By: Cristina Carpio, Editor-In-Chief
When you’re flying 15 hours across the world, you want the journey to feel enjoyable—something that sets you up for what’s to come at your destination. Travel should be fun, not something to dread or simply “get through.” I usually brace myself for long-haul flights, but this time was different. As someone who appreciates good hospitality, food, and cultural storytelling, I had the opportunity to fly with Cathay Pacific in Business Class, and this experience truly set the tone for my very first visit to Hong Kong. I flew from Toronto and was given access to the Plaza Premium Lounge before the flight. They even had a dedicated VIP lounge for Cathay Pacific Business passengers, which was a nice touch. Before I knew it, it was time to board—and the moment I stepped onto the aircraft, I knew this journey was going to be special.
Premium, Well-Designed Cabins
I’ve experienced premium cabins before, but Cathay’s Business Class has its own rhythm. The calming design, the food and beverage options, and the exceptional service make the long hours disappear. I loved the Bamford amenity kits, which contain wellness essentials—such a thoughtful touch, and you can tell each item was chosen with intention. It’s always the details for me, and I really noticed the level of care that makes a long-haul feel effortless.
If you’re flying from Vancouver, Business Class travellers are in for a real treat. Cathay’s new Aria Suite is a beautiful blend of privacy, comfort, and elegance. Expect your own personal sanctuary in the sky. The seat is fully enclosed with a sliding door, offering a private cocoon, and the overall design feels calming and quietly luxurious, with soft lighting, warm tones, and intuitive touches. Honestly, I’ve boarded the flight thinking, Alright, 15 hours—let’s do this, and landed feeling like I could’ve stayed onboard even longer.
Michelin Collaborations in the Sky
Food flavour is one of the most difficult things to get right at high altitude. The reduced humidity and lower air pressure affect a passenger’s sense of smell, and taste buds can dull, so it’s important that the menu is designed with intention to ensure the flavours come through at 30,000 feet. Cathay rose to that challenge. The airline has collaborated with Michelin-starred restaurants to address this exact issue, and its newest partnerships with Duddell’s and Louise—both Michelin-starred restaurants—take things to another level. I had the chance to dine at these popular spots in person, so the fact that you can enjoy those spectacular Cantonese flavours in the air is pretty impressive.
Their lineup of Hong Kong–inspired dishes is carefully crafted, each bite unforgettable, meant to celebrate the city’s heritage and ingenuity while putting a refined spin on Cantonese favourites. As a first-time visitor, it truly gives you a taste of Hong Kong before you even land. And yes—fine dining absolutely works in the air when the culinary philosophy is thoughtful, and theirs is.
From the moment I settled into my cabin, I was greeted with champagne and a warm welcome. I already had my list of things to try. Browsing through the food and beverage menu alone made me feel like the flight was the beginning of my Hong Kong adventure. From the Chinese wine selections to the Chinese classics on the menu, I knew this was going to be a culinary experience. Great lunch options like Crispy Ling Cod with sweet and sour sauce and egg fried rice, or fish ball and fish cake noodle soup, immediately caught my eye. The legendary Cathay Burger really does live up to the hype, and the wonton noodle soup is available throughout the flight which was nice.
The entire menu is carefully crafted—balancing a comfort-food-meets-luxury vibe while staying rooted in Hong Kong’s culinary language. The flight really prepares your palate for the city.
Here’s what I love: the elevated food isn’t exclusive to Business Class. Even Premium Economy and Economy passengers. Cathay has dishes from Yat Tung Heen, a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant led by Chef Tam Tung. This airline really wants every passenger to taste Hong Kong.
A First Taste of Chinese Wines—Before Even Landing
Cathay recently launched the Discovery Wine Series, featuring sustainable, premium vineyards from Mainland China. Having worked in wine before, I’ve tasted my way through France and Italy, but Chinese wine was completely new to me. This was the perfect introduction for me and such a meaningful way to experience the region before I even arrived.
If cocktails are more your thing, I highly recommend trying either the Cathay Delight (coconut milk, kiwi, and mint) or the Cloud 9, a light, slightly tropical gin cocktail. I’ve designed and created cocktail menus before, and I’m usually very picky when it comes to cocktails, but I genuinely enjoyed these. And for beer lovers, Cathay has its own beer brand, Betsy Beer, which hits differently in the air—because it was literally brewed for altitude. Very impressive. When it comes to beverages, Cathay definitely passes the vibe check with a diverse selection that will impress any beverage aficionado.
Lounge Hopping and Culinary Experience at Hong Kong Airport
If you’re transiting through Hong Kong International Airport, arrive early. Really early. Cathay’s lounges aren’t just lounges—they’re a culinary tour and an oasis amidst the airport bustle. You can choose from five First and Business Class lounges before you take off, and of course, I had to make the most of it, so I arrived four hours before my flight back to Toronto. It was well worth it.
1. The Pier, First Class Lounge at Gate 63 – Cathay’s most exclusive lounge
My first stop—and the most memorable. This is where Cathay’s partnership with Mott 32 comes to life. I was immediately greeted with champagne and a beautiful tasting menu that brought together spice, texture, and aroma with the finesse you expect from one of the world’s most celebrated Chinese restaurants. If you’ve dined at a Mott 32 restaurant before, like I have (Toronto, Vancouver), you can expect their usual impressive menu with a modern spin on regional Chinese cuisine.
Don’t skip the Horseshoe Bar. They have a fine selection of cocktails and wines, and it’s a great place to hang out or get some work done. Here’s where it takes things up a notch: you can get a massage and take a shower at their Private Shower Suites while waiting for your flight. Just a tip: book the complimentary massage well in advance. Day suites are also available if you want complete quiet time or a nap.
2. The Bridge, First and Business Class Lounge at Gate 35
Cathay’s newest lounge feels like two worlds in one. Each wing has its own food experience. It has The Nook, inspired by Hong Kong street food, offering traditional favourites like dim sum and sesame noodles. But I spent most of my time at the Noodle Bar sampling the different noodles they offer. Each one is made fresh to order. The dan dan noodles are by far the best I’ve ever had—this is a must-order! They also have shower facilities at this lounge, plus a Food Hall featuring comforting international dishes and elegant treats. You can also unwind at The Bar and expect carefully crafted cocktails, premium champagnes, and barista-made coffee with exquisite latte art that is almost too pretty to drink.
3. The Wing, Business Class Lounge in the South Departures Hall
If dim sum is your love language, this is your place. It also has a Noodle Bar, a Coffee Loft, and a Long Bar. For coffee lovers, head to the Coffee Loft. This is a great area to get on your laptop and catch up on work while enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look at Cathay Pacific City
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Cathay City. Their massive, self-contained headquarters was really like a city. As a former food and beverage professional, seeing their culinary operations and food-handling process made me appreciate the onboard quality even more. I even stepped inside the pilot simulator and “flew” a 747 for a few minutes—an experience I’ll never forget. It was also inspiring to hear about the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
I prefer to fly with an airline that prioritizes responsible practices, and Cathay has paved the way with a clear goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. They have a comprehensive recycling program, and this year, they unveiled a redesigned system to support the recycling of inbound food waste and reduce utility consumption—becoming the first airline caterer in Hong Kong to do so. Seeing these efforts firsthand made me realize that Cathay is not just setting the standard in luxury and service—it’s also setting the standard for sustainability in aviation, making each journey feel thoughtful.
Overall, I really enjoyed the flight and my first journey to Hong Kong. Flying with Cathay Pacific offered a memorable culinary experience—both in the air and at the lounges. The menus felt carefully considered, embracing seasonality and freshness, and each dish carried flavours that reflected Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage. Add Chinese wines and signature cocktails, lounges that feel like more than just a waiting area, authentic Hong Kong flavours from takeoff to landing, and attentive, intuitive service from the staff—and it’s a travel experience that genuinely makes the hours pass quickly. I love that Cathay doesn’t just get you to Hong Kong; it gives you a sense of the city before you even land.
For travellers who, like me, care about culture, food, and a little luxury, this isn’t just a solid airline—it’s one I’d choose for any long-haul trip around the world. The small details really do make a difference. One last tip: reserve the egg tart right when you board. Flaky, buttery, and served warm, it instantly reminded me of the ones I enjoyed in Hong Kong. It’s a great treat! Stay tuned for my next article, where I’ll take you through my very first trip to Hong Kong. I’ll share my full itinerary, including the best places to visit, restaurants I fell in love with, must-try activities, and where to stay. I will share everything you need to plan for an unforgettable visit. Hong Kong is considered one of the world’s food meccas, and I can’t wait to show you why.
