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IRCTC-approved applications, such as Zoop, RailRestro, and RailMitra, deliver restaurant-quality food right at your seat.
Always order 1-2 hours before your train reaches the delivery station for timely service.
Online food orders are safer and hygienic compared to most platform or pantry meals.
Indian train trips are a fantastic way to experience beautiful landscapes, discover different cultures, and savor some delicious food! When you are on a long train ride, you often start craving a warm, clean meal. However, the food available on the train or at stations might not always be what you are looking for. The good news is that getting food delivered to your train seat is now super simple, all thanks to the food delivery services that IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) has partnered with. Here’s how you can do it.
Thus, ordering food online during a train journey has now become very easy and accessible. You can do this through IRCTC's official e-catering portal or from the trusted delivery apps such as Zoop, RailRestro, RailMitra, TravelKhana, and Railofy. IRCTC officially authorizes these platforms for delivering freshly prepared meals directly to your seat on the train.
To get started, log in to any of the websites or apps, such as ZoopIndia.com or the Zoop app, and enter your PNR number. This would automatically link the order with your train, coach, and seat details. After this is accomplished, browse the list of available stations along your journey and select where you want food delivery. You will be given menus from various restaurants with a host of options, from thalis, biryanis, and South Indian meals to pizzas and sandwiches for those hooked on fast food. Having chosen your order, you can make a safe and secure payment via UPI, debit/credit card, or cash on delivery.
Your meal, prepared fresh by an authorized vendor before your train arrives at the chosen station, is carefully coordinated with railway timings to be delivered directly to your berth.
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Getting your food delivered piping hot and fresh really comes down to when you order. It is a good idea to place your order about one to two hours before the train is scheduled to arrive at the station. You can even book the meal at the same time as you book your train ticket, either on the IRCTC website or their app.
For those longer train journeys, thinking ahead can save you from missing out on the meal you really wanted, especially if you're getting off at a busy spot like Nagpur, Bhopal, or Delhi. Some apps, like Zoop, even let you keep an eye on your order's progress and make changes if your train is running late. That way, your food is sure to get to you at the right moment, no matter what happens.
It depends on which route you take, the stations you choose, and what partner restaurants are functioning in that area. North Indian routes, such as Delhi-Amritsar or Jaipur-Lucknow, typically feature dishes like butter chicken, paneer curries, and parathas. Southern routes, such as Chennai-Bangalore or Kochi-Madurai, will normally include dosas, lemon rice, and curd rice in their dishes. Pav bhaji, vada pav, or wholesome Gujarati thalis are common in Western India.
You will also find popular national and regional food brands like Haldiram’s, Bikanervala, Subway, Domino’s, Behrouz Biryani, and KFC offering meals on these portals. Travelers can order vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Jain, or even diabetic-friendly meals. FSSAI-approved restaurants freshly prepare every meal to ensure hygiene, safety, and quality.
However, in certain situations, such as when traveling through remote areas or smaller stations, these food delivery services may not be available. That's when most passengers head out to platform stalls. While this can be convenient, it's better to be careful about where you purchase your food. Choose stalls that are busy and seem clean; high turnover often means fresher food. Steer clear of meals that are uncovered or have been left out for too long.
If they are not sure about hygiene, it's better to stick to packed food, sealed beverages, and fresh fruits. Carrying a sanitizer and tissue is also a good habit for maintaining personal hygiene on the go. Overall, while platform food can sometimes be safe, online orders from verified IRCTC vendors remain the more reliable and hygienic option, since they are prepared under strict food safety standards.
If you value taste, variety, and hygiene, ordering food online for trains is easily the best choice.
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If traveling long distances by train, remember to prebook your meals for timely deliveries. Always use the PNR number to book, as it is how the delivery executive will track you. On an overnight trip, your bag should always contain a couple of snacks and water bottles as backup; you have no idea when it will arrive or if it is actually going to arrive at all. And lastly, when ordering online, be sure to only use IRCTC Trusted Apps; you don't want a scam or unreliable service.
For travelers in India, online meals ordered through track and trace apps is beyond a service, it has transformed the expectations of long train travel. Ordering from known brands Zoop, RailMitra, RailRestro or any other the meals have been no less than restaurant quality and delivered to their appointed seat is a focus on the quality of experience and enjoyment to the journey before the final destination.
1. How do I order food online while traveling on a train in India?
Ordering food online is seamless with the e-catering IRCTC website or apps such as Zoop, RailRestro, or RailMitra. Simply enter your PNR number, select a station, and your food will be delivered hot and fresh to your seat.
2. How soon do I need to place an order of food from a train station for it to arrive on time?
It is always best to order at least one to two hours before arriving at the station of the delivery, but most apps have a pre-book option while booking the ticket or are able to track orders in real time in case of delayed train travel.
3. What food can I order while traveling by train?
There are many options for ordering food to be delivered while traveling by train, including North Indian, South Indian, Jain, and Continental cuisine. Travellers can also access popular chains such as Haldiram’s, Subway, and Domino’s, among others, by using IRCTC authorized platforms.
4. Is it safe to eat food from the railway platforms, especially if I cannot afford to order food online?
Food from the railway platforms can be a time-saver, but you will not have assurance of sanitation. When buying food, only purchase from stalls that are busy and well-organized. You will want to buy packaged food, if possible; otherwise, avoid uncovered food. Generally speaking, ordering food online would be a better choice.
5. IRCTC pantry food, an online order, or food bought from the platform: what is better?
Online orders provide the best experience in terms of hygiene, quality, and variety. Pantry food will be satisfactory and convenient, and/while the quality of food on the platform varies depending on the vendor you buy from. Delivery apps authorized by IRCTC will provide you with peace of mind.
