New Delhi: If the view outside the train window tells you where you are, the food on your tray will soon tell you the same story. Indian Railways has begun serving regional cuisine on Vande Bharat Express trains, turning high-speed journeys into a flavour-filled experience rooted in local culture and comfort.
Instead of a standard, one-size-fits-all menu, passengers are now being offered dishes inspired by the regions their trains pass through. From a comforting plate of poha in central India and masala thepla in Gujarat to kosha paneer in Bengal and appam with kadala curry in Kerala, the idea is simple — let travellers taste the land they are travelling across.
The initiative, rolled out through IRCTC, is aimed at making train travel more relatable and memorable for everyday passengers. For many, food is the strongest emotional connect with home, and long journeys often mean missing familiar flavours. By bringing local cuisines onboard, the Railways hopes to bridge that gap and add a cultural layer to the travel experience.
Different Vande Bharat routes will feature menus curated to reflect regional preferences. On eastern routes, passengers may find traditional Odia or Bengali preparations, while trains in the north are offering Dogri and Kashmiri dishes such as ambal kaddu, tomato chaman and kesar phirni. In Bihar, Champaran-style preparations have found a place on the menu, while southern routes showcase classic Kerala fare, including payasam.
Officials say the focus is on authenticity, freshness and variety, while ensuring that meals remain suitable for travel. The move also supports local food traditions and showcases India’s culinary diversity to tourists and first-time travellers alike.
While the initiative has started with Vande Bharat trains, there are indications that similar regional menus could be introduced on other premium trains in phases. If that happens, a train journey across India may soon feel less like a commute and more like a moving food trail.
For the common passenger, it’s a small change with a big impact — a reminder that even at 160 kmph, there’s room for familiarity, nostalgia and the taste of home.
BI Bureau
