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Cathay Pacific Lounge TPE: Enjoying Beef Noodles & Bubble Tea

by taiwanderjessica
Cathay-Pacific-Lounge-taiwan

Cathay Pacific Lounge is said to be the best business lounge in Taipei Taoyuan International Airport

Introduction

As 2024 comes to an end, I embarked on a memorable trip to Nagoya for the autumn foliage. Utilizing Alaska Mileage Plan awards, I flew Japan Airlines business class on the outbound leg. It was my first time experiencing business class from Taoyuan Airport, which brought the thrill of visiting not one but two lounges: the China Airlines Lounge and the Cathay Pacific Lounge.

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Spoiler alert: Cathay Pacific was the clear winner! Even more exciting, my return flight, originally booked in premium economy, saw a surprise upgrade to Cathay Pacific business class. Huge thanks to Cathay Pacific for making this trip unforgettable.

A First Look at Cathay Pacific’s Overseas Brand Showcase

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Before departure, I had the chance to visit Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles Experience Booth—their first overseas showcase. Located in both Terminals 1 and 2, I found mine in Terminal 2. A quick social media check-in earned me an adorable Cathay Pacific teddy bear sticker.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Taipei Experience

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The entrance to the Cathay Pacific Lounge is inviting and elegant. Although Japan Airlines provides access to the China Airlines Lounge, it didn’t quite meet my expectations in terms of food offerings. After a brief visit, we made a beeline for the Cathay Pacific Lounge, located on the 4th floor of Terminal 1.

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Cathay Pacific Lounge Design and Ambiance

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Reopened in August 2023, the Cathay Pacific Lounge spans 379 square meters, radiating the classic charm of the airline’s flagship Hong Kong lounges.

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The iconic green tiles instantly transported me to The Pier in Hong Kong. The spacious and quiet environment featured high-backed chairs, offering privacy akin to a cozy personal booth.

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By the way, I visited the Pier twice in August 2023, link to my Mandarin blog for some photos. Also here’s link to the lounge in Tokyo

Cathay Pacific Lounge Beef Noodle

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The dining area, known as “The Noodle Bar,” is a highlight of the lounge. Here, I indulged in their signature beef noodle soup, served in a thick ceramic bowl.

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The broth, simmered with tomatoes, was piping hot and reminiscent of a high-end restaurant’s quality. It easily outshined the offerings at the China Airlines Lounge. I am a Taiwanese and I know what a good beef noodle is.

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How can you not drink a bubble tea while in Taiwan! I am sure you don’t want to miss it! Also, as a Taiwanese, the tapioca balls are okay. Not superb, not awful, the milk tea is great. One of the best drinks I have in the lounge.

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Cathay-Pacific-Lounge-taiwan

Additionally, I sampled the “salty water dumplings”—a local delicacy that was flavorful without being overly greasy.

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Cathay-Pacific-Lounge-taiwan

My partner who visited during breakfast hours recommended the dan dan noodles and pesto pasta. The beverage selection was equally impressive, featuring Cathay’s signature drinks like Cathay Delight and Cloud Nine.

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While the Cloud Nine cocktail, a mix of vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and Sprite, didn’t stand out for me, the bartender’s personalized off-menu Daiquiri was refreshing and delightful.

Bar at the Cathay Pacific Lounge

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The lounge’s “Bar” area resembled a luxurious living room, with low-backed sofas and ample seating.

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It offered a tranquil retreat where every seat felt secluded, ensuring privacy and relaxation. The bar stocked a wide array of beverages, including exclusive wines and spirits, with attentive bartenders ready to craft personalized drinks.

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The XO sauce cookie is savory! A must try if you visit the lounge.

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Practical touches included built-in charging drawers at select seats and Bamford toiletries in the well-maintained private washrooms. The lounge’s thoughtful details enhanced the overall experience.

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Cathay-Pacific-Lounge-taiwan
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Cathay-Pacific-Lounge-taiwan

The cake and the green color dessert is not as good.

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Cathay-Pacific-Lounge-taiwan

The salads look nice but I didn’t try any of it.

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Comparisons with The Pier Lounge in Hong Kong

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While the Taoyuan Cathay Pacific Lounge is superb, it’s smaller compared to The Pier in Hong Kong, which spans nearly 1,000 square meters and boasts scenic views of the tarmac. The Pier also offers an expanded menu of Western dishes, a dedicated tea room, and a wider range of desserts. However, the Taoyuan lounge’s quality and comfort remain exceptional.

Conclusion

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Spending an hour at the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Taoyuan Airport was a highlight of my trip. From the delectable beef noodle soup to the personalized cocktail experience, every detail was meticulously curated. The ambiance, service, and food quality exceeded expectations, making it a must-visit for travelers flying business class.

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If you have the chance, don’t miss the beef noodle soup and the array of drinks at the bar. Here’s to hoping for more Cathay Pacific experiences in the future!

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