How to Order Food on a Train?

If you’ve ever found yourself rumbling along on a train journey across the vast Indian landscape, you know that one of the highlights can definitely be the food. Gone are the days of lugging around a basket of homemade snacks for your train travel. Due to modern technology and a bit of planning, ordering a hot, tasty meal right to your train seat is easier than ever. Once your done with train tickets booking, you will start thinking on to keep your travel hunger pangs at bay with delicious meals? Let’s dive through the ins and outs of ordering food on a train in India.

Step 1: Ways to Order Food on a Train

When it comes to dining on Indian trains, there are a few options to consider.

Pantry Car Services

Many long-distance trains come equipped with a pantry car, serving up meals and snacks directly to your seat. From chai and coffee to full thali meals, the pantry car can be a convenient if not always gourmet option.

E-Catering Services by IRCTC

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has revolutionized train food service with its e-catering platform. Once your PNR status shows confirmed status, you can pre-order meals from a variety of popular restaurants and food chains to be delivered right to your seat. We’re talking about everything from piping hot pizzas to local delicacies.

Step 2: How to Order Using IRCTC’s E-Catering Service?

Here’s how to order food on a train.

1. Visit the Official E-Catering Website: Head over to IRCTC’s eCatering website: ecatering.irctc.co.in.
2. Enter Your PNR: To get started, punch in your 10-digit PNR (Passenger Name Record) number. This tells the service where you’ll be and when.
3. Choose Your Station: Select the station where you’d like your meal delivered. The platform will show you a list of available food options at that particular station.
4. Select Your Food: Browse through the restaurants and available meals. Whether you’re in the mood for North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, or fast food, you’ve got options.
5. Place Your Order: Once you’ve selected your meal, proceed to checkout, enter your details, and make the payment. You can pay online using a credit/debit card, net banking, or wallets.

Extra Tips for a Smooth Experience in Ordering Food

Below are some of the useful tips to order food on a train.

• Order in Advance: Make sure to place your order at least a couple of hours before you reach the delivery station. Some services even allow you to book your meals up to a week in advance.
• Keep Your Phone Handy: Make sure your phone is charged and within reach, especially as you near the delivery station. Sometimes the delivery person might call for your exact seat details.
• Know the Schedule: Be aware of your train’s schedule and any delays, as these might affect your delivery.

Benefits of Ordering Food on a Train

Travelling by train across the vast landscapes of India is an adventure that combines scenic beauty with cultural immersion. One aspect that significantly enhances this experience is the availability of onboard food ordering services. With technological advancements, particularly through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), passengers can now enjoy a variety of meals delivered directly to their seats. Here’s why ordering food on a train can transform your travel experience.

Convenience at Your Seat

The most significant benefit of ordering food on a train is the sheer convenience it offers. Gone are the days of packing extensive meal boxes or relying solely on the pantry car, which might not always cater to your preferences or dietary requirements. Now, you can simply place an order from your phone or tablet and have hot, fresh food delivered right to your seat. This service eliminates the need to lug around extra baggage or navigate through crowded aisles in search of a meal, making your journey smoother and more comfortable.

Variety of Choices

e-catering service collaborates with a range of restaurants and popular food chains, enabling passengers to choose from a diverse menu. Whether you crave regional delicacies, street food favourites, or continental cuisine, the options are extensive and cater to all tastes and preferences. This variety is particularly advantageous for long journeys where culinary monotony can set in. Passengers can enjoy different cuisines at different stations, turning their mealtime into an exciting culinary exploration.

Quality and Hygiene

Ordering through the official e-catering service ensures that the food you consume is prepared in hygienic conditions and delivered in a manner that maintains its quality. The partnering restaurants are selected based on stringent quality checks, which are more reliable than unverified vendors at platforms or pantry cars where the hygiene standards can be questionable. This aspect is crucial, especially in the current context where health and safety are paramount.

Time-Saving

For those on tight schedules or business travellers, every minute counts. By ordering food to be delivered directly to your seat, you save on the time you would otherwise spend queuing in front of the pantry car or at station food stalls. This service is particularly beneficial when the train has brief stops, and getting off to buy food is practically impossible. It allows passengers to use their travel time more effectively, whether it’s catching up on work, reading, or simply relaxing.

Enhances Travel Experience

Dining on a variety of tasty, high-quality meals can greatly enhance the overall travel experience. A good meal can uplift spirits, offer comfort, and even make the journey more memorable. Moreover, the anticipation of a delicious meal can add an element of excitement to the travel experience, especially for food enthusiasts who look forward to trying different regional foods as they traverse various parts of the country.