Virgin Australia Business Class - Meals, Menus & Service

[zig]

I've heard good things about the katsu chicken. Haven't seen the Rueben before. It looks a bit basic but it probably tasted great, and is definitely enough for a short flight.

I thought the Rueben was a good option for a short flight at 11am. The bread was nice. The sandwich was really cold though and would have been better slightly warmer.
I wasn’t that happy with the katsu chicken and wouldn’t order it again.

 

[Cddc]

I thought the Rueben was a good option for a short flight at 11am. The bread was nice. The sandwich was really cold though and would have been better slightly warmer.
I wasn’t that happy with the katsu chicken and wouldn’t order it again.

+1 Not a fan of the katsu and I've been offered it for the last 5 out of 7 flights, that and mexican poke bowl thing, which is much nicer in my opinion. The other two times was that warm chicken sandwich and the pasta. The pasta is a winner.

Indeed the last flight the chicken katsu got described as a chicken schnitzel so took them up on the offer, but, alas, it was the katsu again...

Maybe it's the routes or times of day I fly but get offered little else. Flying again on Saturday, I'll keep ya'll updated.

 

[SJF211]

VA218 - ADL-MEL
SDT: 1140
2 options for lunch, vegetable tart or Cajun chicken toastie. Orders were taken 1 A-F and then 2 F-A. Pre departure sparkling wine or water was offered.

 

[AIRwin]

Suppose the two sandwiches were similar but it looks like you had some tomato based (red) sauce on the bread which I am fairly not on mine.

Actually mine is the Cajun chicken toastie (same as what @SJF211 has just posted)

 

[BNEFlyer]

VA218 - ADL-MEL
SDT: 1140
2 options for lunch, vegetable tart or Cajun chicken toastie. Orders were taken 1 A-F and then 2 F-A. Pre departure sparkling wine or water was offered.
View attachment 273114
View attachment 273113

Can't go wrong with melted cheese and chicken.

 

[openseat]

VA287 MEL CBR
2 options of a cajun chicken hot sandwich or a tofu noodle salad. Both served with plated crackers and cheese (rather than in the package - maybe because of feedback?) Orders were taken 1A-F and then 2F-A. Pre-departure drinks of a generous serve of sparkling wine or still water offered in glassware.

I didn't get a chance for photos - but the cajun chicken sandwich was tasty and it was served so you could eat it as an open/club sandwich style. Had a nice Pinot Grigio with the meal. Very happy with a price of $239 as well as the 80scs towards the renewal.

 

[Notyourbag]

I know VA used to use the $25 Croser bubbly. Are they using something cheaper these days?

 

[jase05]

VA242 ADL-MEL 1920 (departed 2010)
As mentioned on another thread, last day decision to visit MEL where my wife is working for 8 days. Paid $599 which is well above the normal but at short notice I’m not too bothered. Flight was delayed almost an hour thanks to inbound being late and earlier delays. Got the last J seat which was 2C so had a bite to eat in lounge beforehand in case I didn’t get a decent meal choice. The Thai beef salad was again superb in the lounge.
Had my earphones in and watching the QR A350 pull in next to us and was oblivious to my surrounds by received a tap on the shoulder by the CSM who said he would take my meal order before take off due to delay. The passenger seated next to me asked me why I was served first to which I had no answer. PDB of a bubbly and meals were served 2C,A,D,F followed by 1F,D,C,A. Meal options were the Chicken cacciatore pasta or the Vegetarian mushroom dish. Went the pasta as usual and meal was slightly over cooked but still excellent. Washed down with a couple of Vodka and Lemonades with a refill on descent. Very good service on the short flight and PB strictly enforced despite ADL being a bit of a zoo with many trying but failing to queue jump. Use of J loo strictly policed too which is always good.

 

[serfty]

Had both ways MEL-BNE,OOL-MEL.

Was very nice if somewhat decadent.

Cajun Chicken Slice:

 

[Cddc]

Flight 1 Mel to Bne: vegetable quiche or cajaun chicken sandwich. Had a nice chicken salad in the lounge so didn't eat but partner said the quiche was delicious. Gin served out of little bottles, which was a nice touch.

Flight 2 Bne to Mky: mexican poke bowl or katsu chicken... Neither my partner or I ate. Gin served out of large bottle from galley. They used a tablet to show pictures of the food and dietry information. Was on reconfigured silkair aircraft with new seats. Light and airy and felt roomy however prefer old seats with divider between J and main cabin. Leg rest is wasted on tall people like me and with no divider there is nowhere to hang coats. There is also reduced under seat storage for row 2 so had to put bag that normally fits under the seat in front in the overhead locker. Last photo shows in seat storage that takes away from under seat storage.

Service was great on both flights and if fares stay at this level $(570 one way), VA are going to lord it over QF J.

 

[MooTime]

VA are going to lord it over QF J.

Past tense please.

What's lord in past tense?

QF twice the price & food sub par, yet are the crew, oh so tired on QF.
Half price & throw in spirits, no brainer imo.

Yes use covid excuse for no spirits, wearing awfully thin joycey.

 

[Cddc]

Past tense please.

What's lord in past tense?

VA lords it over QF? Lording?

Alternatively, sh*ts all over?

 

[jase05]

VA233 MEL-ADL 1610
Another short and enjoyable flight. PDB offered promptly and meals explained and orders taken before departure. Options were the same as I had on way over Friday night. Penne Chicken cacciatore or the stuffed Mushroom and pearl barley vegetarian dish. I love the chicken cacciatore and anyone who knows me will attest that I never have a vegetarian meal but I actually decided to give it a go and was pretty impressed with it TBH. Mushroom was very tasty and the pearl barley was also very nice. Service was prompt and friendly, had time for a couple of vodka and cokes. MEL was heaving and flight was packed but PB and J loo strictly enforced

 

[BNEFlyer]

First time I've seen mini bottles of spirits and the mixer handed out to pax to DIY before. If they could hand out three or four at a time that would be even better.

 

[Shervin]

So far all meals have been good, but here's my ranking in descending order from most tasty:

1. Cajun chicken toastie
2. Chicken tagine
3. Chicken with spicy rice

 

[Rangalad]

First time I've seen mini bottles of spirits and the mixer handed out to pax to DIY before. If they could hand out three or four at a time that would be even better.

Reminds me of a Jetstar flight Melbourne/ Singapore pre covid. A passenger ( later discovered to be a staff member) returned from the bathroom. Dropped her handbag, about 20 spirit miniatures fell out! Her mates looked after her.

 

[justinbrett]

First time I've seen mini bottles of spirits and the mixer handed out to pax to DIY before. If they could hand out three or four at a time that would be even better.

Pretty standard these days, many international airlines do at (at least I can say AA, AS and BA do) and JQ does it (for domestic). It's much better so you can mix to your own taste.

In fact the American carriers usually give you two mini bottles per mixer which will keep you going for a while.

 

[Actos]

VA874 SYD-MEL 1800
&
VA893 MEL-SYD 2015

Same options offered on both flights: roast pumpkin tortellini and chicken tagine. Staff on VA874 were very curt and absent after initial tray service, no refills offered.
VA893 had Nicole who was lovely! Drink refills offered multiple times and snack tray offered.





Tortellini was partner's. Interestingly, on the way to Melbourne, the dish was actually called "a special chicken Indian curry". So... I ended up with the same meal twice, thinking they were different things - not a bad thing, but oopsie!

Please excuse my poor photo taking skills.

 

[Astro]

First time I've seen mini bottles of spirits and the mixer handed out to pax to DIY before. If they could hand out three or four at a time that would be even better.

They are dishing them out in Y also. See below:



I can't remember how much - but it is nice to mix your own.

MEL-SYD last week. I wish I got a better pic!

 

[RickyT84]

VA874 SYD-MEL 1800
&
VA893 MEL-SYD 2015

Same options offered on both flights: roast pumpkin tortellini and chicken tagine. Staff on VA874 were very curt and absent after initial tray service, no refills offered.
VA893 had Nicole who was lovely! Drink refills offered multiple times and snack tray offered.

View attachment 273404

View attachment 273403

Tortellini was partner's. Interestingly, on the way to Melbourne, the dish was actually called "a special chicken Indian curry". So... I ended up with the same meal twice, thinking they were different things - not a bad thing, but oopsie!

Please excuse my poor photo taking skills.

The meals look appetising and hopefully tasty.

In terms of customer service, it looks like it is heading down the path of QF in that it could vary significantly between two flights.