Indian Railways may not serve the most luxurious meals, but it certainly makes up for it with the variety of food it offers. For many Indians, railway food is an essential part of the train travel experience.
From the basic taste of chai to the crispiness of cutlet, railway food has become an integral part of every train journey. Serving the meal on foil plates, steel trays or passing through compartments, these meals have made unforgettable memories for generations of passengers.
Veg Cutlet With Bread And Butter
Few breakfasts evoke the spirit of Indian train travel as much as the vegetable cutlet. Golden brown and crispy on the outside, soft and spiced on the inside, it’s accompanied by two slices of white bread, a block of Amul butter and a sachet of ketchup. Comforting and uncomplicated, it’s the breakfast that has welcomed hundreds of travellers as the countryside rolls by.
Omelette And Toast
The omelette and toast are a railway staple. Freshly cooked on a hot pan and frequently seasoned with onions or chillies, it’s buttered between slices of bread and served hot. Simple to consume and easy to balance on the tray table, it’s the ideal way to begin a day on the rails.
Chai
No trip ever seems complete without a piping cup of railway chai. Initially served in earthy terracotta kulhads that imparted a subtle aroma of clay, it’s now largely served in paper cups from huge steel kettles. Sweet, creamy and fragrant, railway chai generates conversations and provides warmth along long voyages.
The Standard Veg Thali
The IRCTC veg thali is still a reliable friend at lunch or dinner time. With dal, vegetable curries, rice, chapati, pickle and curd served in steel trays, it is a taste and a treat. Although it tends to be plain, it is the perfect comfort and sustenance halfway through the journey.
Chicken Curry Meal
For non-vegetarians, the chicken curry meal is a train favourite. The well-seasoned curry is served with rice or with chapatis. Its delicate yet full-bodied gravy, redolent of onions and masala, is infused with a heat that differs slightly from train to train.
Rajma-Chawal
The rajma-chawal duo is still one of the comforting staples at hand. Prepared in a light, wholesome tomato-onion gravy, it’s just the thing for travellers pining for homestyle food. Every bite is comforting, delivering a small dollop of home amidst the bustle of the rails.
Chole Kulche
Chole kulche are a favourite among crowds. Soft kulchas served with spicy chickpeas and topped with onions and lime are a tasty and filling dish. Handy to carry around and full of flavour, it’s great for short-distance travellers looking for something both filling and refreshing.
