Introduction
This is where I take you on my gastronomic journey with Emirates, starting in the Emirates Lounge at Manchester Airport. This Emirates business class review focuses on the flight from Manchester to Dubai.
The Emirates Lounge, Manchester T1, UK
The dedicated Emirates-only Lounge at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 1 is currently located on the first floor. Emirates relocated to Terminal 2 on 18/11/2025. It is accessed by the lift or stairs as signposted by the Premium Lounges signposts. This lounge is only for those passengers on Emirates flights. All of the food and drinks served are included within the ticket price. This includes premium spirits, champagne, wines, hot and cold drinks. The hot food was cooked breakfast and the cold choices offered a salad bar with cheese boards. The Emirates Lounge is not accessible to passengers using the Escape Lounge, the 1903 Lounge or the Aspire Lounge.
Emirates Business Class Review: In-Flight Experience
Emirates Airlines has built a reputation for its top-notch service and luxurious in-flight experience. One of the standout perks of flying business class with Emirates is the exceptional meal service. On a recent flight from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Dubai Airport (DXB), I had the pleasure of experiencing a three-course feast that left me truly satisfied.
Emirates In-Flight Drinks Menu
The extensive in-flight drinks menu offers a wide choice, including five mocktails and twelve cocktails. A variety of juices, Tea and Coffee. Not to mention four beers and nine aperitifs, spirits and liqueurs. One blended whiskey, two Scottish single malts and one cognac finish the list. Plus if you happen to be flying on the Airbus A380, there is a lounge bar on the upper deck, at the rear of the plane.
The Emirates Onboard Meal
The meal provided an unforgettable culinary journey, with every aspect, from the elegant presentation to the exquisite flavours.
The Starter in this Emirates Business Class Review
To start the meal, I chose the caramelised yuzu Scallops served with broad bean puree, and a potato salad with red onions and scallop roe dust. Although the scallops were perfectly cooked, in this situation they were served cold. They still had a delightful caramelisation that enhanced their natural sweetness. The smooth and creamy broad bean puree and added crunch from the potato salad. It was a precursor of the culinary delights to come.
The Main Course
For my main course, I selected the herb-crusted veal with Dijon mustard. The tender veal, coated in a golden, herb-infused crust, which delighted my taste buds. Pan-fried wild mushrooms and a luscious, browned butter sauce added richness and depth to the dish. The carrot puree added a smooth texture. Whilst the crushed potatoes, tinged with capers and gherkins, offered a contrast of flavour. The combination of ingredients elevated the dining experience. I paired this with a glass of red wine.
The Dessert
To finish this meal, I chose the wild berry and almond tart served with crème anglaise. The buttery crust provided the perfect base for the vibrant burst of flavour from the wild berries. Each bite offered a taste sensation of sweetness and tartness. The cold vanilla custard added a creamy and velvety element. In truth this resulted in a dessert that was both satisfying and not too sweet. It was a fitting finale to a culinary adventure high above the clouds.
Emirates business class: Further Courses
In the event that you’re seeking further indulgence, an optional cheese board is available too. The selection of three British cheeses, accompanied by fruits, nuts, and crackers, offers a perfect balance of flavours and textures. Finishing the dining experience on a luxury note, Emirates serves fine chocolates made by Pacari. On the negative side these are only 10g each. But although it wasn’t noticeable, they were also organic, dairy free and vegan. However, on the whole two chocolates were enough. Because one was 70% cacao and one was 32% cacao flavoured with Passionfruit and Coconut Cream. Summing up, these decadent treats add a touch of indulgence to an already exquisite meal.
Onboard Skywards WiFi
Once the first meal service in the business class cabin is completed, and you’re ready to watch a movie or connect to the onboard WIFI. I have personally used NordVPN for 8+ years and highly recommend it. A VPN adds an extra layer of privacy when using public inflight networks. Therefore, it helps protect data during routine online activity. Additionally, a VPN reduces tracking on shared airline WiFi systems. I have also written a detailed guide explaining how and why to use a VPN. This applies in airports, lounges, public bars, cafés, and onboard aircraft.
Emirates Business Class review: The Conclusion
My flight experience in Emirates Business Class from Manchester to Dubai delivers consistent service and a strong dining experience. Emirates has also been recognised in the Skytrax World Airline Awards for its overall onboard product and service.
The three course meal arrives on real porcelain with Robert Welch cutlery. Passengers choose from three starters, three main courses, and three desserts, structure feels clear and well paced throughout the flight.
Each dish, from the caramelised yuzu scallops to the herb-crusted veal and wild berry tart, shows careful preparation. The presentation feels deliberate and precise and the flavours reflect technical skill rather than excess. Taken together, the dining experience demonstrates attention to detail and sound culinary judgement. It is impressive that Emirates aircrew assemble and deliver this meal at 40,000 feet in a compact galley kitchen.
Overall, the experience remains cohesive from start to finish. The cabin environment supports relaxed dining. Service timing stays predictable. Consequently, the meal becomes a genuine highlight of the journey rather than a distraction.
