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Train journeys are a lot of fun for foodies. Why? We don’t just get to see transitioning sceneries or hear people conversing in local dialects. We get a glimpse of every region we’re crossing through a single plate of food. Well, actually none of us stop at one plate, ever, do we?
Growing up as a Bengali living in various states of India, my family always travelled with the trusty Gelusil just so we could taste every delectable snack being offered up by vendors across the various Indian Railways routes. It didn’t matter if the train was a local one or an express, vendors laden with the best goodies would always travel along with us, making our train journeys truly fulfilling. The best bit, all these snacks are also pocket-friendly, no matter which part of the country you’re travelling through.
If you have an upcoming train journey planned, here are 10 yummy snacks you should start craving right now.
Jhalmuri/Bhelpuri
Isn’t it amazing that whether you’re travelling through East India or West India, there’s at least one delicious version of this puffed rice snack available on trains. Jhalmuri, which is an East Indian/Bengali specialty, usually has a dash of mustard oil and bits of fresh coconut that add a regional flavour. With Bhelpuri, it’s the flat and crunchy disks called bhel that add the fun twist.
Vada Pav
A spicy potato fritter nestled into the West Indian bread called pav, and thus was born the Maharashtrian favourite—Vada Pav. There is no journey—by train or by road—across Maharasthra that is ever complete without a few plates of Vada Pav. This snack is so delicious that even after it’s over, you’ll lick the spicy chutney till even the crumbs are over.
Idli
You’d think that it’s only on the Southern Indian Railways lines that would offer up Idli dipped in a bowl of sambhar, but you’d be wrong. Nowadays, Idli is such a popular dish that vendors on the Western Railways have also taken up selling it. Idli is also a great train snack if you want to eat a bit healthy (or tell yourself that you’re eating healthy).
Patra
Prepared with steamed colocasia leaves slathered with a spiced chickpea flour batter and sesame seeds, Patra is a Gujarati snack that is either deep-fried or dipped in a sugary syrup before being served. If you’re travelling from Mumbai to Ahmedabad, this is a train snack you simply shouldn’t miss.
Ghugni
Have you ever travelled on local trains across Bengal, Bihar or Odisha? If you have, then you can’t have missed this delicious curry-like snack made of dried green peas. Often topped with minced meat, ghugni is often served in earthen pots, which adds to the flavour of the snack.
Medu Vada
These doughnut-shaped lentil fritters are served with either sambhar or coconut chutney. Just like in the case of idlis, this popular South Indian dish is now served across major Indian Railways lines, especially in Western India. Because it’s prepared with lentils, it’s filling too!
Chop
Travelling on trains in Bengal is never a complete journey if you don’t try the wide variety of chops on offer. From vegetable chops to ones made with egg and chicken, these deep-fried fritters are a true example of Bengali cuisine’s snacky offerings. Topped with a generous sprinkling of black salt and chaat masala, this train snack is a must have indeed.
Pakoda
Onions, potatoes, cabbage, spinach, stuffed chillies—the variety of pakodas produced across India are almost unlimited. So, it’s quite natural that these snacks would be available across the nation. Pakodas on Indian Railways never disappoint, especially when they’re served with coriander or tamarind chutneys—even a sachet of ketchup works with these.
Puri Sabji
Breakfast in North India often translates into a simple plate of Puri Sabji. The sabji is usually made with potatoes, the gravy is spicy, and the wheat flour puris are simply delicious. Whether you’re travelling on a train in Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh, you’ll always find vendors selling plates of this perfect meal on wheels.
Kachori
Whether they’re flavoured with asafoetida or stuffed with peas, potatoes or lentils, no foodie can ever say no to hot kachoris served with a side of chutney. These deep-fried snacks are a staple of North India, and are served across Indian Railway stations and trains. A pro tip: Always smell the kachoris to check if they’re fresh!
