For millions of Indians, a train journey is an experience woven with diverse sights, sounds, and, most importantly, tastes. Beyond the scenic landscapes and bustling stations lies a unique culinary tradition served right at your seat. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) curates a set menu across routes, offering a taste of home and local flavors. Here is a look at 16 iconic and beloved dishes that have become an integral part of the Indian railway travel experience.
The Hearty Breakfast & Snack Staples
Mornings on the train often begin with familiar comforts. Aloo paratha, a spiced potato-stuffed flatbread cooked on a griddle, is a perennial favorite, typically served with tangy pickle and cooling curd. Another popular choice is the simple yet satisfying omelette, made with beaten eggs, onions, salt, and pepper, accompanied by bread slices and ketchup.
For the evening, the pantry car offers a range of snacks. The veg cutlet, a cylindrical patty of mashed vegetables coated in breadcrumbs, comes with bread and steamed veggies. The universally loved samosa—a deep-fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes—and the kachori, with its lentil-based stuffing, are quintessential railway snacks, always paired with tomato ketchup. A unique offering is the cold sandwich, where trimmed white bread is layered with cream, grated cucumber, salt, and pepper.
Comforting Meals & Curries for Lunch & Dinner
When it's time for a proper meal, the railway thali delivers homely flavors. A staple in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian platters is the robust dal tadka, where lentils are tempered with cumin, onions, tomatoes, and a hint of asafoetida. The rich and creamy matar paneer curry, featuring cottage cheese and peas in a spiced gravy, is another mainstay.
Non-vegetarian travelers often opt for the classic chicken curry, with tender pieces simmered in an onion-tomato base, or the egg curry, where hard-boiled eggs are pan-fried and added to a similar flavorful gravy. Before the main course, a simple tomato soup, heavily peppered and topped with butter, is a common starter served with croutons.
Sweet Endings & Packaged Treats
No Indian meal is complete without a touch of sweetness, and the railway menu doesn't disappoint. The syrup-soaked gulab jamun, made from milk solids, is a classic dessert. Soan papdi, the flaky gram flour sweet, and panjiri laddoo, a nutritious ball made with wheat flour, ghee, and nuts, are also served as desserts or with evening snacks.
For a quick bite, there are packaged items like caramel popcorn, where salty popcorn gets a coat of dark caramel. The journey is also punctuated by the ritual of chai or coffee, usually served in ready-to-mix form with milk powder, sugar, and hot water, often alongside packaged biscuits.
This curated list of 16 dishes, updated as of January 2026, showcases how Indian Railways' pantry service provides more than just sustenance; it offers a moving feast that is an inseparable part of the nation's travel culture, turning every compartment into a dining car filled with iconic flavors.
