MAS offers "book the cook" style service on Australia, EU flights

Business class passengers on Malaysia Airlines flights from Australia can now lock in their meal choice before departure with the expanded "Chef on Call" service, previously available only to its MAS' platinum frequent flyers or first class travellers.

The concept is similar to Singapore Airlines' popular "Book the Cook" service, and means that regular travellers can avoid picking between the three choices on rotation, while picky eaters or gastronomes can make the most of their flight.

MAS previously offered the service for its Enrich Platinum frequent flyers, plus first class passengers making the Sydney-Kuala Lumpur-London journey.

Now, anybody in business class zipping between Kuala Lumpur and Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Auckland, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Paris can reserve their preferred meal by giving the airline 24 hours' notice either online or via the contact centre (132 627 from Australia or +603 7843 3000 from elsewhere).

MAS says you'll receive a reminder email 72 hours before your flight prompting you to make a selection.

Western style choices include Braised Lamb Shank, Pan Fried Seabass and Salmon, Chicken Roulade, Egg Soufflé, Pan Seared Fillet of Beef, Cod Papillotte, Filet Mignon and Prawn Brochette with Tomato Linguine.

But if you prefer to play to MAS' Malaysian strengths, you can choose Nasi Lemak, Assam Pedas Fish, Beef Korma, Chicken Curry Kapitan, Stir Fried Chicken, Wok Fried Egg Noodles, Ayam Kechap, Mutton Curry and Stir Fried Egg Noodles with Seared Prawns.

"The Chef-on-call menu for both our First and Business classes is revised every two months where five dishes will be replaced with new ones to ensure our guests have a variety of meal selections," promises Yap Kiang Thiam, Malaysia Airlines' Regional Senior Vice President for Australia/New Zealand/South West Pacific.

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John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.