The most awaited season i.e winter, and Bihar present you with colourful chaos and one event that is enough to leave you spellbound. Fabled and truly inevitable Sonpur Mela, Asia’s largest cattle fair. The centuries-old performance packs in heritage, crowds, animals, folk shows, and a perfect blend of drama that definitely keeps you entertained even if you didn’t ask for it. And as the Sonpur Mela 2025 draws closer, the excitement begins much earlier than the actual fair. Honestly, the journey kicks off in the train itself, where the smell of authentic Bihari food in train. That drifts through the coaches as if reminding passengers, Welcome to Bihar, hope you came hungry.
If you’re heading to Sonpur Mela 2025, it’s basically your official license to binge on Bihar’s classic flavours not when you reach Bihar but during the train journey itself. And thanks to online train food delivery, you can skip carrying tiffins stuffed by worried family members or settling for the infamous “whatever the pantries serve” meals. Enjoy the good stuff right at your seat. You can now order fresh, regional Bihari food right on your train seat, allowing you to taste Bihar even before you step into the state.
This blog brings you the most authentic, must-try Bihari dishes to enjoy during your train journey to Sonpur flavours deeply rooted in the land’s tradition, simplicity, and warmth.
Why Bihari Food Is Perfect for Train Journeys
Bihari’s food has always a unique taste and is prepared with fresh ingredients and simple. Traditional cooking doesn’t require heavy spices specially when you are traveling by train. Dishes that are ideal for long journeys and these are easy to digest, comforting and best flavours without being greasy. Order food in trainis useful to order and relish the food as per your taste.
Here’s why Bihari cuisine becomes even more special on trains:
1. Naturally Travel-Friendly Dishes
It is difficult to identify which Bihari foods are perfect for traveling. There are many that were designed to stay fresh for hours such as Litti chokha, Nimkis and sattu in various forms. If you are looking for something satisfying these are the perfect dishes you can have during your trip.
2. Balanced Flavours, No Over-Spice
Bihari food has a unique balance: mild enough to be gentle on the stomach yet delicious enough to keep you craving more.
3. Local Ingredients, Authentic Taste
If it is mustard, fresh sattu and roasted brinjal, jaggery and ghee every ingredient has a different use and story. To experience the regional connection these items add a beautiful pinch of salt that amplifies the journey.
4. Easy to Order Online
With a Food in train app like RailRestro you can simply order and relish the regional food from stations like Patna Junction, Sonpur Junction, Hajipur Junction, Muzaffarpur Junction, Ara Junction or Buxar Junction and ensure to deliver fresh and authentic food in train.
Must-Try Bihari Foods on Train When Visiting Sonpur Mela 2025
Timeless flavours that represent the curated dishes of Bihar. To enjoy the taste of authentic flavour that leads your journey enjoyable and connects you with the local food culture. Enjoy the best meals on wheels by the RailRestro app.
1. Litti Chokha – The Pride of Bihar
One of the iconic dish and pride of Bihar, no other dish can beat the taste, flavour and likeness of Litti Chokha. The wheat balls are filled with the roasted sattu and slow cooked over charcoal. Simply paired with chokha made up with tomato, potato, Brinjal and the smoky aroma uplift the taste and addition of ghee with Litti that blends perfectly.
Why it’s great for train journeys:
- Non-messy
- Stays fresh for long
- Light yet filling
- Loaded with fibre
- A soul-satisfying comfort meal
A plate of warm Litti with chokha is enough to set the tone for your Sonpur Mela trip.
2. Dal Pitha – Bihar’s Version of Dumplings
Often called Bihar’s healthy dim sum, Dal Pitha is a steamed delight stuffed with spiced lentils. Traditionally prepared during winter mornings, pitha is a wholesome, mild dish that feels comforting during travel.
Why order it?
- No oil-heavy preparation
- Steamed easy on the stomach
- Lovely winter-friendly choice
If you enjoy subtle flavours and simple food, dal pitha is a must.
3. Sattu Paratha with Curd
Sattu is a core of Bihar and not any dish can match its taste and importance. Highly nutritious paratha that is filled with sattu and cooked with minimal oil. The best wholesome-flavoured meal paired with curd or even people love to have it with chai.
Pairing it with curd, pickle, or chutney brings out a perfect balance.
Why perfect for trains:
- High energy
- Non-spicy
- Easy to digest
Fulfilling and keeping you full for long hours.
It is the most comforting and these paratha are prepared like a home style meal.
4. Chana Ghugni- A protein Rich Snack
This snack is subtle and flavorful black boiled chickpeas. This is sauteed with onions, tomato, lemon, spices and coriander. It is so flavorful and you can pair it with even paratha Litti or you can have it without pairing.
Benefits:
- High protein
- Light snack during long journeys
- Not too oily
Bite into Ghugni while the train crosses the green fields of Bihar it completes the experience.
5. The Iconic Bihari Thali
If you prefer a full meal, nothing beats a traditional Bihari Thali, which usually includes:
- Rice
- Roti or litti
- Dal
- A seasonal vegetable
- Aloo chokha
- Pickle
- Curd
- Papad
- Sweet dish (like halwa or malpua)
It’s simple, homely, and balanced in nutrients.
Why order it?
- You get everything in one plate
- Absolutely meal-like filling
- A wholesome way to experience Bihar
This is perfect if your train aligns with lunch or dinner time.
6. Malpua – The Sweet You Cannot Skip
Malpua is not restricted to waiting for any festival. During the festival, the journey is incomplete without sweets. Bihari’s most loved winter food is Malpua’s that is crispy from the edges and soaked in sugar syrup. It is so satisfying, warm and indulgent.
Why it’s a great travel treat:
- Doesn’t melt
- Not overly sugary
- Pairs well with tea
If you’re travelling with kids or family, this sweet delight will make everyone smile.
7. Khaja – A Crunchy Mithai From Old Bihar
The light and crunchy sweet that has roots from ancient times. This is layered easy to carry best for train journeys without being sticky or messy.
Why travellers love it:
- Stays fresh for days
- Great snack between meals
- Zero mess
It’s also one of the most popular sweets sold at Sonpur Mela, so tasting it early sets the mood.
8. Samosa with Ghugni – The Classic Combo
This combination is a favourite evening snack across Bihar. To relish the delightful textures and flavours pair it with spicy ghugni. You can order during Tea time
When you pass through Patna to Buxar during the evening. This is the best snack you can relish and enjoy the blend of flavours.
9. Bihari Chicken Curry with Jeera Rice
Bihari chicken is prepared with mustard oil, lots of onions, garlic, basic masalas and slowly cooked until the chicken becomes tender with the tasty aroma. Best choice for the non-vegetarian travellers and an irresistible choice. This will accurately pair with steamed or jeer rice.
Why it’s a great option:
- Tasty and aromatic meals
- Accurate, spicy and aromatic.
- Great for dinner on the train
If you want a hearty meal before reaching the crowded fair, this is the one.
10. Sattu Drink (Sattu Sharbat)
This energising drink is Bihar’s natural protein shake. Most refreshing and nutritious drink. It is your choice to have it in sweet or savoury(lemon, salt and cumin powder).
Why ideal for trains:
- Keeps you hydrated
- Natural energy booster
- No preservatives
A must-have for travellers arriving during the daytime. Live train running status plays a crucial role to know the accurate state of your train and get your meal delivered right to your seat. If there is any switching of the platform keep yourself aware.
How to Order Authentic Bihari Food on Trains During Sonpur Mela 2025
With thousands of travellers heading to Sonpur during the mela season, railway stations become busy. But ordering food on trains has become simple and convenient.
Here’s how you can enjoy fresh Bihari meals during your journey:
1. Use a Trusted Online Train Food Delivery App
Platforms like RailRestro work with FSSAI-approved restaurants across Bihar to bring authentic meals straight to your seat. Train food orderapps help to get your meal as per your choice.
2. Enter Your PNR
This ensures food is delivered to the correct coach and berth without confusion.
3. Choose a Nearby Station
Pick stations like Patna, Buxar, Ara, Hajipur, or Muzaffarpur for the best Bihari food options.
4. Select Dishes & Pay Online or Cash on Delivery
You can pay as you like easily, safely, and quickly.
5. Food Arrives Hot & Fresh
The delivery executive hands over your meal right at your berth.
This system ensures quality, hygiene, and authentic flavours.
Tips to Enhance Your Train Food Experience During Sonpur Mela
To make your journey smoother, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Place an order at least 20-30minutes before the arrival of the stations.
- Track the delivery on your phone and make sure the phone should be charged.
- Best to order light and healthy meals on train and avoid spicy and oily food.
- Bring your own refillable bottle and for hygiene.
- Dal Pitha, Litti, Ghugni are perfect for evening travel.
Plan your itinerary in advance to avoid unnecessary stress.
Conclusion
Sonpur Mela 2025 is not only considered as a festival, it brings you an experience that entwines with the culture, history, religion, colors and crowds. Before you start your journey with folk artists, crowded markets and festive vibes, remember your train journey sets the first chapter of the adventure.
And what better way to begin this journey than with authentic Bihari food delivered right to your train seat?
Various dishes like litti chokha, malpua, from sattu paratha to Ghugni each bite keep you connected with the soul of Bihar and also bring you closer to the soul of Biharis and their eating style and habits. So whenever you plan to visit Sonpur Mela 2025. Don’t compromise with minimum treat yourself with the most delicious, comforting and yummy traditional dishes.
Your journey should not just take you to sonpur it should help you taste Bihar along the way.