Food And Drink

Iconic Culinary Delights Of The Indian Railways

Indian trains offer a unique culinary experience as the aromas of chai and sizzling snacks fill the air. At the same time, onboard pantry cars and local vendors provide a diverse range of regional specialities and popular street food

Shashwat Tyagi

Indian trains, with their distinct charm and bustling atmosphere, offer a fascinating culinary experience that is truly unique. As you travel through the vast Indian landscape, the trains become a hub of diverse gastronomic delights. From the moment you step onboard, the aromas of freshly brewed chai (tea) and sizzling snacks fill the air, captivating your senses. The onboard pantry cars and local vendors ensure that passengers are treated to various delectable options, ranging from regional specialities to popular street food. Whether it's the fragrant biryanis of Hyderabad, the mouthwatering vada pavs of Mumbai, or the steaming idlis of South India, each journey brings forth a delightful selection of flavours. With every meal, passengers nourish their bodies and get a taste of the cultural diversity and culinary heritage that make India truly remarkable.

On-Board Delights The Train Kitchen

The onboard kitchens are bustling hubs of culinary creativity, offering diverse dishes to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. One of the highlights of train dining is the opportunity to savour iconic dishes that have become synonymous with train travel. Take, for example, the aromatic and flavorful biryanis, where fragrant rice is cooked to perfection with a blend of spices and tender meats or vegetables. Served with a refreshing raita and crispy papad, these biryanis provide an irresistible explosion of flavours that transport you to the heart of Indian cuisine. If you're in the mood for something indulgent, the train kitchens are known for their buttery parathas. These flaky and delicious flatbreads are often accompanied by curries that showcase the diversity of regional flavours.

Explore Culinary Delights through Legendary Train Journeys

Some train journeys in India have become iconic for their culinary experiences on board. They offer a taste of regional cuisine and royal delicacies that have become ingrained in culinary history. The Palace on Wheels is a royal culinary journey that promises to indulge your taste buds. The sumptuous Navratna Korma is a must-try dish, a rich and creamy vegetable curry infused with a blend of nine aromatic spices representing the nine jewels of the court. The Deccan Odyssey train journey is a showcase of the flavours of Maharashtra. The Dum Biryani, a fragrant rice dish with succulent pieces of meat or vegetables, simmered over low heat, is a delight for your senses, allowing the flavours to meld perfectly. The Golden Chariot train is your gateway to discovering the culinary treasures of Karnataka. The melt-in-your-mouth Mysore Pak, a sweet confection made from ghee, sugar, and chickpea flour, is a culinary masterpiece representing Mysore's rich heritage.

Discover Local Treasures Transit Stops and Delicious Street Food.

At various railway stations, you can experience a diverse range of street food that reflects the unique culinary heritage of different regions. Each station has its specialities that are worth exploring. If you are in Mumbai, try the legendary Vada Pav, a spicy potato patty in a fluffy bun with tangy chutneys. In Kolkata, indulge in the famous Kathi Rolls, flavourful wraps made with succulent meats or vegetables cooked with aromatic spices and rolled in a flaky paratha. A trip to Delhi's railway stations would only be complete with savouring Aloo Tikki, a popular street food snack made with crispy potato patties spiced with a blend of herbs and spices. In Chennai, relish the iconic Medu Vada, deep-fried lentil fritters with a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, served with coconut chutney and sambar.

Cover Photo Credit Depositphotos

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