By MOOK Scenic Spots / Compiled and Reported
During long-haul flights, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to eat on the plane. Most people have a negative impression of airplane meals, but research shows that when people are in a low-pressure environment, such as inside an airplane cabin at high altitude, their sense of taste becomes less sensitive than usual. This is one of the reasons why food may not taste as good. Here are nine tips to help travelers elevate their in-flight dining experience.
Airplane meals always seem to get a bad rap. (Image / Pexels)
1.Choose rice first
Airplane meals are all prepared in a central kitchen in advance and then reheated on the plane before being served to passengers. Usually, rice can still maintain a moist texture after reheating, and its flavor doesn’t change much. In contrast, pasta tends to clump together when reheated, which affects the overall taste of the meal. So remember to prioritize rice when choosing your meal.
2.Choose chicken first
At high altitudes, since all airplane meals are reheated, beef and pork tend to become dry and tough after reheating, while seafood may suffer in freshness. In comparison, chicken retains a moister texture and is generally a better choice.
3.Pre-select your meal online
If you have special meal requirements, most airlines allow you to pre-select your meal on their website—such as vegetarian meals, fruit meals, seafood meals, or meals required due to religious beliefs. If you have any needs or particularly favorite flavors, remember to request them from the airline in advance.
If you have special meal requirements, you can make selections online in advance. (Image / travelchannel)
4.Departure city of your flight
If you’re unsure how to choose an airplane meal, the simplest method is to base your selection on your departure location. Airplane meals are usually prepared in the kitchen of the departure city. If you’re flying from Asia, choosing Asian food is a better option; conversely, if you’re flying from Europe or America, Western cuisine tends to taste better.
5.Sauce adds flavor
Since your sense of taste is less sensitive in low-pressure environments, choosing meals with sauces can not only help retain moisture after reheating but also the richer flavors are more likely to stimulate your appetite. It’s recommended to make good use of sauces to enhance your meal.
6.Snacks and drinks
In addition to the main meals, airplanes also offer snacks, cookies, and even instant noodles between meals. Alcoholic options such as beer, red wine, white wine, and champagne are also available. If you’re still hungry, you can politely ask a flight attendant—normally they’ll be happy to provide these for passengers.
The simplest way to choose an airplane meal is based on your departure city. (Image / thealternativedaily)
7.Fifth taste sense
At high altitudes, the human sense of sweet and salty tastes decreases, but the fifth taste—umami—becomes more pronounced. To enjoy food and stimulate your taste buds during the flight, opt for foods rich in umami, such as soy sauce, tomatoes, and seaweed.
8.Bring your own tea bags
On the plane, due to time and quantity constraints, the tea served often tends to be strong and bitter. It’s recommended to bring your own tea bags and ask the flight attendant for hot water to brew your own tea, so you can enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee.
9.Bread is a safe bet
Maybe many in-flight meals don’t quite suit your taste, but the bread provided on planes is usually quite good and can give travelers a sense of fullness. If you’re worried it might be too dry, you can spread some jam on it to enhance both the flavor and texture.
Flight delays? Don’t panic—learn these nine rules to handle them with ease
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