Having to make last minute changes to my flights to Europe from Australia due to the circumstances in the Middle East, I found myself experiencing Qantas Premium Economy food for the first time in 8 years. I was a little intrigued to see the food – had it improved, or had budgets eroded the food experience? Unfortunately I was disappointed as I had been expecting a food experience halfway between economy and business, but my impressions were this was like an economy meal. I must admit I haven’t flown economy long-haul international for years however it made me think wow if this is premium economy then what is economy like?!
So what was Qantas premium economy food like?
Qantas Premium Economy Menu Johannesburg to Sydney
There was a menu already on my seat when I boarded. The flight was approximately 12 hours and was serving a main meal just after takeoff and then breakfast (even though we landed in Sydney about 2pm).
Main Meal Service
There were drinks served before takeoff including water and bubbles. The meal service started promptly after takeoff with nuts served with a drink. The main meal was all served on one tray. I chose the beef stroganoff which was served with mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots. The carrots and green beans were a delight – cooked just enough and retaining their beautiful bright colours. The mashed potato was ok but the beef stroganoff was a let down. To be honest if it weren’t for the menu I wouldn’t have known it was a stroganoff. It was a really rich stew that was a deep dark red/brown. Not a creamy beef dish I had come to know stroganoff to be. Now I know there are many different varieties of stroganoffs but for me the meal just didn’t match the expectation. The couscous salad was predominantly couscous and a lettuce leaf – pretty tasteless but there was a small sachet of dressing that could have been added. There was a cracker and small piece of cheese and a very small square of chocolate. I don’t like lemon panna cotta and so I didn’t try the dessert.
Nutrition comment
The green beans and carrots were the standout for me in this meal as they were lightly cooked which helps with nutrient retention. The couscous salad wasn’t much of a salad – mostly just couscous except for the lettuce leaf running through the middle. Without this lettuce leaf it would have been pretty much mostly couscous and half a cherry tomato. For a long flight I would have preferred a salad with more vegetables, especially since there was a portion of potato in the main dish.
Second Meal Service
Breakfast was served 2 hours before landing which to me was weird since we landed at 2pm AEST.. I would have preferred an all day dining menu. The breakfast was pretty average to me. The hashbrowns were so soggy they basically crumbled when you touched them. I ate some scrambled egg because I was starving by that time on the flight but it was more because I was hungry, not because I was enjoying it. To be fair the eggs weren’t as dry as they looked but they still didn’t taste good to me. The muffin was really sweet and so I only had a small taste. Best thing about it was the tomato wedge.
Nutrition comment
Having a sweet muffin as a side instead of a piece of bread (especially wholegrain) was disappointing. Baked beans are nutritious as they are a source of plant protein and fibre, however there is a risk they may contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms especially at the end of a long-haul flight
Snacks
I didn’t order any snacks throughout the flight as I was trying to maximise my sleep having connected to the Johannesburg flight from London and so I had been travelling for quite a long time by the time I was on this flight. But the Menu stated the mid-flight snacks were fresh fruit (amazing) or a shortbread biscuit or chocolate bar. I did not notice the crew come around during the flight and offer any snacks, however I did have my eyes closed a bit.
Final word Qantas Premium Economy Food – Johannesburg to Sydney
The Qantas Premium Economy food was nothing to write home about. But then that makes me sad for the economy experience – if this is premium economy then what is economy? The experience reminded me of one of my first economy flights when I was in my early twenties (lol a little while ago now I hate to admit). Having the meal served on actual plates was nice but it didn’t really make the food experience much better for me. The Qantas Premium Economy food experience wasn’t very premium to me – but then again maybe it is these days compared to economy…
For those interested in business class on a similar route see the food and nutrition review of business class Sydney to Johannesburg
NOTE: All pictures of Qantas Premium Economy food are my own and I review the food from the menu I was given, the menu on the website at the time and the food I ordered on my flight. There may be different options available at other times.
