For most Indian travellers, no trip can be completed until the food box is unlocked. From the parathas packed in a paper napkin to the aroma of pickle and a cup of chai, food is what connects the ease and chaos of the train travels. Food is more than just about eating on a train journey; it is an emotion. In the mild clatter of wheels and rhythmic power of the train, every bite feels like a break, a little moment of warmth shared with other co-passengers or enjoyed by the window.
Good food can change a long train journey into something to look forward to, satisfying the hunger pangs, keeping you calm, and covering you in familiarity even when you are miles away from home. Because for every Indian, a train journey cannot be completed without that satisfying dabba of love-loaded, homemade food.
Thepla
Soft and mildly spicy, thepla is every Indian traveller’s comfort food choice. Unlike the regular rotis, they remain soft for longer, as it has a hint of curd and some besan. Pair them with some tangy pickle, and you have got a meal which is wholesome, mess-free, and comforting to eat even cold on a winter train journey. The pleasant fragrance of thepla feels like home tucked inside a tiffin box. Pair it over a steaming cup of train-side chai, the quintessential travel partner, and you have a meal that feels like warmth and care filled into every bite.
(Image Credit: Freepik)
Aloo Paratha
Few things can surpass the feeling of biting into aloo paratha while looking at the fields gliding past the train window. The mashed potato filling flavoured with ajwain, green chillies, and coriander makes it even more tasty when enjoyed cold. Covered in paper napkins or aluminium foil, it remains soft and enjoyable even after a longer duration. A meal that feels indulgent and homely in every bite. If you are the one who enjoys paratha with butter or curd, carry a small pack of each of them, and you will have a comforting meal on the wheels.
Also read: Foods You Should Avoid Carrying On Long Train Journeys
Dry Chole Pulao
Train journeys look out for food that is mess-free and easy to carry, and dry chole pulao ticks every box. Cooked with basmati rice, boiled chole, and a blend of mild spices, it is delectable and easy to eat on a train journey. Each spoon holds warmth and energy that beats the winter coolness. Even if enjoyed a bit warm or cold, it perfectly satisfies the hunger pangs that train journeys often tend to hit. Prepared with less oil and packed carefully, it will also not spill or spoil the luggage, making it your loyal travel partner for those long travels.
(Image Credit: Freepik)
Pasta Salad
It may sound fancy to prepare a train meal, but it actually isn’t! Boil some pasta (penne or fusilli work best for travel) and toss it with olive oil, corn, bell peppers, cucumber, and some cherry tomatoes. Season it with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs to add flavour. You can also garnish with cheese and add olives on top. Since it is meant to be eaten cold, it stays perfect for hours without needing to be heated.
Til Ladoo And Roasted Makhana Snack Box
Let alone the full meal, train journeys can be completed without savouring on a snack box. Til ladoos, prepared from sesame seeds and gud, keep the body warm naturally, whereas roasted makhanas add to the crunch. When combined, they hit the perfect balance of sweet and savoury notes, which is light yet healthy. You can munch them while chatting, reading a book, or simply watching through the window, engrossed in thoughts. The kind of snacking that makes winter travel a bit easier and delightful.
(Image Credit: Freepik)