Food and train journey - a comforting combination of taste, memories, and emotion that makes every journey special. Railway food is more than just a meal - it is one of the most important parts of the travel experience itself. The sound of sellers calling out 'chai, chai!' or the view of steaming, crispy cutlets served with bread instantly brings back memories of family trips and strengthens the bond if you are travelling with a group of friends. From buttery bread omelettes to crisp vada pavs, every snack has a story of regional taste and flavour.
These railway classics are simple yet full of flavours, bringing the warmth of home in every bite. Whether you are travelling or simply recalling your last long ride, these iconic railway foods are a must-try for every Indian traveller.
Cutlet With Buttered Bread
The classic railway cutlet, a golden-brown patty prepared by mixing mashed potatoes and other vegetables such as capsicum, carrot, peas, etc, is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Served by putting them between slices of buttered bread or with ketchup, it is a true nostalgia food, perfect for train journeys. A little spicy, crumbly, and fully satisfying, the cutlet with bread holds the warmth of train journey charm, where every bite is a reminder of old-school travel days.
Omelette With Bread Toast
Few train breakfasts taste as satisfying in the train as the freshly prepared omelette with bread toast is one of them. A station-side omelette, which is fluffy, loaded with onions, chillies, and coriander, paired with crisp buttered toast, makes for a wholesome breakfast on train journeys. The sizzling sound of eggs on a tawa and the aroma of melting butter form an instant sense of a home-made dish. Every bite delivers warmth and comfort that feels like an indulgence on the train journey.
Poha-Jalebi
An absolute favourite breakfast combo loved by many, poha-jalebi holds the essence of sweet and savoury notes loved by many during a train journey. Poha, which is fluffy and filled with peanuts, is light, spicy, whereas the jalebi is crispy and filled with sugar syrup, which beautifully complements the contrasting flavours. When enjoyed together, it creates a perfect bite which is comforting. The dish feels like a celebration, often enjoyed with a cup of chai on its side. Poha and jalebi are a cheerful breakfast that shows the warmth of a train journey.
Kulhad Chai
No train journey in India can be completed without sipping on hot chai from a kulhad (an earthen pot). The earthy aroma of this clay cup combines with the aroma of cardamom and ginger, which makes every sip a sensorial delight. Slightly strong and full of aroma, chai is every traveller’s ultimate comfort drink. Served steaming hot at almost every station in India, this represents the spirit of Indian train travel—simple and heartwarming. The warmth of the tea and the rural touch of the kulhad together make the train journey enjoyable.
Vada Pav
Commonly known as a symbol of Mumbai’s rush life, the vada pav is a quick, spicy, and deeply satisfying snack to grab during train journeys. The crisp vada prepared with mashed potato stuffed in a soft pav with chutneys delivers warmth, tang, and crunch in every bite. Sold fresh on station platforms, vada pav is not just food; it is an emotion that fills numerous journeys with its taste and aroma. Affordable, quick to grab, and full of taste, the vada pav holds the pulse of train travel- fast, vibrant, and full of personality.