Indian Train Journeys aren’t just another medium of transport. It is a food lover’s paradise. You cannot get the true experience of a place just by visiting it. You need to get hands-on experience and food is the best way to do so.
The food habits of the region reveal a deeper peek into the lives and culture of the people living there. Whether it be the spicy and crispy Sambhar Dosa combo of the South or the Butter dipped Breads and Paneer Dishes of the North washed down with a huge glass of Sweet lassi. Each food item has a story to tell.
The hot and humid climate of the South makes ideal ground for fermented food items like Dosa. On the other hand, the agricultural lands of the North naturally give rise to Wheat and Milk based food items.
In this blog we are going to take a long tour through the Indian lands and find the best train food order that accompany it.
Why foodies love Indian Train Journeys
Foodies have a special in their heart for Indian Train Journeys because of:
- Huge Diversity of Cuisines: Indian Train Journeys provide a crazy range of diversity for foodies. The food items are so diverse that they change within every 100 kilometres and it is humanly impossible to try them all.
- Picturesque dining: The best thing about the food delivery in train is unarguably the view. The lush landscapes just add on to the flavorful blast that the food induces.
- Station specific delicacies: There are many stations that are famous for their food habits such as Lucknow, Indore, Chennai, etc. Visiting these famous food stops and enjoying the tasty delicacies is a dream of every foodie.
- RailRestro food delivery: The fast and timely delivery of delicious food on train via the RailRestro app and website is another reason why foodies choose Indian Train Journeys.
The Top Train Journeys in India for Food Lovers
Let’s dive into the best Train Journeys in India that every food lovers must experience:
Mumbai to Goa
Mumbai to Goa is one of the most popular and scenic train routes in India. This journey offers a unique palette consisting of Maratha, Portuguese and Konakan tribal delicacies.
Number of Daily Trains: 15-21
Duration: 9-12 hours
Major Stops: Mumbai, Panvel, Ratnagiri and Madgaon
Major Trains: Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, Ernakulam Jn. SF Express, etc.
Beginning from Mumbai, you can start the journey with Misal Pav, Bombay Duck Fry, Batata Vada or Bombil Fry. Mumbai’s food platter is a confluence of Maharashtrian, Portuguese, Parsi and South Indian cuisines. The richness and distinctiveness of Mumbai foods can be attributed to this diversity.
Panvel is often termed as the Gateway to Konkan coast. Here you can enjoy the iconic Vada Pav with dry Garlic chutney and Kolhapuri Misal Pav.
At Ratnagiri you can relish Kombdi Vade, a unique dish consisting of Chicken Curry and Fried Rice Breads. Interestingly Ratnagiri is also famous for its Alphonso mangoes worldwide.
Madgaon is the second largest Goan city. Do not forget to enjoy the Prawn Balchao (pickle) and the unique Goan Sausages called Choris Pav.
Stretching across the Western Ghats, you would encounter numerous tunnels and bridges along the route. In fact at a length of 6.5 km, the Karbude Tunnel of Konkan Railways was the longest Railway Tunnel until the Pir Panjal Tunnel was built. Getting an occasional glimpse of the Arabian Sea along the route is also not rare.
Vijayawada to Chennai
One of the most popular routes of Southern India connects the River Plains of Andhra Pradesh to the coastal lands of Tamil Nadu. This journey is a delight for foodies who are interested in the South Indian delicacies.
Number of Daily Trains: 24-28
Duration: 6-8 hours
Major Stops: Vijayawada, Tenali, Ongole and Chennai
Major Trains: MGR Chennai Central Vande Bharat Express, MGR Chennai Central Duronto Express, Sanghamitra SF Express, etc
Vijaywada is one of India’s and even the World’s fastest growing cities. Here you can enjoy the spicy Chicken Curry, Sambhar, Dal Fry and Ulavacharu (a Horse Gram soup).
After Vijaywada you get to see Tenali, the land of the legendary Tenali Raman. You should try Podi Idli, Crispy Dosa with the cooling Coconut Chutney.
Ongole is famous for its Ongole breed of cattle. Trying spicy Rasam with Rice, Papadam and the Ongole Curd is the way people roll here.
Our final stop on this route will arrive at Chennai. The capital of South Indian culture and cuisine has so much to offer that covering it would be a Herculean task. However, you can definitely look for the authentic South Indian Thali, Masala Dosa and Sambhar flushed down with a strong cup of Filter Coffee.
Indore to Nagpur
After visiting the foamy shores and spicy dishes of Southern India, it is time to venture North towards India’s central region. The tangy Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh to the fiery Deccan dishes of Maharashtra awaits your arrival.
Number of Daily Trains: 1-3
Duration: 10–12 hours
Major Stops: Indore, Khandwa, Itarsi, and Nagpur
Major Trains: Nagpur Vande Bharat Express, Puri Humsafar Express, etc.
Indore is not only the cleanest city of the country, but is also the food capital of the Madhya Pradesh state. You can try the renowned Poha-Jalebi added with the hallmark Indore Namkeen, Dahi Bade, Kachori and Sev. You can also enjoy Indore’s original dishes such as Bhutte ka kees and Garadu.
Khandwa is in close proximity to the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and also happens to be the birthplace of famous singer Kishore Kumar. Here you can try a number of different thalis such as Veg Deluxe Thali and Veg Executive Thali. The place has some Gujarati influence and food items like Daal Bati, Sabudana Khichdi and Khandvi are cherished.
Itarsi is a logistical central point of the country as trains to all the four most important cities, i.e., Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata pass through this key station. Papad Ki Sabzi and Sabudana Khichdi are some of the unique food items you can try here.
Nagpur is famous for its Oranges and the wide variety of its production. Owing to the influence, Orange Barfi is one of the most popular dishes of the city. Home to the famous Saoji Cuisine (Saoji Chicken and Mutton) you can try Nagpur’s Zunka Bhakri and Tarri Poha.
If the food doesn’t win you (which is highly unlikely) the beautiful route filled with dense forests, rivers and rich black soil farmlands are bound to leave you spellbound.
New Delhi to Varanasi
Now that we have explored the coastal plains and plateaus of the Deccan, it is time to venture into the spiritual lands of Ganga and Yamuna.
Number of Daily Trains: 11-16
Duration: 8–20 hours
Major Stops: New Delhi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi
Major Trains: Varanasi Vande Bharat Express, Shiv Ganga Express, etc.
Starting from the Capital City of Delhi, foodies can begin their food journey with the iconic Chole Bhature, Aloo Paratha and Curd, Tandoori Roti, Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken and Chicken Kadai. If you think that’s too much, you don’t know Delhi’s food habits.
Kanpur might be the most underrated food stop in the country. The historic city has a lot of interesting flavors and tastes to offer with Badnaam Kulfi, Thaggu ke Laddoo, Bun Tikki, Kachori and Samosa.
The host of the great Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) has plenty of options for the tummy as well. You can look for the famous Allahabadi Tehri, Churma, Tamatar Chaat, and Allahabadi Gujiya.
Varanasi is truly the Spiritual as well as the Food Capital of India. At the home of Lord Shiva you can enjoy the piping hot Kachoris from the Kashi Chat Bhandar, the world famous Malaiyo and Baati Chokha. Try to end the food trip with the legendary Banarasi Paan.
It is difficult for any train food journey to beat this route!
Mumbai to Ahmedabad
Now our train journey check has moved to the Eastern part of the country. The train route is one of the earliest, being in operation since the 1870s. The earliest trains used to carry Gujarati pickles and Maharashtrian Dried Fish.
Number of Daily Trains: 25-33
Duration: 5-16 hours
Major Stops: Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad
Major Trains: Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express, Ahmedabad Duronto Express, etc.
It is a dream journey for a foodie if it begins from Mumbai. Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Cutting Tea, Irani tea and Bhel Puri are some of the must order food items of the city. Do not forget the Bun Maska and unique Dried fish snacks.
Surat is famous for its Diamonds. However, the food items of the city are no less than culinary gems. You can try Ghari, Locho, Undhiyu and Khaman Dhokla.
Vadodara which is often called Baroda and can be attributed as the cultural capital of Gujarat. The food here blends the Gujarati and the royal Gaekwad taste palettes. Famous food items include spicy Usal curry served with crunchy Sev, Bhakharwadi and Pedas. Guavas grow abundantly here which is shown in its tasty Guava Jelly.
Ahmedabad marks the end of the sour and spicy food trip. At Ahmedabad try the signature Gujarat dishes such as Fafda and Jalebi, Dhokla, Handvo, and Thepla. Travelers often order Veg Standard Thali, Gujarati Thali, Butter Chapati and Jeera Rice.
You can also eat delicious food on the train using the RailRestro food in train app.
Patna to Lucknow
After exploring the West, our curiosity has brought us to the historic eastern cities of Patna and Lucknow. This route is a delight for you if you are interested in heritage, culture and fiery North Indian flavours.
Number of Daily Trains: 9-12
Duration: 8-14 hours
Major Stops: Patna, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar, Ayodhya, and Lucknow
Major Trains: Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat Express, Shramjeevi SF Express,. etc
Start your journey from Patna, with a hearty bowl of Litti and Chokha if you like baked products or Sattu ka Paratha if you are interested in fried food items. You can also enjoy Dal Pitha, Makhana Kheer, Sattu Kachori and Chana Ghughni. Don’t forget to relish some Thekua and Khaja as tasty desserts.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar is one of the busiest stations in the country. Here you can order Veg Thali, Paneer Chilli Noodle Combo and a glass of Rabri or Thandai to slide it down.
Ayodhya, the city of Lord Rama invites devotees and food lovers alike. You should try Matar Paneer & Tawa Roti, Chaat, Kachori Samosa and Vegetarian Thali.
The journey ends at the Capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. The land of Nawabs presents the best of Awadhi Cuisines. You can try Biryani, Galouti Kebabs, Nihari and Kulcha. Gujiya and Boondi Laddoo serve as the perfect ending to this royal train journey.
Howrah to New Jalpaiguri
Our journey continues east and reaches the historical, cultural and architectural heartlands of Bengal. The train journey from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri moves us through the Urban centres, gorgeous tea gardens and occasional glimpses of the Himalayas.
Number of Daily Trains: 11-13
Duration: 9-12 hours
Major Stops: Howrah, Bardhaman, Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri
Major Trains: New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express, etc.
Our journey begins at the gateway of Kolkata, Howrah. You can kick off the journey with some delicious Kathi Rolls, Luchi–Alur Dom, Ghughni and Jhal Muri or Fish Curries.
Next we reach Bardhaman, a city which has earned GI Tags for two Bengali Sweets: Mihidana and Sitabhog. Bardhaman is also known for its high rice production and is often termed as the “Rice Bowl of Bengal”.
Ater Bardhaman we arrive at Malda Town, the mango hub of Bengal. If you are travelling in summer, you just cannot miss the Langra and Fazli mangoes or mango based sweets such as Aam Satta. You can also try Bengali Thali, Veg Thali, Macher Jhol and Panta Bhat.
Our final stop New Jalpaiguri acts as the Rail gateway to the North Eastern regions such as Sikkim, Bhutan and Darjeeling. Here you can enjoy an interesting blend of Bengali, Tibetan Bhutanese and Nepali cuisines. You can try Momos, Thukpa, Churpee (fermented Yak Cheese) and Mishti Doi.
This lush train journey is a beautiful transition from the green Gangetic plains to the mountainous Himalayan hilltops.
Delhi to Katra
For our final train journey we chose one of the most sought after Pilgrim travel routes of the country. Pilgrims headed for the Vaishno Devi Temple witnessed a transition of thoughts as well as landscape from the city life of Delhi to the mountains of Katra.
Number of Daily Trains: 15-17
Duration: 8-14 hours
Major Stops: Delhi, Ludhiana, Jammu Tawi, Katra
Major Trains: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express, Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express, etc.
Your journey starts from Delhi, the melting pot of tastes and delicacies. You can try Rajma and Rice, Chole Bhature, Parathas and Aloo Tikkis.
Next we reach Ludhiana, the industrial centre of Punjab, well known for its Dhabas. You must try the butter soaked Parathas, creamy Paneer dishes and the thickest glass of Lassi you would ever come across.
Jammu Tawi, the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir is the last station before the base of the mighty Himalayas. You can try the Dogra cuisine here which includes Rajma Chawal, Kalaadi (traditional cheese), Patisa and Sund Panjeeri.
Our final stop arrives at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. This is the beginning of your long trek to the Devi Temple. Here you should try Sattvic food items such as Puri Sabzi and Kheer free of any Garlic or Onions. You can also try fruit salads or the Kahwa Tea which is quite popular in the region.
Train Journey Tips for Food lovers
Here are some final tips to enhance for food lovers to enhance the overall experience of their journey:
- Select the route with adequate food stops.
- Order from hygienic and healthy food providers. Look for FSSAI certification.
- Know the specialities served on your station or location.
- Avoid train and pantry food items as much as you can.
- Order from reliable train food delivery app such as RailRestro.
- Check Train Timings using a Live Train Running Status feature to avoid last minute problems due to route or platform changes.
Conclusion
So this was our curated list of the best train journeys that food lovers can enjoy with the Indian Railways. India’s vibrant diversity is a dream for any food lover that likes to explore.
The fiery dishes of the South to the dairy infused breads of the North. From the sweet delights of the North to the crunchy snacks of the East. You can’t just ever get bored with the Indian platter.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and spoons and venture out for your next train journey.
FAQs by Foodies on Train Journey
Q. How can I order food on train journeys?
Ans: You can easily order food on train journeys from the fast, efficient and reliable RailRestro platform. You just have to enter your PNR Number. You can alternatively enter your Train Name/Number, Boarding Date and Station as well. Choose the Station of delivery and select the favorite food items from the available restaurants. Select a Payment method and complete the order.
Q. How do I find station-specific delicacies?
Ans: You can find ample information about the delicacies served at the station through the internet. Alternatively, you select the station for delivery and the list of restaurants serving there would be displayed. You can pick your favorite dish from the restaurants and enjoy food on the train onboard.