5 popular food items in train journeys before train food delivery began

5 popular food items in train journeys
before train food delivery began

Train journeys have always had a way of bringing back memories for us Indians. Even memories of
things as insignificant as merely waiting for a train on the platform or fighting with siblings for the
window seat.
And of course, memories of taking out carefully packed disposable plates and spoons to have food on
these train journeys
Even eating the same home-cooked meals in trains seemed somewhat magical!
And over the years, those memories do stand out and are somewhat nostalgic – so much so that some
food still remind us of train journeys. Maybe it is the unique experience of eating food on a train that
makes it special.
Even regular food seemed exciting, tasty, and a bit mouth-watering. Probably none of us will be able to
say what was so exciting about the whole eating food on a train about, but it definitely did make the
journey a celebration.
Talking of food, there were a few favorites that every Indian household preferred to carry; something
that was easy to make, light enough to pack, and exciting enough to look forward to.

Let’s dive straight in to it and look at some popular dishes that we used to cherish on a train journey,
long before online food ordering in trains was even a thing.

1. Idli & chutney

Idlis were a kind of the go-to food on trains, especially for those of us who came from the southern
parts of India. Maybe it was one of those things which the whole family would relish; not to mention
the options of coconut chutney, sambhar, or dry chutney that this steamed rice cake could be teamed
up with. It was definitely a must-have food on trains for some families.

Even today, with cloud kitchen and food delivery in trains, idlis remain a staple food that enjoys the
same attention as it has garnered in our yesteryears.

2. Lemon rice

Talk about healthy, homemade comfort food, and lemon rice tops the list every time. Sautéed onions,
curry leaves, fresh ginger, green chillies, and finally a splash of tangy lemon – this is what made the
boring rice pop with flavour. And lemon rice was one of the easiest and quickest dishes to make with
leftover rice.

That is why it was one of the most savoured dishes on a train journey. People of all age groups love
lemon rice as it can be customised keeping the base ingredients the same. If you love a bit of crunch,
then throw in a handful of peanuts, cashew nuts, or even urad daal. There is never a need for a curry
with this rice. This flavourful recipe is a classic in itself and can be accompanied with papad or pickles of
your choice. This was what made lemon rice a sought-after food on train.

3. Aalu puri

Who doesn’t like the spicy mushy potato soaked in gravy with steaming hot soft puris? We could eat a
ton of those any time of the day. And the thought of having Aalu Puri on train journeys made the recipe
all the more special.

Now you understand why this food made our list as one of the most liked dishes on a train journey. I
am certain you might have your own story of how aalu puri made your day on a tiring train journey. The
story need not be from our childhood; it could be as recent as yesterday, but it will stir age-old
memories.

Aalu puri is without a doubt one of the best comfort food on train that we have had or will ever have.

4. Biryani

Talk about eating a royal lunch or dinner on a train journey and biryanis and pulaos is the apt food to fill
the roster. This dish can be easily customized to the likes of both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Talk
about weaving magic with rice and the world will echo biryani as the undisputed winner. Want to make
it vegetarian – and you just need to throw in Paneer.

5. Paratha and Curd

Lastly, Paratha is one staple food which is prepared in almost all households in some form or another.
Parathas can be mad with different kinds of stuffing like vegetables like cabbage, potato, onions,
paneer, and methi – to name a few. Eating parathas with curd, pickles, or even curry, as food on
train seemed exciting while travelling.

To say the least…

Food has a sentimental value in our travel. It’s more of an emotional experience.

And that is why today most of the canteens and food delivery on trains like Zoop have the above dishes
as the primary items in their menu. Hope you enjoyed our list of most coveted foods on a train journey.
Do let us know what you like to eat on your train journeys.