While airline food, more often than not, flatters to deceive, those who travel business class would expect to be served a certain standard of cuisine.

But one Japan Airlines customer was well and truly underwhelmed by the breakfast offering, believing the banana set down in front of him was merely a precursor to a more substantial follow-up. Unfortunately, the banana was it, coming complete with chopsticks and a glass of wine.

When Kris Chari booked to fly from Jakarta to Tokyo on Japan Airlines, the seven-hour journey included two meal services which, judging by the time of the flight, were breakfast and lunch. However, according to Japan Airlines, the meal services were a snack and light refreshment served after take-off, and then lunch, which meant for Mr Chari’s vegan selection, the banana was the post take-off snack; non-vegan passengers received snack options of seared tuna with Moroccan-style eggplant (aubergine) salad; two kinds of cheese with orange salsa; or a baguette.

“It’s a bit insulting to be served a single banana while others are given a far more substantial and flavourful menus,” said Mr Chari, who did have to admit it was a “really good banana”. “It seems especially important given the number of vegans and vegetarians.”

A spokesperson for Japan Airlines said: “We apologise for being unable to meet expectations. We will continue to respond to our menus in light of the growing interest and diverse needs of customers requesting special menus.”

Mr Chari also found the lunch served to be another disappointment, the spaghetti dish he described as “barely seasoned”.