The Best Train Food in India: A Culinary Adventure

India, with its vast and diverse culture, offers an incredible array of flavors and food experiences. When you board a train in India, it’s not just the scenic landscapes and beautiful routes that capture your attention but also the food served onboard. Train journeys here often become a culinary adventure of their own, offering a perfect blend of convenience and local flavors. Whether you’re traveling across the vast stretches of the countryside or zipping through bustling cities, here’s a roundup of some of the best train food in India that you can order via DIBRAIL :-

1. Chai and Snacks – The Indian Train Classic

Chai (Tea): There’s nothing quite like sipping a hot cup of masala chai as you watch the countryside whiz by. Tea vendors walk down the aisles of most trains, offering this comforting beverage. It’s usually served in a small cup with a hint of spices—cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
Samosas and Vadas: These crispy, savory snacks are staples on Indian trains. Whether it’s a spiced potato-filled samosa or a crispy vada (deep-fried savory dough), these are perfect accompaniments to your tea.
Banana Chips: Particularly common on trains in Kerala and southern India, banana chips are a crunchy, lightly salted snack that’s easy to munch on during the ride.

2. Vada Pav – Mumbai’s Street Food on Rails

Mumbai’s famous vada pav, often referred to as the “Indian burger,” can be found on trains traveling through Maharashtra. This delicious sandwich features a spicy potato fritter (vada) stuffed into a soft pav (bread roll), served with chutneys and a fried green chili. It’s a satisfying and quick bite that packs a punch.

3. Pav Bhaji – A Flavorful Mumbai Delight

Another beloved dish from Mumbai, pav bhaji is served as a combination of spiced mashed vegetables (bhaji) paired with buttered pav (bread rolls). It’s hearty, flavorful, and often found on long-distance trains like the Rajdhani Express, especially in the evening.

4. Biryani – A Fragrant Feast

Biryani, an aromatic rice dish made with flavorful spices, meat (or vegetables), and saffron, is a must-try on many train journeys, especially in regions like Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Some trains even serve a luxurious, fragrant version of this dish, making it a memorable part of the trip.
Hyderabadi Biryani: Known for its intricate layers of rice, meat, and spices, Hyderabad’s biryani is often served in sealed clay pots on long-distance trains. It’s a feast for the senses, especially for those who love rich, aromatic flavors.
Kolkata Biryani: Often lighter than its Hyderabadi counterpart, Kolkata’s biryani comes with boiled eggs and succulent pieces of meat. The spices are balanced and aromatic, perfect for train dining.

5. Dosa – South India on a Plate

Dosa is one of South India’s most iconic dishes, and it makes for a fantastic train meal, especially for breakfast. The thin, crispy crepes made from fermented rice and lentil batter are often served with coconut chutney and sambar (spicy lentil soup). Many trains, especially those traveling to and from South India, offer this delightful dish, which can be both filling and refreshing.

6. Thali – A Complete Meal

For those looking for a more substantial meal, the Indian Thali is a fantastic option. A thali is a platter of various curries, rice, roti (flatbread), daal (lentils), pickles, and sometimes a sweet dish. The meal is designed to provide a balanced array of flavors: salty, spicy, sweet, and tangy.
Rajasthani Thali: If you’re traveling on trains through Rajasthan, expect a colorful, rich, and spicy thali that may include dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and a range of local sweets.
Gujarati Thali: A typical thali from Gujarat includes a variety of vegetarian dishes like undhiyu, rotis, rice, and dahi, all with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

7. Chole Bhature – North India’s Favorite

A popular dish in North India, chole bhature is a combination of spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with fluffy, deep-fried bread (bhature). It’s filling and full of flavor, making it a satisfying meal for longer journeys.

8. Dhokla – A Light and Savory Snack from Gujarat

If you’re traveling through Gujarat, don’t miss out on dhokla. This steamed, spongy, and mildly tangy cake made from rice and chickpea flour is often served with a sweet-and-spicy chutney. It’s light yet fulfilling, making it an ideal snack for train travel.

9. Fruit and Nut Mix Cake – Light and Refreshing

For lighter and healthier options, many trains offer fruit and nut mixes—perfect for travelers looking for a quick energy boost. The mix often includes cashews, almonds, raisins, and fresh fruits, providing the right amount of protein and vitamins for the journey.

10. Kheer – Sweet Finale

No Indian meal is complete without something sweet, and kheer (a rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cardamom) is a popular choice. Sometimes served as part of a thali or as a standalone dessert, this creamy dish adds a comforting finish to a train meal.

 

Final Thoughts

Indian train food is an experience in itself, offering a reflection of the country’s vast cultural diversity. Whether you’re indulging in a simple cup of chai and a samosa or enjoying a full-course regional thali, train meals in India offer a window into the country’s culinary traditions. So, the next time you’re on a train journey in India, make sure to savor the flavors and order food from DIBRAIL —it’s a culinary adventure worth experiencing!