Taking the train in India is more than just a way to get somewhere; it’s an experience full of sounds, sights and stories. Train rides have their own charm, from the chai-wallah calling out at every station to the rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks. But food is something that everyone thinks about when they’re on a long trip. What should I eat? What time to eat? And most importantly, will it taste good and be fresh?
For a long time, the same thali with dal, rice, sabzi and roti was served on metal trays on trains. Sometimes it’s good, and sometimes it’s not. But things have changed in the last few years. People can now order restaurant-style meals right to their seats thanks to delivery apps and online platforms. This simple idea has completely changed how people travel by train in India.
The Old Way: Pantry Cars and Hopping on the Platform
In the past, passengers could either order food from the train pantry or get off at major stations to get something. Well in case of pantry car a limited selection of food, such as omelets, puri-bhaji, veg biryani or cutlet are usually available and the quality was always debateable. At smaller stations, people relied on local vendors who sold snacks and tea through the train windows. These times had their own charm, like the smell of samosas or fresh pakoras but they weren’t always clean or on time.
The New Way: Eating at Your Seat
You can sit by your window and watch the countryside go by while you order anything you want, like pizza, biryani, thali, dosa, or even dessert. Every day, lakhs of people who travel by train enjoy the comfort, variety and ease of online food delivery. You can use your PNR number or train details to find restaurants along your route and set up food delivery at a station along the way. The food comes to your seat fresh and neatly packed, usually just in time for lunch or dinner.
This change has been especially good for families, older people and people who travel a lot. You don’t have to worry about bringing food from home or eating old snacks anymore. It’s like having your favorite restaurant on your train.
Options for Everyone
The best thing about getting food delivered on trains is that there are so many options. You can order a North Indian thali with dal, rice, roti and sabzi if you like simple, homey meals. Popular chains in South India serve idli, dosa and curd rice. If you like spicy food, you can always get Hyderabadi biryani, pav bhaji or paneer butter masala. You can even get continental food like sandwiches, pasta or pizza from some places along major roads.
It is also easy to find vegetarian, vegan or Jain food. You can even customize your order in many apps, like asking for less spice, no onion or more roti. The process is now as personal and adaptable as eating out.
How Technology Has Made It Happen
Train food delivery works behind the scenes by connecting restaurants at different train stations. When you order, the platform works with the restaurant closest to where you’re going next. The meal is made fresh, packed and given to a delivery person who briefly boards your train to give it to you. The process is quick, works well and makes sure that things are fresh.
A lot of travellers now plan their meals before they get on the plane. For instance, someone going from Delhi to Mumbai might book breakfast at Mathura, lunch at Kota and dinner at Vadodara – all from different restaurants. It’s a way to enjoy the trip while trying foods from different parts of the world.
Zomato lets you order food on trains
Zomato has already made it easy to eat out and have food delivered in cities. Now it does the same for train rides. You can use Zomato to see if your route is covered, find restaurants near upcoming stations, and place an order using your PNR number. You can see where your order is at all times and have your food brought right to your seat. Zomato makes sure you never travel hungry again, whether you want a full North Indian meal, a South Indian combo or just a quick snack.
Don’t pack extra tiffin boxes the next time you take a train. All you have to do is open the Zomato app and let the food come to you—fresh, hot and on time( if the train is on time).
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