Most airlines give you the option of ordering meals prior to booking. I know that United Airlines offers 10 special meals options in most premium cabin flights over 2,000 miles within the United States and to/from certain regions. The meal selection can be made at booking or added to an existing reservation and has to be made at least 24 hours before departure. American Airlines offers 14 specials meals for First/Business Class within the United States and all classes to/from certain regions. Much like United, the meals have to be requested at least 24 hours before departure. While Singapore Airlines offers special meals much like United and American, it has a unique meal request option that is significantly better than the above options.
The airline has a meal selection program called ‘Book the Cook’. Below if the Book the Cook description from Singapore Airlines:
A restaurant setting, a world class dish… You’ll find everything you need to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in the air with ‘Book the Cook’. Choose from a wide selection of meals, including creations inspired by our International Culinary Panel, up to 24 hours before your flight. Your ‘Book the Cook’ choice will then be served as the main course of your inflight menu. ‘Book the Cook’ is offered in Suites, First Class and Business Class, and for all meal services except for Continental Breakfast and Refreshment. We also offer ‘Premium Economy Book the Cook’ service in Premium Economy Class.
I have tried the Book the Cook option on Singapore Airlines in 2016. I chose the Lobster Thermidor and Herb Crusted Lamb. Both dishes were phenomenal. With two upcoming flights on Singapore Airlines, one in business class and the other in suites class, I figured that I would use Book the Cook again.
The flight from Beijing to Singapore has the following options for business class:
(Western Options) Herb Crusted Lamb Loin in Thyme Jus, Ricotta Spinach Ravioli In Sun-dried Tomato Sauce with Walnut Pesto, Salmon fillet in Champagne Sauce with Seasonal Vegetables, and Egg White Omelet with Herbs.
(Chinese Options) Beef Noodles Soup with Chinese Greens, Lion Head” Pork Meatballs, Beijing-style Barbecued Pork Spare Ribs with Egg Noodles, Szechuan style Mandarin Fish in Garlic-Bamboo Sauce, Braised Bean curd Roll with Noodles and Leafy Greens, and Cod Fillet with Pine Nuts and Wolfberry Sauce.
(Singaporean Options) Braised Smoked Duck Rice, Sambal Prawn Lemak, Prawn Laksa, and Singapore Hainanese Chicken Rice.
That is a lot of options. I wish that I could sample all of the dishes. Instead, I have settled on the herb lamb again, but I might change my mind prior to the flight.
The flight from Singapore to Beijing has the following options for suites class:
(Western Options) 8 oz. Rib-Eye Steak, Confit of Duck Leg, Grilled Angus Beef Burger, Grilled Chilean Seabass, Grilled King Prawns, Roast Rack of Lamb, Boston Lobster Thermidor, and Lobster Thermidor.
(Japanese Options) Assorted Sushi and Wagyu Sirloin with Eringi Mushroom, Kyo Kaiseki.
(Chinese Options) Dim Sum Selection, Braised Pork Ribs in Yellow Bean Sauce and Sliced Grouper Congee.
(Singaporean Options) Singapore Bak Kut Teh and Char Siew Wanton Noodle Soup
(Thai Options) Duck in Red Thai Curry, Steamed Cod Fish Thai Style, and Kaeng Paa Koong
(Malay Option) Malay-style Beef Rendang, Grilled Indonesian King Prawns, Nasi Lemak
(Indian Options) Indian Style Braised Lamb Shank, Nasi Biryani, and Curry Patta Lobster
This is not all of the options, but you get the picture. I have selected the Boston Lobster Thermidor, but like above, I may change my mind prior to flight.
I cannot wait to experience Singapore Airlines’ service and Book the Cook again. There is one thing for sure, I will not go hungry on either flight.
Have you tried Book the Cook before?
featured image courtesy of Singapore Airlines.
