Many of the Indian railway stations are equipped with station side food stalls and small food shops from where you can satisfy your appetite, but hygiene needs to be ensured before making any purchase from these stalls.
A visit to India is incomplete without the Indian railways' journey, and an Indian railway journey is incomplete without trying the Indian food. The Indian railways operate around 15,000 trains and are the 4th largest railway transportation network in the world. Indian Railways' journey actually provides you with the real essence of Indian life and its culture. On the other hand, Indian food has a diverse range of flavours from its varied culture. So, if you are planning to visit India by Indian railways and looking for some tasty treats on board, then you must try tasty food on trains.
Many of the Indian railway stations are equipped with station side food stalls and small food shops from where you can satisfy your appetite, but hygiene needs to be ensured before making any purchase from these stalls. IRCTC (Indian railway catering and tourism cooperation) has also established station side food plazas for offering food to the passengers but again getting off from the train and dining at several halts en-route doesn't seem feasible enough.
You can order food on trains from RailRestro en-route and enjoy your train journey. RailRestro is one of the premium food wings of IRCTC which serves on-board meals to the passengers from nearby restaurants. The food is fresh, hygienic and safe to eat while travelling. You can have the food items of your choice from a wide range of food offered in the menu, i.e., bakery items, Chinese and continental food, Indian Thalis, milk, coffee, juices and a lot more on the train. It has an on-board delivery system which makes your journey more comfortable and spicier altogether. To order food in train, you can download the RailRestro app or can visit its portal and then fill your PNR number listed in the Indian railway train ticket to order food at your seat.
Top 10 Indian dishes to order food on the trains
Here are top 10 Indian food items that you must try while travelling in the Indian railways:
1) Veg Indian Thali
If you desire to eat something light and healthy, then opt for the classic Vegetarian Thali. The veg thalis are incredibly filling and are ideal for lunch and supper. It accompanies rice, roti, dal, sabzi and at times even papad. The amount of food in these thalis is commonly enough for one individual and an amalgamation of most Indian dishes to order on the train.
If you’re wondering where to get the best Indian food for travel, then with RailRestro you can order veg Indian thali on the train at any station across India.
2) Stuffed Paratha
Parathas are the ideal breakfast Indian dishes to order food on trains for a spicy Journey. It is the most favourite Indian food with a dizzying aroma that captivates your senses. Parathas are among the favourite foods to order on trains. Stuffed paratha is a delight loaded with variations of flavours. It is the most common and traditional Indian food to carry while travelling by train. Onion paratha, aloo paratha, gobi paratha, laccha paratha and more varieties of parathas are long-lasting Indian food for travel which keeps your stomach full enough till lunch.
Favourite place to order Parathas in trains: Order food in train at Jalandhar City Junction (JUC), Amritsar Junction (ASR).
3) Idli or Dosa and Sambar
Idli and dosa are south Indian delicacies with innumerable health benefits. Idli and dosa are relished with some finely ground coconut chutney and a hot steaming bowl of sambar. Idli is a gloriously soft and spongy steamed rice pancake.
Dosa is a thin and crispy south Indian recipe for long travel that has many variations, but the most popular ones are plain dosa and masala dosa. You can have dosa for breakfast, brunch, lunch or even dinner since it is easily digestible, low on calories and extremely appetizing.
Favourite place to order Idli or Dosa and Sambar in trains: Chennai Egmore Railway station (MS), Chennai Central Railway station (MAS)
4) Hyderabadi Biryani
Hyderabadi Biryani is a dish from south India and popular across the nation. It is an evergreen classic, aromatic and among the most loved delicacies in India. The flavourful rice dish is slow-cooked with meat, including chicken, mutton and fish, is considered a cuisine fit to satiate hunger cravings for Indian dishes to order on the train.
It's the exemplary choice for foodies who prefer eating rice mixed with spice, and blended with delicate pieces of meat or chicken. Cooked in 'dum style', it's layered with fried onions and mint, and served with refreshing raita.
Favourite Place to Order Hyderabadi Biryani in trains: Book food in train at Hyderabad Decan Railway station (HYB).
5) Chhole Bhature
Chhole Bhature is a Punjabi dish that is mainly eaten at breakfast in many parts of India. A plate of steaming hot chhole with fluffy bhaturas characterizes comfort food. Enjoy this glorious combo with your companions and family and spice up your journey. Chhole bhature is a zesty, delicious and overwhelming dish. You better control your feelings while eating up these yummy Indian cuisine else you may desire some more.
Favourite place to order Chhole Bhature in trains: Mumbai Central Railway Station (BCT) and Delhi Railway Station (DLI).
6) Dal Makhani
A luscious and creamy dal makhani is loaded with butter and is one of the classic Indian dishes to order in train. It is among the most loved Indian dishes that are light to stomach. Dal makhani is savoured with naan, paratha or some cooked rice. You will find this dal recipe in almost every Indian restaurant menu list. It's the best choice to order dal makhani on the train to savour a hot creamy bowl at your seat.
Favourite place to order Dal Makhani in trains: At all North-India Railway station like Patna Junction (PNEB).
7) Puri Sabji
It is the foremost choice amongst Indians to carry while travelling by train. Puri sabji is a complete dish which can keep you full for long hours. While preparing home-cooked food for train travel at home, our happiness knew no limits when puri was made for our train trip. It's time to live those moments by ordering hot and tasty puri for your hunger cravings. You can order a platter of puri and sabji online on the train. Puri, sabji with achaar and salad gives the feel of home food for a train journey.
Where to get the best Puri Sabji in trains? At all Railway stations across India
8) Tandoori Chicken
One of the most loved varieties of chicken dishes in India is Roasted chicken. It is a mouth-watering, soft, and tender snack served best with coriander chutney. Tandoori chicken is a smoky flavoured non-veg dish with the blend of spices served with rumali roti. If you want a less oily Indian dish to order in a train, you can preferably choose tandoori chicken to satiate your hunger.
Favourite place to order Tandoori Chicken in trains: Lucknow junction (LJN), Ludhiana Jn Railway Station (LDH).
9) Paneer Butter Masala
A fragrant paneer butter masala will instantly gratify your taste buds. Delicious paneer lumps sautéed in butter and simmered with flavours, milk and cream along with cashew nuts make a delightful dish to devour. Chock-full of all Indian favourite ingredients, Paneer butter masala, is a heavy vegetarian dish paired with roti or veg pulao.
Order hot and delicious Paneer butter masala on the train from RailRestro train food app or website.
Where to get the Paneer Butter Masala for train travel? You can order restaurant-fresh Paneer Butter Masala from RailRestro at all Railway stations across India.
10) Rogan Josh
A mutton dish which originates from the Kashmiri area, Rogan Josh is a delicacy with extreme flavours in it. Robust with variations of flavours, the recipe is cooked with many aromatic Indian spices that are indeed a celebration for all taste buds. A favourite choice for a tasty dinner or lunch, Rogan Josh can be best combined with butter naan or parathas.
Favourite place to order Rogan Josh in trains: Mumbai Central Railway Station (BCT).
