I did something I normally do not in ordering the Japanese meal on my ANA business class flight from Tokyo Haneda to Bangkok.
Japanese Meal In ANA Business Class
Over the years, I’ve been told I am greatly missing out by only ordering off the western menus when I fly on East Asian airlines. So for this trip on ANA, I resolved to try the Japanese menu, particularly on a flight departing from Tokyo.
This was the menu for my flight:
Japanese Cuisine 〜Washoku〜
Zensai (A selection of morsels)
- Kelp with herring roe, simmered red konjac in soy-based sauce, cucumber
- Simmered roasted chestnut in syrup
Simmered prawn in soy-based sauce
Roasted duck with salt- Deep-fried ginkgo nuts Carrot
- Deep-fried sweet potato Bulbil and vegetables tofu
Reisai (A selection of chilled morsels)
- Seared sea bream with sesame soy sauce
Kobachi (Tasty tidbits)
- Marinated crab meat and chrysanthemum in sesame sauce
Shusai (Main course)
- Braised beef sukiyaki and grilled tilefish with salted rice malt [293 kcal]
Steamed Rice
- Steamed rice, miso soup and Japanese pickles
- Served with Sainokizuna (KINMEMAI rice) produced in Saitama
The flight attendant seemed surprised, but in a very good way, that I had pre-ordered the Japanese meal. I realize ANA has a western meal on most flights, even within Asia, for a reason, but assumed most travelers would prefer a Japanese meal. But the two Americans seated around me ordered off the western menu so I certainly wasn’t alone in my prior practice.
The appetizers arrived and I had to marvel at how beautiful the presentation was. Everything was carefully arranged with attention to the smallest of details, like eating at a fancy restaurant.
The roasted chestnut was tasty, but the highlight of the first course was the seared sea bream, which was so fresh and delicious.
Before the meal I resolved to eat everything placed before me, and I did.
With lunch I enjoyed Japanese sake, my first time trying it.
The main course included both braised beef sukiyaki and grilled tilefish. Both were tasty. I was too full to finish the miso soup.
Dessert included cheese, fruit, and a lovely ice cream cake…I paired it with a glass of Japanese malt whiskey.
Prior to landing, a snack was offered from an a la carte menu. Sticking to the Japanese theme, I ordered “ANA original curry and steamed rice.” The portion was huge! I ate half of it…and I understand why many consider this Japanese comfort food. It was very tasty.
Final Verdict
I’m glad I tried the Japanese meal and I give ANA very high marks for both the quality of the food and the tremendous presentation.
Will I order it again? I have to be honest: I wish I had ordered the herb-encrusted halibut from Greenland off of the western menu for my main course. It’s simply something I prefer much more. But I have no regrets giving the Japanese meal a try.
Remember, you’re not eating for you. You’re eating for us. Well played.
Glad you got that sashimi down – contrast that to the Thai Airways flight a few years back when you couldn’t stomach some noodles with shrimp!
Matthew, you are now ready to get your sushi masters. Might I recommend N/NAKA in Los Angeles for a date night dinner. Cheers!
Next time you are on ANA in First or Business, order the corn soup. Simple but delicious…
I love it!
https://liveandletsfly.com/ana-a380-first-class-review/
Shame, shame…for not asking for the halibut dish too!
I did! And was denied. (I’ll include details in the trip report)
What’s impressive is that the Japanese meal you were offered on a regional J flight isn’t all that dissimilar from what I received in long-haul F. A couple of courses were cut, and you missed the hibiki, but still, impressive.
And I applaud you for trying the Japanese dish, even if decide to never order it again!
you’re so white sometimes ;D Glad you stepped out of your comfort zone 😀
Do you think Japanese travel bloggers get prodded for not ordering “American” meals on AA/UA/DL/HA?
Lol
“What we have here is an American Airlines protein box.”
It appears you left the wasabi on the plate.
I almost always enjoy the Japanese meals in Japanese carriers (of course I lived there for five years back in the day)!
Well done, Matthew. You have moved up a notch on the Stuart Scale. For whatever that’s worth.
How does one grow up in California and maintain such a meat-and-potatoes palate? I’m glad Matthew finally tried sake. It boggles the mind that he has flown to Asia dozens of times, I assume, and never had it before.
As good as ANA is overall, the sushi in their lounges is awful.
I’ve had it before … I’ll have to do a post about that.
But meat and potatoes? Come on – I love North American, South American, African, European, and Indian subcontinent food – just because I have trouble with East Asia doesn’t mean I’m a simply “meat and potatoes” guy. I’d take cheese enchiladas or mansef any day over beef stroganoff with mashed potatoes!
I’m glad to hear your tastes are more cosmopolitan than you let on with your typical in-flight/lounge meal reports of…meat and potatoes (okay, and maybe rice). You understand why one might have gotten the wrong impression, I assume.
https://liveandletsfly.com/an-impressive-brazilian-steak-on-united-airlines/
https://liveandletsfly.com/lufthansa-first-class-steak/
https://liveandletsfly.com/us-airways-steak/
https://liveandletsfly.com/ana-jal-steak/
https://liveandletsfly.com/aer-lingus-food/
https://liveandletsfly.com/top-airline-meals-2020/
https://liveandletsfly.com/10-best-airline-meals-2019/
Once Japan reopens you should make a trip to CTS to try the ramen dojo. Ebisoba Ichigen is especially good and features an amaebi broth. There is also an onsen at the terminal. I don’t think any other blogger has posted about it.
Ichiro’s malt is an insane and particular whisky to offer for J class. It’s more along the lines of a first class worthy drop.
But of course, ANA has Hibiki 21 in F!
The LHR-HND flight had Hibiki in business class and I was sorry I didn’t try it – I figured it would be available on the next flight and there was only Ichiro.
Road to 1K
Wanted to share my pathway to achieving 1K on United this year. I’ve been gold several times, platinum once but wanted to take advantage of the UAL promotions to get to the much coveted 1K. Spoiler alert: I was able to pick up 1650 milage points flying and 13,250 points from United 5 different promotional opportunities.
Between the opening Platinum milage plus 2500 starter points, to the PQP trip bonus that allowed from 300 to 1500 points matching and the Accelerator points givin mid-year that added 1600 points. The last two promotions included the welcome back promotion where I picked up 25oo points and the platinum breakout bonus that added 1250 much need points. Lastly, the Chase bank credit card spend added 4500 points, although I was planning on picking up the maximum of 3000 points from the Chase Club card.
I live in Grand Rapids Michigan, so I did a handful of day trips to Chicago for about $150 each to pick up bonus points or points match. I’m retired, so no business travel. I also have millions of frequent flyer miles built up due to the need to buy tickets to get the premium status, although they the miles came in handy on getting upgrades and Polaris class tickets overseas this year.
I read your newsletter daily, and enjoy your updates. If you are interested in publishing any of the above, I can, or you can edit for clarity.
Matthew has nice hands.
Ask for seconds, either ANA or JAL will be happy to comply if they have any spares in either the western or Japanese meals.