Inflight Review Posted on

ANA Business Class Review

Like a virgin: My First Experience with ANA Business Class and it didn't disappoint!

We liked…

Exceptional culinary experience

Impeccable service from attentive cabin crew

We didn’t like…

Dessert options could be improved

Overall

This trip highlighted ANA’s renowned service and culinary excellence, offering a memorable flying experience.

From the detailed attention to Japanese cuisine to the friendly and attentive cabin crew, ANA truly stands out in the airline industry.

Here’s a look at my experience.

INTRODUCTION

In November 2018, I had the pleasure of flying in business class with ANA from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, including a layover in Tokyo.

This journey marked my first experience with ANA, and it surpassed my expectations.

From the meticulous attention to culinary details to the impeccable service, ANA demonstrated why it is highly regarded in the airline industry.

KUALA LUMPUR TO TOKYO

Once airborne, the attentive cabin crew promptly took my drink order and offered an amuse-bouche consisting of a marinated prawn with mango salsa, a cheese grissino, and chicken satay with cocktail sauce.

Opting for the Japanese cuisine did not disappoint.

The impressive tray showcased an array of Japanese delicacies, all served on traditional tableware.

The meal included smoked salmon, fishcake and cucumber with salmon roe, grilled asparagus rolled with beef, and a Japanese omelette with spinach and crab meat sauce.

Additionally, pak choy was served with deep-fried tofu in a soy-based sauce, alongside octopus and cucumber in a sweet vinegar sauce.

Next, I enjoyed steamed white fish in vegetable sauce, accompanied by steamed rice, miso soup, and pickles.

The dessert service, however, was a bit underwhelming. A trolley wheeled through the cabin featured a choice of a marbled cheesecake or cheese and fruits.

While I appreciated the variety, the cheesecake lacked flavor and was rather mediocre.

Despite the minor letdown with dessert, the overall dining experience was exceptional.

The crew’s service was flawless throughout the flight.

They were highly attentive and even accommodated my request to explore the economy class offerings.

After a quick overnight stay in Tokyo, I continued my journey to Beijing.

TOKYO TO BEIJING

For the short three-hour flight from Tokyo to Beijing, I selected a seat in the last business class cabin of the aircraft and had the entire cabin to myself.

ANA offered pre-departure drinks and provided inflight menus, featuring a Western dessert option created by Pierre Hermé from Paris.

A row of empty seats on a business airplane.
empty seats on airplane.

Here’s a look at the inflight menu:

After takeoff, my order was taken, and while I waited, I was served drinks and some crackers, albeit in plastic packaging.

Opting for the Western menu, I found it satisfactory but less exciting than the Japanese cuisine on the previous leg.

The meal was served on one tray due to the shorter flight time and included a Pâté en Croûte and smoked salmon starter, a main course of fillet of beef with Oriental mushroom sauce, rice flour bread, and for dessert, a Yoghurt Garance with cinnamon jelly cubes and raspberry coulis.

Experiencing two different flight lengths with ANA allowed me to appreciate the airline’s consistency in service and quality. T

he flight attendant in my section from Tokyo to Beijing was exceptionally friendly and attentive.

She noticed my interest in taking photos and videos and, before we landed, gifted me an ANA keychain to remember the flight.

To this day, it remains on my house keys as a cherished memento.

CONCLUSION

Overall, my first experience flying with ANA in business class was highly satisfying. The meticulous attention to detail in the food and beverage offerings, combined with the exceptional service from the crew, made both legs of the journey memorable.

Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as the dessert quality on the Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo leg, ANA’s commitment to passenger comfort and satisfaction was evident throughout the trip. I look forward to flying with them again.