However, the flight was delayed by more than 10 hours and eventually operated under the flight number PR5210 with the in-flight service consisting of dinner, followed by snacks.
Thankfully, the delay was announced the day before rather than on the morning itself.
PR Meal #1
Bean Salad - Taste: 7/10
On the top-left container were chickpeas and black-eyed peas mixed with sweet corn kernels and finely diced bell peppers. The beans were pleasantly soft, while their companions added little bursts of sweetness.
Braised Beef with Rice - Taste: 7/10
It wasn't a Filipino dish, but the Chinese style stir-fried beef was adequately tender. While some of the rice around the edges was a little bit dry, the vegetables retained their vibrant colours and a pleasant crunch.
Baked Fish with Potatoes - Taste: 8/10
I enjoyed the succulent fish fillet, which went well with the savoury white sauce that was rich, but not too heavy. It was served with boiled potatoes with their skins left on, as well as green peas and sliced carrots, all of which soaked up the sauce nicely.
Bread
The bread, which was reasonably soft inside, came individually wrapped. It came with a small packet of salted, reduced-fat butter and vegetable oil blend.
Tim Tam
For dessert, there were not one, but two packets of the iconic Australian chocolate biscuits: Arnott's Tim Tam.
Beverages
The only drink I requested was a cup of medium-bodied red wine to accompany the meal.
PR Meal #2
Tandoori Chicken Sandwich - Taste: 7/10
As pre-landing snacks, each of us received a savoury snack and a sweet treat. Opening the box revealed an Indian-inspired sandwich filled with chicken marinated in yogurt and spices. Even though the flavour profile was rather mild, it wasn't shabby at all.
Passion Fruit Muffin - Taste: 6.5/10
It was a fairly ordinary sweet muffin with a faint passion fruit aroma. By no means bad for sure, but I was hoping for a brighter, tangier note from the tropical fruit.
Beverages
The black coffee was pretty robust, which made for a rather nice accompaniment to the snacks.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 7/10
Ambience: 7/10
Service: 7.5/10
Overall: 7/10
Pika's advice: For US$11.00 (~S$14.05), you can upgrade your main course to Pinoy Chicken BBQ online at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. Anyway, I did try that before on another Philippine Airlines flight, which I shall cover in a separate post someday.
Philippine Airlines
Economy Class Cabin
Airbus 330-300
*No separate price given as meals are included in the ticket price.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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