Indian Railways, one of the largest and most extensive railway networks in the world, is not just a means of transportation but an experience in itself. From the landscapes that unfold outside your window to the diverse array of people you meet, every journey on an Indian train tells a story. Among these stories, the culinary journey stands out as a unique experience. The Indian Railways offers a wide variety of food items catering to different tastes, dietary requirements, and regional preferences. Whether you are on a short trip or a long journey, the food available on trains ensures that passengers are well-fed and satisfied. You have the facility to pre-order food when booking train tickets online. If not, you have number of vendors passing through aisle of the train with food, snacks and beverages, like tea, coffee, milk, juice, etc. Let us find out the types of food items available on trains.

 Food Items Available on Trains

Traditional Indian meals are a staple on Indian Railways, offering passengers a taste of home while they travel. These meals are usually available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, reflecting the diverse culinary heritage of India.

• Vegetarian Thali: A vegetarian thali typically includes rice, chapati (Indian flatbread), dal (lentils), a dry vegetable dish, a curry, pickles, and a dessert. This wholesome meal provides a balanced diet and is quite popular among passengers.
• Non-Vegetarian Thali: The non-vegetarian thali includes all the elements of a vegetarian thali but with the addition of a chicken or mutton curry. This option caters to passengers who prefer meat-based dishes.
• Regional Variants: Depending on the region through which the train is passing, the thali can have regional variants. For instance, in the southern part of India, you might find sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew) and rasam (a spicy-sour soup) included in the meal.

2. Snacks

Snacking is an integral part of train travel in India. Whether it’s munching on something while reading a book or sharing a packet of chips with a fellow passenger, snacks are always in demand.

• Samosas and Pakoras: These deep-fried snacks are ubiquitous across India. Samosas are triangular pastries filled with spiced potatoes or meat, while pakoras are fritters made from vegetables or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) dipped in chickpea batter and fried until crispy.
• Sandwiches: A more modern addition to the train menu, sandwiches come in various fillings like cucumber, tomato, cheese, and chutney. These are perfect for a light snack and are popular among both children and adults.
• Vada Pav: Known as the Indian burger, vada pav is a spicy potato filling encased in a bread roll. This snack is particularly popular on trains running through Maharashtra.
• Chips and Namkeen: Packaged snacks like chips and namkeen (a type of savory snack mix) are readily available and make for an easy-to-carry option during the journey.

3. Beverages

No train journey in India is complete without sipping on a hot cup of chai (tea). Beverages on Indian Railways cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring that passengers stay refreshed throughout their journey.

• Chai (Tea): Chai is the most popular drink on Indian trains. Served in small cups, it’s typically sweet and flavoured with spices like cardamom and ginger. Chai vendors often move through the train, calling out “Chai, Chai” as they serve passengers.
• Coffee: For those who prefer coffee over tea, Indian Railways offers both hot and cold coffee options. South Indian filter coffee is especially popular on trains in southern India.
• Bottled Water: Staying hydrated during a journey is important, and bottled water is available on all trains. Some premium trains also offer packaged drinking water as part of their service.
• Juices and Soft Drinks: For a refreshing break, passengers can choose from a variety of packaged fruit juices and soft drinks. These are especially popular during the summer months.
• Lassi and Buttermilk: On trains travelling through northern and western India, you might find lassi (a yogurt-based drink) and buttermilk. These drinks are cooling and complement the spicy Indian food well.

4. Regional Specialties

One of the joys of travelling by train in India is the opportunity to savor regional specialties that reflect the rich culinary diversity of the country. As the train moves from one region to another, the food available on board often changes, offering passengers a culinary tour of India.

• Biryani: A fragrant rice dish made with spices, rice, and meat (usually chicken or mutton), biryani is a favorite across India. Some trains, especially those in southern India, are known for serving authentic biryani.
• Poha: A light breakfast dish made from flattened rice, poha is popular in central and western India. It’s typically garnished with peanuts, curry leaves, and lemon juice.
• Puri Bhaji: A typical North Indian breakfast dish, puri bhaji consists of deep-fried bread (puri) served with a spicy potato curry (bhaji). This dish is hearty and filling, making it ideal for long journeys.
• Masala Dosa: A staple in South India, masala dosa is a thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with spiced potatoes. It’s usually served with coconut chutney and sambar.

5. Premium Train Services

For passengers travelling on premium trains like the Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, and Duronto Express, the dining experience is elevated with a range of gourmet options. These trains often include meals as part of the ticket price, with a focus on quality and variety.

• Multi-Course Meals: Passengers on premium trains are served multi-course meals that include soups, salads, main courses, desserts, and beverages. The meals are often tailored to the time of day, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.
• Continental and International Cuisine: In addition to traditional Indian dishes, premium trains often offer continental options like pasta, sandwiches, and grilled chicken. This caters to passengers with diverse tastes and preferences.
• Dietary Considerations: Premium trains also offer meals that cater to specific dietary requirements, such as diabetic-friendly meals, gluten-free options, and Jain food (which excludes root vegetables).
• Special Occasions: On special occasions like festivals, premium trains may offer festive meals that include traditional sweets and special dishes. This adds a celebratory touch to the journey.

6. Pantry Cars

Many long-distance trains in India are equipped with pantry cars where meals are freshly prepared during the journey. The pantry car is a mobile kitchen, staffed by cooks who prepare a variety of dishes to cater to passengers’ needs.

• Rice and Curry Combos: Pantry cars typically offer rice-based meals with a choice of curry, such as dal, vegetable curry, or chicken curry. These meals are freshly prepared and served hot to passengers.
• Rotis and Sabzi: For those who prefer bread over rice, pantry cars often serve rotis (Indian flatbread) with a side of sabzi (vegetable dish). These meals are simple yet satisfying, providing a taste of home-cooked food.
• Egg Dishes: Omelets, boiled eggs, and egg curry are popular options available from the pantry car. These protein-rich dishes are especially popular for breakfast.
• Packaged Meals: In addition to freshly prepared food, pantry cars also offer pre-packaged meals that can be heated and served quickly. These meals include items like biryani, pulao (spiced rice), and rajma chawal (kidney beans with rice).

7. E-Catering

In recent years, IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) has introduced the concept of e-catering, allowing passengers to order food from their favorite restaurants and have it delivered to their seat. This service is available at selected stations and has revolutionized the way passengers dine on trains.

• Wide Range of Cuisines: Through e-catering, passengers can order a wide range of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, Continental, and fast food. This allows passengers to enjoy their favorite meals even while travelling.
• Restaurant Tie-Ups: IRCTC has partnered with several well-known restaurant chains and local eateries to offer e-catering services. Passengers can choose from a variety of menus and have their meals delivered at designated stations.
• Pre-Order and On-Demand: Passengers can pre-order their meals while booking their tickets or place an order during the journey. The food is freshly prepared and delivered to their seat at the specified station.
• Hygiene and Quality: E-catering services emphasize hygiene and quality, ensuring that the food delivered is fresh and prepared under safe conditions. This is particularly important for passengers concerned about food safety while travelling.

8. Sweets and Desserts

Indian Railways offers a variety of sweets and desserts that add a touch of indulgence to the journey. These treats are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth and are often included as part of a meal.

• Gulab Jamun: A popular Indian dessert, gulab jamun is a soft, spongy ball made from khoya (reduced milk) and soaked in sugar syrup. It’s a common dessert served on trains, especially on premium services.
• Jalebi: Crispy, sweet, and syrupy, jalebi is a favorite among passengers. This dessert is made by deep-frying batter in spiral shapes and soaking it in sugar syrup.
• Kheer: A traditional Indian rice pudding, kheer is often served as a dessert on long-distance trains. It’s made from rice, milk, and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and nuts.
• Halwa: Halwa is a dense, sweet dish made from semolina, wheat, or lentils. It’s flavoured with ghee, sugar, and cardamom, and is often served as part of a special meal.
• Ice Cream: On premium trains, passengers can enjoy ice cream as a dessert option. It’s a refreshing treat, especially during hot summer journeys.

Conclusion

The culinary experience on Indian Railways is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself. From traditional meals that evoke the comforts of home to regional specialties that offer a taste of India’s rich cultural heritage, the food available on trains caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty biryani on a long journey, sipping a hot cup of chai, or savoring a sweet gulab jamun, the food on Indian trains adds a delicious dimension to your travel experience. As Indian Railways continues to innovate and improve its services, passengers can look forward to an even more diverse and satisfying culinary journey on the rails. You can book train tickets on redRail and experience a joyful journey and yummiest food on trains.