The Great Indian Train Food Mystery: Jitna Mehenga Ticket, Utna Thanda Khana

I have been travelling by train since childhood. Over the years, trains have changed, railway stations have changed, and even passengers have changed—but one thing has evolved in the most unexpected direction: food.

It has been a long time since I started travelling by train—from my childhood till today. Over the years, I have witnessed many changes in trains as well as railway stations. One thing I clearly remember from my early journeys is a constant excitement: eating food on the train(aaj train mein kucj khayenge!). It was always a small but special joy, something different from home food.

As time passed, the “premiumness” of trains increased. People slowly shifted from sleeper class to higher classes in search of comfort and security—things that, ironically, the government often fails to provide consistently in sleeper class. But during this transition, I noticed something very strange: as the class of travel improved, the quality of food actually declined.

To maintain “security” and a “hassle-free journey,” local vendors were gradually banned from selling food on platforms and trains. The logic sounded reasonable. However, the reality turned out to be the opposite.

Today, passengers in lower classes often get fresher and warmer food from local vendors, while those travelling in premium trains are forced to consume cold, pre-packed, partially cooked food supplied by train vendors. This food is not only tasteless but can also be harmful to health.

Even trains like Vande Bharat, Tejas, and Duronto Express—which sound more like luxury hotels—have a total ban on local vendors. You pay in advance, you eat in advance, and you regret in advance.

I remember once travelling in 2nd AC with my family. Suddenly, our coach turned into a mini stock exchange. People were shouting—
“Dio! Jaldi dio! Jaldi de yaar!”

For a moment, I thought there was an emergency. Turns out, it was just jhaal mudhi at Jaleshwar station. The vendor had to get down there, so everyone wanted to buy before the train escaped. We also joined the crowd—not out of hunger, but out of lack of faith in IRCTC food.

Train vendor food mostly arrives cold, tastes confused, and makes you question your life choices. By the end of the journey, the food feels like a punishment for choosing comfort.

And now, let’s talk about the biggest crime—tea.

Yes, even premium trains fail to provide proper milk tea. Instead, they give you a DIY Tea Kit:

• One tea bag

• Warm water

• Amul milk powder

• One wooden stick to mix emotions and regret

Now you tell a tea made up of fresh ingredients and warm is better or all prepacked stuff with warm water is better.

If I draw a graph, it will be crystal clear:
📈 Ticket price goes up
📉 Food quality goes down

A perfect hyperbolic curve of disappointment.

This entire experience reminds me of a famous quote by Raghav Chadha (AAP MP):

“Indians pay taxes like England but receive services like Somalia.”

Sadly, when it comes to train food, this feels painfully accurate.

Please also express your views on this topic, and don't forget to share your most memorable train journey with food.