Trip Report: VLC-LIS-CPH, GOT-LIS-VLC
Flying to/from VLC is sometimes a struggle because lack of good connections. The fastest and cheapest way to Denmark and back from Sweden turned out to be on TAP Portugal, flying through Lisbon which involves going in the opposite direction for a connection.
But no matter, extra miles for me, and an opportunity to sample economy class catering from a bygone era. Because TAP is still state-controlled (in the process of privatization now), the food service is bountiful and delicious, probably costing a lot of money.
The first leg was a very early morning flight on Portugalia, a regional feeder.
Ham sandwich and an Actimel yogurt drink were served on this 1.5 hr flight.
Then in the TAP lounge in Lisbon, I indulged in a couple savory empanadas, chocolate cake, egg yolk tart, muffin, and regular pasteis de nata.
On the 3.5 hr flight to CPH, we had pork stew with grapes, potatoes, salad with cheese, more grapes, and almonds, cheese and whole wheat crackers, roll and butter. Dessert was flan. Almost got too full!
On the way back, started the journey in the SAS lounge in Gothenburg. A bit sparse, food-wise.
No matter, I was about to fly TAP in economy class!
The main course was empadao de Pato, which was shredded duck and spinach between two layers of mashed potato, with an egg wash on top. This was accompanied by a salad with chicken and almonds, an egg yolk dessert which was very gummy and sweet (could not finish because too sweet), same crackers and cheese and bread and butter as the outbound flight. The tiny tray table became completely overcrowded with the amount of food, especially because they served the coffee at the same time as turbulence was expected later. It would otherwise have been served as a separate course.
Back to the TAP lounge in Lisbon for more pasteis de nata and empanadas. My favorite empanada was definitely the corn and bacon one (the cylinder with no pastry markings on top). Interesting pear and cauliflower puree in the bowl.
And the final leg on Portugalia, tuna sandwich and strawberry puree. Had to save the sandwich for later, because was too full by now from the previous inflight meal and lounge food!
Once TAP is privatized, who knows how much longer this food service will last. What I enjoyed the most, beyond the fact that a) there was food, b) it was good, and c) there was a lot of it, was d) it really reflected the Portugal. On other airlines, to appeal to the lowest common denominator, you'd probably have some vegetarian pasta or cheese sandwich on flights like these. No way would you find egg yolk pudding or duck. Let's enjoy the food on TAP while it lasts!
