Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been frequently on the news, from providing free unlimited Wi-Fi access in all cabin classes (including Premium Economy Class and Economy Class); to criticism of the Economy Class meals.
On the topic of food, one of the most talked about SQ food has to be the famed Chicken Satay, and not so much the Lobster Thermidor of late.
The famous Singapore Airlines Chicken Satay is a delectable dish that has become an iconic part of the airline’s culinary offerings.
Part of the reason is the frequent social media mentions, especially when the frozen version was sold for delivery in 2011 (during COVID period), but of course that has been discontinued.
Also, when the airline’s cabin crew shared about their favourite SIA in-flight food on board in a viral TikTok video, it was the Chicken Satay.
The Chicken Satay (somehow I don’t see the lamb version anymore) is sometimes available via “Book The Cook”.
“Book the Cook” is offered in Suites, First Class and Business Class for flights above 1.5 hours flight time.
BUT there are always specific selections, and you may not even find the Satay as a choice.
Even if you see Satay available on “Book The Cook”, there may be an inclination to order a higher-valued food such as the Lobster Thermidor or some Western-style meats.
I mean, you can always get Satay for $0.80 somewhere else.
Otherwise, you may find it as a starter, “canape”, or main on some Business Class flights.
So even if you got the miles, you just need that ‘luck’ to be able to try it.
The Chicken Satay consists of skewered and grilled pieces of marinated chicken, onions, cucumber, and served with a rich and flavourful peanut sauce.
From experience, you can request for the sauce to be served at the side, or poured over the skewers.
I did think that the chicken pieces were larger and more generous than the usual.
They are marinated in a combination of aromatic spices such as lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, and ginger, which infuse the meat with a delightful fragrance.
The char and smoky exterior is usually just nice, not overly ”chao tah”-looking.
To many, what truly sets Singapore Airlines’ Chicken Satay apart is the accompanying peanut sauce, which is thick, velvety-creamy, and only mildly spicy (suitable for most passengers).
It does complement the grilled chicken pretty well.
The question: is it over-rated?
If you are expecting that fresh taste, the layers of melt-in-your-mouth texture, or the just out-of-grill smokiness, then you probably would be disappointed.
However, if you are bored with the cheese, fruits, bread and usual canapes on board, the Satay with the richness of the peanut sauce is quite full of flavour.
I think it would taste ‘better’ especially for a flight back Singapore due to that longing for local food.
Still a treat to have 30,000 feet in the air.
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