Intro
Cabin crew catching you taking photos usually means trouble, but Emirates flight attendants asked if I wanted a selfie instead.
That sums up why people love flying with them – they actually seem to enjoy their jobs, unlike the grumpy service you get on some carriers.
Melbourne to Singapore for $240 one-way seemed decent enough. With only 80 passengers in economy, I had plenty of space to test their meal service properly.
Special Meals
Emirates offers 13 special meal options – fewer than some Middle Eastern carriers, but they focus on getting the execution right.
All standard meals are halal certified, but if you need specific dietary requirements, order 24-48 hours ahead through their website.
Our special meals guide covers all the options, from diabetic and gluten-friendly to vegetarian Jain meals.
On The Ground
Flight EK 405 departed Melbourne at 18:55 with only 80 passengers booked in economy, allowing plenty of room to spread out and relax.
The crew were friendly from the start – instead of the usual rushed boarding, they handed out amenity kits, inflight menus, landing cards, and kids’ packs before takeoff.
The amenity kits aren’t just token gestures either – eye mask, earplugs, socks, and toothbrush that you’d actually use, handed out before takeoff instead of making you ask for it later.
The menu offered two mains – chicken or beef – plus the usual sides and dessert options.
Inflight Service
Forty minutes after takeoff, the crew started with special meals and the pre-order champagne service.
About fifty minutes after takeoff, the main meal service began. I went with the chicken.
The meal tray was a decent size with real metal cutlery – refreshing when most airlines are cutting portions and giving you plastic spoons.
Emirates uses larger meal trays instead of the tiny, compartmentalised ones that most airlines have switched to.
Makes a real difference when you’re not fighting for elbow room while eating.
The honey soy chicken with jasmine rice hit the mark – tender meat with sauce that actually had flavour.
The grain salad with smoked salmon was a nice touch instead of the usual limp lettuce, and the date coconut slice with raspberry sauce was way better than expected for an airline dessert.
With only eighty passengers on board, the crew collected meal trays about 20 minutes later, followed by tea and coffee service.
The crew actually cared about service – kneeling down to talk to passengers instead of hovering over you, and coming around with water and juice every 45 minutes instead of disappearing after meal service.
The drink selection was solid too – spirits like Jack Daniels and Hennessy VS, plus juices not just orange and apple either.
This consistent service isn’t accidental – Emirates times their service based on destination time zones rather than just flight duration, which shows they’re thinking about passenger comfort.
Route Specific Service
This Melbourne-Singapore route gets enhanced service because Emirates competes directly with Singapore Airlines here.
On shorter European routes under 5 hours, you might get snack service.
Still, competitive routes like this get the full treatment with proper meal portions and multiple service rounds.
About 1 hour and 45 minutes before landing in Singapore, the second meal service started with special meals first.
Fifteen minutes later, I got a chicken sandwich, muffin, and water, plus the usual range of drinks from the cart.
Some Emirates flights offer mid-flight pizza service instead of sandwiches – actual hot pizza with proper melted cheese.
The Dubai-Bangkok route gets this treatment, along with fresh fruit available at the galley throughout the flight.
Having had a substantial meal earlier, the second service was satisfying enough.
Everything came neatly arranged in a small plastic tray that looked reusable rather than wasteful.
Conclusion
Emirates delivers what they promise in economy. The food was solid, with large portions, and the crew were genuinely helpful. Small touches, like offering selfies, show they’re not afraid to be human.
The honey soy chicken was properly good, the metal cutlery made eating feel less like camping, and the regular drink service kept you hydrated without having to beg for water.
Those meal trays make a difference, too – most airlines switched to tiny compartmentalised trays to cut costs. Still, Emirates kept the larger format, so you’re not cramming food into a space the size of a smartphone.
The service timing shows they care about passenger comfort over operational efficiency – they time meals based on destination time zones rather than flight duration. Small details that separate premium carriers from budget operations.
Emirates gives you reliable service and decent food at competitive prices.
The crew’s attitude alone makes it worth choosing over carriers where you feel like you’re bothering them just by existing.
