India’s vast and diverse culinary landscape is a treasure of flavors, spices, and regional specialties. And what better way to experience this culinary richness than through the iconic train journeys that crisscross the country? From savory street food snacks to decadent desserts, Indian trains offer a gastronomic adventure like no other. With the convenience of modern technology, now you have the option to order food online during train ticket booking. In this blog, let us embark on a culinary journey through the 15 most popular foods on the train.
List of Popular Food on Train for Passengers
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way passengers approach train travel, when it comes to food. Besides checking train tickets, PNR status and seat availability, passengers would also pay attention to dining services offered by train. You can browse through a wide range of culinary options and select your preferred meals with just a few clicks. This innovative approach enhances the overall experience but also ensures that you enjoy your journey without worrying about food arrangements.
- Vada Pav: Vada Pav is a Mumbai street food favorite that has found its way onto Indian trains. A spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a soft bun (pav) and served with chutneys, this handheld delight is a must-try for any traveler exploring the streets of Mumbai or the trains of India.
- Masala Dosa: Originating from South India, the masala dosa is a crispy, golden-brown crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a flavorful potato masala. Served with coconut chutney and tangy sambar, it’s a breakfast staple that’s perfect for long train journeys.
- Samosa: A popular street food snack across India, the samosa is a deep-fried pastry filled with spicy potato and pea mixture. Served with tangy tamarind chutney or zesty mint sauce, it’s a savory treat that’s perfect for munching on during train rides.
- Poha: A traditional Maharashtrian breakfast dish, poha is a flavorful concoction of flattened rice cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Served with a squeeze of lime and crunchy peanuts, it’s a light and nourishing meal that’s ideal for train travel.
- Chole Bhature: A North Indian favorite, chole bhature is a hearty combination of spicy chickpea curry (chole) and deep-fried bread (bhature). Served with tangy pickle and crunchy onions, it’s a comfort food classic that’s sure to satisfy hunger pangs on the go.
- Egg Curry: A popular option in Indian train pantry menus, egg curry is a flavorful dish made with hard-boiled eggs simmered in a rich and spicy gravy. Served with steamed rice or bread, it’s a satisfying meal option for non-vegetarians.
- Biriyani: No train journey in India is complete without indulging in a steaming hot plate of Biryani. A fragrant rice dish layered with tender meat or vegetables and aromatic spices, Biriyani is a culinary masterpiece that’s synonymous with celebration and festivity.
- Cutlet: A crispy and savory snack, cutlet is a popular train delicacy made with mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and spices coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection. Served with ketchup or chutney, it’s a favorite among travelers of all ages.
- Mutton Curry: A classic dish that pays homage to India’s colonial past, mutton curry is a rich and aromatic curry made with tender pieces of mutton cooked in a flavorful gravy. Served with rice or bread, it’s a taste of history that’s still enjoyed by train travelers today.
- Rasgulla: A beloved Bengali sweet, rasgulla is a soft and spongy dessert made from fresh cheese (chenna) balls simmered in sugar syrup. Light and refreshing, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while traveling on Indian trains.
- Dhokla: A Gujarati specialty, dhokla is a steamed savory cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour batter, flavored with spices and herbs. Served with chutney, it’s a healthy and delicious snack option that’s ideal for train journeys.
- Puri Sabji: A popular breakfast dish in North India, puri sabji consists of deep-fried bread (puri) served with a spicy potato curry (sabji). Crispy and flavorful, it’s a hearty meal that’s sure to keep you satisfied during your train travels.
- Jalebi: A quintessential Indian sweet, Jalebi is a deep-fried spiral of batter soaked in sugar syrup. Crispy on the outside and syrupy sweet on the inside, it’s a decadent dessert that’s perfect for indulging in while watching the world go by from the train window.
- Paneer Tikka: A vegetarian delight, paneer tikka is a popular Indian appetizer made with marinated cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) grilled to perfection. Served with mint chutney and onion rings, it’s a flavorful snack option that’s loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
- Lassi: A refreshing yogurt-based drink, lassi is a popular beverage enjoyed across India, especially during the hot summer months. Whether sweet or savory, flavored with fruits or spices, a glass of chilled Lassi is the perfect way to cool off and refresh yourself during a train journey.
Ways to Order Food in Train
Below are the different ways to order food for train journeys.
Online Food Ordering Platforms
Several online food delivery platforms specialize in train food delivery services across India. For online food orders in trains, you can simply visit these platform websites or mobile apps, enter your train details, browse through the menu options, place orders, and make the payment.
Railway Catering Services
IRCTC Indian Railways offers its own catering services where you can order food through designated railway catering providers. These providers often have food stalls or counters at major railway stations, allowing you to purchase meals before boarding your trains.
Train Pantry Services
Many trains in India have onboard pantry car services where you can order food directly from the pantry staff. You can place your orders through the pantry staff during the journey, and the food will be delivered to your seats.
Phone Booking
Some railway catering providers and local vendors accept food orders over the phone. You can call the designated phone numbers, provide your train details, select meals, and arrange for delivery at specific stations along your route.
Food Delivery at Stations
You can also opt to pre-book meals for pickup at specific railway stations during your train journey. Several vendors and catering services offer food delivery in trains, allowing you to order food in advance and collect it from designated pickup points at the stations.
Conclusion
From the savory delights of samosas and vada pav to the comforting warmth of biryani and masala chai, each dish tells a story of tradition, culture, and regional flavors. You can get a variety of options to order veg and non-veg food on the train. These beloved train food not only tantalize the taste buds but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and adventure for passengers during the journeys. As you partake in these timeless favorites, you can create lasting memories that add an extra dimension to your travel experiences, making every train journey a memorable and flavorful adventure through the heart of India’s culinary heritage.