The Rise of Train Food Delivery in India: What Passengers Need to Know


Train journeys in India have always been full of stories — new destinations, long conversations, and, of course, the question: "What will we eat on the train?"Today, the way we order and enjoy food on train has completely changed. From pantry cars serving basic meals to ordering restaurant-style food online, train travel is now more delicious than ever!
In this article, we’ll explore how train food delivery started, how it evolved with technology, and what options passengers have today, including the role of services like RailRestro.
A Quick Look Back: The History of Food on Trains:
We are aware that Indian Railways began its journey in 1853, but then thinking of ordering delicious food on train wasn't a part of the travel plan. Passengers had to carry their own meals or buy snacks at stations. In the year 1900, pantry cars were introduced to long-distance trains. These trains offered simple meals like rice, dal, and vegetables. Though this was a big step for Indian Railway, the food often lacked variety and freshness.
Moving on to the current day, now you can order vegetarian food in train, Jain food in train, cakes, thalis, non-veg biryani, and whatnot!. And now one cannot rely on just pantry food anymore—thanks to e-catering services and apps like RailRestro , passengers can now enjoy hot, hygienic, and restaurant-quality meals on wheels right at their seats!
The Big Shift: How E-Catering Changed Train Food
The emergence of the IRCTC catering app and private e-catering partners like RailRestro had led to the rise of food delivery in India. You can easily browse menus, place a Railway food order online, and enjoy your favorite food without any hassle.This app magically works to spot your train checking the live train running status,check PNR,train schedule and seat.
The Story Behind the Railrestro: Savoring the Journey of Every Passenger:
Have you ever wondered how your delicious food on train started arriving so easily at your seat?
Back in 2015, a man named Manish Chandra was traveling by train — and like many of us, he wasn’t very thrilled with the bland, cold pantry food. He thought, "Why can't we order yummy restaurant food while traveling?"
That one hungry thought led to the birth of RailRestro. Manish Chandra founded India’s first dedicated train food delivery app! This wasn’t easy for him. Manish and his wife, Suman Priya, both struggled in the early days. Late nights and endless phone calls with restaurants, tying up with stations, managing delivery boys. Phew! It was all hustle and heart.
But they didn’t give up and today, RailRestro proudly delivers tasty, hygienic meals across 450+ stations and 6000+ trains.
Imagine , just an idea to a full-speed food express.The RailRestro's journey is as inspiring as your own travel stories!
Why Passengers Love Food Delivery on Trains:
Here’s why food delivery on train is winning millions heart:
1. Fresh and Hygienic Meals
Say goodbye to stale pantry food! Meals are freshly prepared and packed under strict hygiene standards.
2. Wide Variety of Choices
Want a rich punjabi thalil? Or a full south indian thali? Or maybe you’re craving for Chinese, pizza, or a special litti chokha? It’s all just a click away.Try it now!
3. Quick and Reliable Delivery
RailRestro ensures delivery at your station within 30 minutes before your train arrives. We thank their smart technology and dedicated delivery team.
4. Easy Ordering Process
You can use the RailRestro app, website, or even call customer support to place your order. You can aslo mail us at care@railrestro.com. For any feedback.
5. 24/7 Customer Support
Stuck somewhere or have a query? RailRestro's team is available round the clock to assist passengers.
Best Food Delivery App for your journey :E-Catering, Zomato, or Swiggy?"
While apps like Zomato and Swiggy are fantastic for city deliveries, but when it comes to train journeys, specialized apps like RailRestro have the advantage. RailRestro focuses only on food delivery on train and understands the train timings, station stops, and the unique needs of travelers much better.
Both have their strengths, but if you’re looking for quick and reliable Railway food order, RailRestro is made for passengers.
How to Order Food on Train with RailRestro
Download the RailRestro App or visit the website.
Enter your PNR number or train details.
You can Choose from a wide range of restaurants and food options.
Now place your order and relax—your food will be delivered to your seat!
You can also order via call on 8102202203 to place your order easily!
Must-Try Dishes on Train Passengers Need to Know While Ordering Food on Train:
Here are a your favorite dishes you should try:
Veg Thali: A complete “home like food” with rice, chapati, dal, vegetables, and sweets.
Jain Special Meals: Good news for Jain passengers on train! No onion, no garlic dishes for pure and sattvic travelers.
Biryani: From chicken to paneer biryani, a must-have on any train journey.
Refreshing Beverages: Wanna quench your thirst with a cold coffee or fresh juice while enjoying the view? We have it all for you to order,now it’s just one tap away. Many stations like Delhi, Bhopal, and Surat have specialized beverage partners, ensuring quick delivery of fresh, hygienic drinks on your train.
If passengers want to add sweetness to their journey,enjoy black forest, butterscotch, and chocolate on train.Your favorite flavors are just a few clicks away, delivered fresh at the station of your choice.
Train travelling is no longer just about the destination, they're about the experience. Thanks to RailRestro, because the food on train is now tasty, healthy, and easy to order. Whether you’re a solo traveler or a family traveling together, enjoy fresh group food, wide menu options, and quick delivery without any stress.
FAQs
Q1. Can I order food on the train without a PNR number?
Ans.Yes! You can place your food order with just train and seat details.Railrestro is the one stop solution for all your travel,This train app also works wonder in tracking your live train status,train schedule and availability of seat.
Q2.. How can we customize a jain food thali?
Ans. RailRestro offers a special Jain Food on Trains menu at many major stations.You can order jain thali, jain khichdi ,jain poha ,sabudana kheer on train without any concern.
Q3. Is Railrestro food quality better than pantry food?
Ans. Yes! E-catering meals are prepared by selected restaurants maintaining hygiene, taste and freshness standards, offering a better experience compared to pantry food and station food.
So Next time you board a train, let your taste buds travel too!
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Written by

RailRestro
RailRestro
RailRestro is an authorized IRCTC e-catering partner that delivers delicious food on train right at the train seat sourced only from the trusted FSSAI-approved restaurants across India with Zero-Contact Delivery. RailRestro has made it super easy and convenient to get hygienic meals in train: • Just Enter Your 10 Digit PNR or Train Number. • Choose from The List of Restaurants. • Customize your food order as per menu items available for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks & Refreshments! • Pay via secure online payment modes or opt for Cash on Delivery(COD). • Get Food Delivered at Your Berth. High-Quality & Hygienically Prepared Food Cuisines delivered at your seats with Zero-Contact Delivery! • North Indian Dishes • South Indian Cuisine • Chinese • Fast Food (Burgers, French fries, veg and non-veg pizza variety at any station) • Veg Thali (Mini, Deluxe, Standard and Maharaja) • Non –Veg Deluxe Thali • Pure Veg Jain Food • Cakes • Sweets • Beverages & More RailRestro Free Mobile Application: Our mobile application can be downloaded for free from Google Play Store. It works even in the offline mode, so you don't need even internet services while travelling. So, if you are planning to travel either long or short journey, no need to worry because RailRestro will serve you with good quality food in train. Just enjoy the ride while you order food in train with RailRestro. Place food order online on train either through our official website: railrestro.com, Download App: bit.ly/railrestroapplinks, or Call : 8102202203"