Guests stopping by Virgin Australia’s domestic lounges are in for a treat over the coming months with new dishes added to the airline’s ‘pop-up dining’ menu.
But there’s no sure way of getting your hands on these tasty treats – they’ll appear around the country at various times between now and August, and the airline won’t be drawn on anything more definitive.
If they’re on offer when you’re next relaxing the lounge, you’ll find chicken sliders with sliced red onion waiting for you, served with chipotle sauce for an added kick…
… followed by Reuben sandwiches with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye bread:
A favourite remains from Virgin Australia’s previous pop-up dining menu: roast Peking duck pancakes served with the customary cucumber, spring onion and hoisin sauce…
… and another new addition to finish things off: churros with chocolate sauce.
“We introduced the pop-up menu to surprise our Velocity Frequent Flyer members with some great new menu items when they visit our lounges,’’ a Virgin Australia spokesperson told Australian Business Traveller.
“The pop-up menu has been very popular and we are confident that our lounge guests will love these additions.’’
Virgin Australia’s previous pop-up menus have included dumplings and sushi, along with Christmas-themed delights over the holidays.
Also read: Virgin Australia Sydney Airport lounge review
If you're passing through a Virgin Australia lounge and have a chance to try the new dishes, let us know how you rate them!
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 735
Finally, a break from toasted sandwiches. Instead, we get... different sandwiches!
Those duck pancakes look pretty darn tasty. Still, it'd be nice if VA had a regular hot dish approximating a respectable dinner like QF's pasta bakes and so forth.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Mar 2014
Total posts 567
The Rueben looks good!
Although I suspect sightings will be as rare as the Sasquatch!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 785
Yup. These things pop up for about 12 minutes a week for two weeks then vanish again.
09 Nov 2011
Total posts 31
If I ever one day manage to hit one of these specials I'll be dancing with joy. I have NEVER seen one of these pop ups, or even the special items they do in the evenings. And I travel a hell of a lot.
I've given up even looking out for them!!!
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 735
I got a party pie once!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Mar 2014
Total posts 567
I can't even seem to find the premium exit's operating hours at Melbourne airport!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards Gold
04 Jul 2014
Total posts 130
After they announced their last 'new menu' in September i've not seen a single one of those dishes... Won't hold my breath on seeing any of these either.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 34
When does this happen at ....virgin = no food , I know I'm. Platinum Serously no food , come on as I have seen no food in their lounges in the last 3 year (platinum for 3 years) except a toasted sandwich alone a pop up ! Ps the qantas sliders in the domestic lounge AMAZING qantas = food and virgin a pretzel ...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 34
How funny just read the other great write ups ,,,,,, virgin you need to get better at this as we are all not convinced , 12 minute wow that long .....ha ha very funny virgin
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jan 2013
Total posts 698
I came across one of these pop ups at the Melbourne lounge last year - Thai Chicken Rolls made up for you on demand. It was rather discreet though, no big posters or display marketing to alert you to the offering, just a small plain sign and a staff member on duty to hint something different.
Not sure if it was a Virgin pop-up or a cross-marketing thing but there was a fresh fruit smoothie or ice cream thing that you could order in the Melbourne Lounge this Monday (the people manning this thing weren't in the Virgin Lounge uniform so that's why I'm not sure as to whose promotion this was).
21 Jul 2014
Total posts 11
Looks nice but actually being there when they are available would be near impossible. I use the Virgin lounges in Sydney and Adelaide. The breaky's are fine in the Sydney lounge but the options at other times of the day are pretty average and behind Qantas. It would be nice to see something more substantial than the toasted sangas. The Adelaide lounge is actually pretty ordinary in both facilities and food choice.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum
07 Feb 2013
Total posts 548
Yes and they are on the downhill slide too, can't remember the last time I ate something in there I always just byo now saves the usual disappointment
08 Apr 2016
Total posts 1
Adelaide is extremely ordinary. The staff do an ok job with the facilities they are given.
With 1 toilet & 1 shower it is not the best place to try and freshen up before a flight!
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