With the new service, travellers will be presented with meals that showcase the culinary traditions of the regions linked by specific Vande Bharat routes. Railway officials indicated that the goal is to make journeys more culturally enriching by offering flavors that resonate with local identities, while ensuring consistent quality and hygiene standards throughout the network.
Passengers aboard the Nagpur–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express can now savor Maharashtra’s beloved Kanda Poha, alongside South Indian dishes like Dondakaya Karam Podi Fry and Andhra Pradesh’s renowned Andhra Kodi Kura. Gujarati specialties have also been added, with Methi Thepla available on the Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital service and Masala Lauki on the Sabarmati–Veraval route. For those travelling to Odisha, Aloo Phulkopi can be enjoyed on the Howrah–Puri Vande Bharat Express.
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Southern India’s culinary heritage is prominently featured on services running through Kerala. Passengers on the Kasargod–Trivandrum and Mangaluru–Trivandrum Vande Bharat Express trains are being served a traditional Kerala meal that comprises white rice, Pachakka Cherupayar Mezhukku Perati, Kadala curry, Kerala paratha, plain curd, and the popular dessert Palada payasam, along with appam.
The eastern states are well represented too. West Bengal’s Kosha Paneer is being served on the Rourkela–Howrah Vande Bharat Express, while the Howrah–Puri service also includes Aloo Potol Bhaja. From Bihar, popular dishes like Champaran Paneer can be found on the Patna–Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, with Champaran Chicken featured on the Patna–Howrah route.
Northern flavors have entered the menu with Dogri cuisine, featuring Ambal Kaddu and Jammu Chana Masala on select services. Kashmiri specialties, such as Tomato Chaman and Kesar Phirni, are being offered on Vande Bharat trains connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and New Delhi. Additionally, Maharashtra’s Masala Upma can be enjoyed on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus–Madgaon route, while West Bengal’s Murghir Jhol is served on the New Jalpaiguri–Howrah service.
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According to Indian Railways, this initiative reflects a comprehensive effort to elevate rail travel beyond just speed and efficiency, blending comfort with culture. By bringing regional cuisines onboard, the Vande Bharat Express is being positioned as a platform that celebrates India’s diversity, enriching train journeys and making them more memorable for passengers.
