Aer Lingus, the flag carrier of Ireland, prides itself on offering a taste of Irish hospitality, even at 30,000 feet. But, Does Aer Lingus Serve Food that lives up to the hype? This article explores the in-flight dining experience on Aer Lingus, focusing on a transatlantic flight from Dublin to Boston.
Aer Lingus highlights on its website:
Irish cuisine is the best in the world (in our completely biased opinion). We want you to agree with us, so we work with top chefs to bring you a fusion of the finest modern and traditional Irish food on every flight.
Let’s examine the reality of dining on Aer Lingus.
Appetizers: A Transatlantic Culinary Journey
The meal service began with canapés, a collection of small, savory bites. While not distinctly Irish (olives aren’t exactly a staple of the Irish landscape), they offered a pleasant start to the meal.
Following the canapés was a Caprese salad, seemingly more Italian than Irish. However, the cheese was sourced from Toons Bridge Dairy in Cork, adding a touch of Irish authenticity. The freshness and quality of the ingredients were evident.
The Main Course: A Missed Opportunity?
The main course presented a choice between Irish salmon lasagna, Irish cider chicken, and Irish beef filet. Opting for the beef filet, the experience unfortunately fell short of expectations. While the meat quality was acceptable, it was overcooked, masking any potential flavor with the overpowering sauce.
This raises the question: does Aer Lingus serve food that truly highlights the best of Irish cuisine? In this instance, the beef filet was a disappointment.
Dessert: A Sweet Ending (with a Questionable Origin)
Dessert consisted of a “raspberry fool” with shortbread cookies and tea. While enjoyable, the raspberry fool, a dessert featuring raspberries in cream, is generally considered more English than Irish.
Final Verdict: Does Aer Lingus Serve Food Worth the Hype?
Overall, the Aer Lingus in-flight dining experience offers a mixed bag. While some dishes, like the Caprese salad with Irish cheese, showcase quality ingredients and a touch of local flavor, others, like the overcooked beef, miss the mark. While Aer Lingus does serve food on its flights, the quality and authenticity can vary.
For those planning an Aer Lingus flight, it’s recommended to view the menu beforehand and consider options beyond the beef. You can explore the Aer Lingus menu here.
Read a full Dublin to Boston trip report here. Also, check out this Aer Lingus A330 Business Class Review for more information.
