Last month, I reviewed a new dish on United Airlines served in domestic first class that includes a cheeseburger and French Fries. I applauded the effort but lamented how soggy the French Fries were. Well, I tried the dish again and was pleasantly surprised to find that this time, the French Fries were crispy.
Crispy French Fries On United Airlines
Eating on a plane helps to pass the time and we must remember that airplane food is still…airplane food. That aside, many airlines manage to offer delectable meals aboard so it is not unreasonable to except the same from US carriers. Sometimes the best food is not fancy or gourmet dishes but simple comfort food. I cannot think of any food fitting that definition better than a burger with fries (speaking from my American perspective, of course).
Yet heating and reheating on an airplane is no easy matter. I predicted the French Fries would be limp and they certainly were.
Earlier this week, I decided to give them one more try. I pre-ordered the dish, expecting I would again be disappointed.
However, I was not…the French Fries came out crispy!
I asked the flight attendant what her secret was. There’s a little white box with vents that these salty snacks are cooked in before serving, but the secret is not the box: just like anything else you want a little more well-done, the secret is just leaving it in the oven longer.
So if you do like crispy French Fries and decide to pre-order this dish on a future United flight, ask the the flight attendant to double the time the French Fries are in the oven. They’re much better that way!
Cathay Pacific also does decent French Fries in their premium cabins.
Right!
My first time flying Cathay business a few years back, I saw the burger and fries on the menu as a mid-flight snack and decided to go for it, having never had french fries on a plane. It was great!
I have been so successful in minimising my carbohydrate intake that this dish looks rather revolting to me. Never been a huge fan of mincemeat of unknown provenance, but a few years back I would have at least tried that burger and certainly eaten the chips.
Etihad has it right with French fries. UA, umm, nope. I tried them two weeks ago for the first time and was appalled. However, at least now I understand what cardboard must taste like.
That burger with fries looks like crap. Since when such a shitty dish becomes worthy of an airline’s first class meal? You get a better burger at Mc Donald’s…
I think United should add the Truffle Fries to the menu to make it more classy
I tried a few weeks back and the fries were actually pretty good, the burger sucked though, the bun was like a rock.
I rarely eat red meat or French fries. If I wanted to when traveling, I would order them from an airport restaurant before my flight.
Can’t wait for a “United Airlines drive-thru.” Just kidding.
I only wish I could say the same for my experience a few weeks ago. Not only were the fries soggy, but they were also undercooked AND tasted burnt. Burger had the same problem; it was actually cooked fine but the bun had a decidedly burnt flavor. I think the FA burned something in the oven and it ended up marring the flavor of everything else.
I flew from San Diego to Houston this week and preordered the burger. It came with one ketchup package and one mustard. I asked if they had more ketchup and they said it only came with one. That was enough for four Frys and the burger gets nothing? I was also impressed with the fries.
Luv frinch friz
What’s next? United Drive-thru ‘burgers and fries’ (at 37,000 feet?) LOL.
I would guess that the unknown additives and processing of foods to make them “crispier” is probably very bad for our health. And if eaten long-term this can cause cancer, diabetes, and heart disease in the long run. Our processed foods are killing us. Eat fresh, unprocessed foods for your health.
I grabbed the burger and crinkle fries on my flight from IAD-DEN. The crinkle fries were good, but I wasn’t impressed with the burger. Matt, I think its time to get out your red meat comfort zone haha. #allinjest
How much are you getting paid from UA?
In my dreams…