This flight marks the end of my two-month adventure across Europe, returning to Melbourne from Athens, Greece via Dubai, UAE. Having tried lots of delicious gluten-free food across my travels, and some minor challenges and communication difficulties at restaurants, I was eager to enjoy some safe and tasty gluten free meals in the sky. My gluten free economy meal on Emirates were pre-selected online as the “gluten friendly” special meal option.
Gluten Free Economy Meal Emirates – Main Meal Service
Take-off was at 4.30pm, with dinner being served as the main meal of the flight.
My special meal was delivered first at 5pm, with the cabin crew confirming my gluten free meal request when they handed me the meal. Unfortunately, the cabin crew did not provide any description of the meal nor a menu, however there was a written description of the hot dish on the lid. The gluten free economy meal consisted of:
- A hot main dish – Cod with spinach, sweet potato, apple and fennel puree
- Mixed bean salad (black eye beans, mung beans, lentils, capsicum and herbs)
- A dessert (lemon and coconut? cake)
- A gluten-free bread roll
- Sides (nut and fruit mix, cheese square, GF cracker, square of chocolate, margarine) and a bottle of water
Before even lifting the lid of this dish, it was evident that it was a fish dish, with the smell filling the cabin – not the most pleasant smell in the sky. I felt even more self-conscious of the smell when my neighbours dining on the regular meal service were given the option of a beef ragout or roast chicken (I’m sure these dishes could have easily been made to accommodate a gluten-free diner). Unfortunately, the disappointment continued, after digging into the cod, which was extremely dry and rubbery. There was an attempt to add some moisture back into the fish with some kind of sauce underneath (barely 1 tablespoon), but this was not much help. Fortunately, the sweet potato and spinach were flavoursome with a garlicy flavour. The veggies also appeared to be steamed – the sweet potato was on the soft side. The mixed bean salad was enjoyable. Once again, it’s unclear on what it consisted of, but it was refreshing (served cold) and well-seasoned with herbs and a lemony dressing. The dessert was the silver lining of the dish- beautifully presented, moist and served cold which was super refreshing. A description would have been great, as I found myself guessing what it actually was (I’m guessing the base was made from almond meal and coconut, with a lemony buttercream icing).
Nutrition Comment
From a nutritional perspective, this dish was relatively well balanced. The portion of fish was generous in size, providing a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The mixed bean salad provided a good source of plant-protein and fibre to keep me full for longer. The main thing that could be improved would be swapping the white bread roll to a high fibre alternative.
Final thoughts on Gluten Free Economy Meal Emirates Food Review – Athens, Greece to Dubai, UAE
Overall, the gluten free economy meal was ok on this flight. The fish was my least favourite dish out of all my meals offered throughout my multiple Emirates flights on my route home. Not to mention, I was provided this same meal back-to-back on my preceding connecting flight – I wouldn’t have minded so much if I was provided a more tender piece of fish with flavour! I can only begin to imagine the flavour fatigue that could occur for the gluten-free frequent flyers. I also am not sure why the standard main meal options could not have been slightly adjusted to suit as the gluten-free option too. As mentioned in my previous reviews (Emirates’ gluten free meal reviews see Melbourne to Dubai and Dubai to Lisbon), small touches such as providing a menu for the special meals would help improve the overall dining experience.
NOTE: All pictures of gluten free economy Emirates meal were taken by Mariah and foods reviewed were from the foods given on the flight. There may be different options available at other times.
