I recently flew CX513 on economy with Cathay Pacific and tried the onboard meal. The main options were beef with mashed potatoes or chicken rice.
The beef was definitely the better choice. It had more flavor and tasted more satisfying overall, while the chicken rice was pretty average and easy to forget. The real highlight of the tray was the soba noodles. They were surprisingly tasty and ended up being the best part of the meal. The fruit was also fresh and enjoyable, which helped balance everything out.
For dessert, ice cream was served. On this flight, it was Häagen-Dazs strawberry ice cream. It was decent, though on my flight from Hong Kong to Singapore, vanilla was offered instead.
Overall, the meal was fine but nothing special. The soba noodles carried the experience, but everything else was just okay.
Final rating: 6/10.
2025/12/24 Edited to
... Read moreWhen considering in-flight meals with Cathay Pacific, especially on flight CX513, it's useful to know the variety and quality you can expect in economy class. While the beef with mashed potatoes stands out as a satisfying choice, the soba noodles deserve a spotlight as a flavorful and unique offering that many might overlook.
I’ve also noticed that Cathay offers different meal options catering to diverse dietary needs, including kosher and vegetarian oriental meals, although these might require pre-ordering. For those looking for lighter options, the airline occasionally serves low fat, low cholesterol meals that aim to balance health considerations with taste.
Fruit platters are typically fresh and refreshing, providing a nice contrast to the main course. Desserts vary but often include well-known brands like Häagen-Dazs, which add a small luxury touch to the economy experience. However, some find the overall meal a bit bland or average, which seems to be a common sentiment among passengers.
From personal experience, ordering meals in advance if you have specific dietary requirements is advisable to improve your in-flight dining experience. Also, keeping an open mind about the side dishes like soba noodles can turn an otherwise ordinary meal into a pleasant surprise.