Top Regional Dishes to Try When Ordering Food on Trains Across India

Let's face it -trains in India aren't just about moving from one city to the next. They're an adventure. The tea at each station, the sounds of the wheels whirring on the tracks, and the chatting of passengers all contribute to the attraction. But do you know what makes an Indian train trip unforgettable? Food.

If you've attempted to eat a meal from a pantry on trains, you have experienced the same feeling: dull taste of oily curries, as well as an unreliable freshness. However, here's the good news that you don't need to be a victim for long. With the option to order food on train online, you can sample India's various regional tastes from the comfort of your seat.

Imagine the food trails that run across India without getting out of your train! Let's take a virtual journey across the nation with this blog, one delicious local dish at a time.

North India: Rich Flavours and Royal Feasts

If your train route runs to Delhi, Punjab, or Uttar Pradesh, you're in for an experience. North Indian food is all about intense flavours, rich gravies, and ample portions that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Imagine this: you're riding the Rajdhani Express from Delhi to Mumbai and lunch is served -- an enticing paneer-butter masala with buttery Naan as well as jeera rice. The smell alone is enough to make your whole coach jealous. You can also prefer something less complicated, such as Chole bhature or Rajma Chawal, warm, cosy, and ideal for long-distance rides.

If you're visiting Punjab, make sure to sample the legendary Amritsari Dal Makhani or kulcha. These dishes are a classic of North Indian comfort food -and are incredibly rich, soulful, and full of flavor.

West India: Spices, Street Food, and Sunshine on a Plate

Looking to go to the west? States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan provide a diverse culinary scene as vibrant as their cultures.

In Gujarat, the train journey is brighter when you eat a thali bursting with flavors, sweet dal, thepla, dhokla, and sabzi, which balances sweet and spice beautifully. When you order a Gujarati thali on Homebytes, it's like having an incredibly warm and home-cooked meal prepared by the kitchen of someone in Ahmedabad.

Maharashtra offers street-food fusion to your travels. From misal pav to vada Pav and more, the tastes are sour and delicious. It is possible to make a poha in the Maharashtrian style for breakfast. It's delicate, sweet, and with just enough filling.

Then there's Rajasthan - an area of Ghee, red chillies, as well as royal recipes. If your train passes through Jaipur or Jodhpur, for instance, the dal bhati curry is a must-try. It's more than just a meal, but a traditional dish that can be found inside a food box.

South India: Simple, Comforting, and Full of Flavor

If you've traveled to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, you know how delicious South Indian cuisine can be.

The most appealing aspect? It is easy to take food orders on trains from local restaurants that serve traditional South Indian dishes. Imagine a deliciously filled meal of soft idlis, crisp dosas, coconut chutney, and tangy sambar, all warm and delicious.

You're traveling through Kerala? You can try traditional Kerala food on a banana leaf or a spicy Malabar biryani. If you travel through Andhra, be prepared for a fiery curry of the Andhra style that will awaken your taste senses.

South Indian meals are not only about spice; the focus is on balance, freshness, and simplicity. Every bite is satisfying, particularly on an extended train journey.

East India: Wholesome, Sweet, and Comforting

Eastern India often gets less focus in discussions about food. However, I can assure you that this is a hidden treasure.

From Bengal's luchi-aloo dum, a comforting dish, to Odisha's pakhala Bhata and Bihar's litti Chokha, and more, the food is rooted in tradition. Don't even consider finishing the meal without dessert. Mishti doi and rosogolla from Bengal are must-haves when your train travels through Kolkata.

One of the benefits of ordering food while traveling is that you are able to take advantage of these delicious regional dishes fresh, without worrying about lugging them home or shopping for random things at stations.

Central India: Heartland of Flavors

Are you passing through Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh? You're entering the heartland of India, in terms of geography and food.

In this region, the food is rustic and delicious, with plenty of regional flavors. Have a poha-jalebi breakfast (a traditional Indore mix) as well as dal bafla, an Indian cousin to the Rajasthani dal baati. These are hearty meals that are ideal for long-distance trips.

The Comfort of Home, Delivered to Your Seat

In the past, train journeys meant sacrificing the quality of food. However, now you can travel to any place in India and still dine like you're in your home. Our platform allows you to order food on trains from reputable, FSSAI-approved eateries.

The most appealing aspect? The food is freshly cooked in a clean and tidy environment, then delivered to your dining room. If you're looking for something traditional or contemporary, mild or spicy vegetables, or Jain, there's something for you at the table.

It's comfort food with a touch of sophistication.

Food That Travels With You

There's a thought worth pondering. Every region you visit during your travels tells a story by the way it eats. If you're able to experience the flavors of all these regions without ever getting out of the coach, the experience becomes more than just a trip.

If you're thinking of booking train tickets, think about your meals, too. Consider it an experience of a miniature culinary journey across India -from north to south, from east to west, and all from that window.

Final Bite

In a country with as many different cultures as India, food and culture connect us across. Why settle for boring meal options when you can indulge in the diversity of regional cuisines in the comfort of your own home?

With Homebytes, you can take a trip to the top Indian cuisines in every part of India without cutting corners on cleanliness, taste, or quality. No matter if you're looking for a hot biryani or an Indian Jain Thali, or basic home-cooked food, all you need to do is tap, choose, and sit back.

Are you ready to ensure that your next travel experience is enjoyable? 

Visit our website to order food and beverages on trains, and discover India's delicious flavours, one station at a time.