With the new service, travelers will be offered meals that reflect the culinary traditions of the regions served by each Vande Bharat route. Railway officials noted that the goal is to make journeys more culturally enriching by providing flavors that resonate with local identities, while also ensuring consistent quality and hygiene standards throughout the network.
Passengers on the Nagpur–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express can now indulge in Maharashtra’s beloved Kanda Poha, alongside South Indian offerings like Dondakaya Karam Podi Fry and Andhra Pradesh’s classic Andhra Kodi Kura. Gujarati specialties have also been introduced, with Methi Thepla served on the Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital service and Masala Lauki on the Sabarmati–Veraval route. For those traveling to Odisha, Aloo Phulkopi is on the menu of the Howrah–Puri Vande Bharat Express.
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Southern India’s culinary traditions are a highlight on services passing through Kerala. On the Kasargod–Trivandrum and Mangaluru–Trivandrum Vande Bharat Express trains, passengers are treated to a traditional Kerala meal featuring white rice, Pachakka Cherupayar Mezhukku Perati, Kadala curry, Kerala paratha, plain curd, and the well-loved dessert Palada payasam, accompanied by appam.
The eastern states are not left out either. West Bengal’s Kosha Paneer is available on the Rourkela–Howrah Vande Bharat Express, while the Howrah–Puri service includes Aloo Potol Bhaja. From Bihar, well-known dishes such as Champaran Paneer can be enjoyed on the Patna–Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, and Champaran Chicken is offered on the Patna–Howrah route.
Northern flavors are represented with Dogri cuisine, featuring Ambal Kaddu and Jammu Chana Masala on select services. Kashmiri specialties like Tomato Chaman and Kesar Phirni are also being served on Vande Bharat trains running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and New Delhi. Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Masala Upma is available on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus–Madgaon route, and West Bengal’s Murghir Jhol has been introduced on the New Jalpaiguri–Howrah service.
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According to Indian Railways, this initiative is part of a broader effort to elevate rail travel beyond mere speed and efficiency by integrating comfort with culture. By incorporating regional cuisines onboard, the Vande Bharat Express is being promoted as a platform that celebrates India’s diversity, making train journeys more engaging and memorable for passengers.
