Train journeys across India are so, so unique for the geographical food diversity they provide. Passengers eagerly wait for an upcoming station, knowing that the food offerings particular to it will settle their cravings -- each station has its own particular awesome local delight.
Unlike many other places in the world, our trains take long halts so passengers can stuff their faces, collectively burp, and reboard. Which station is famous for what? Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com guides you...
Tangy, spicy, chatpata... Bright red Tamatar Ki Chaat is sold in the streets of Varanasi and on its railway platforms too by station vendors. Its delicious aroma will compel you to momentarily get off the train, for a break, to savour it!
The crunchy, spicy deliciousness of Jhal Muri makes it ideal train food while chuk-chuk-chuk-ing across West Bengal. Kharagpur station offers this popular snack, with its signature flavour, from the mustard oil and bhaja moshla (a Bengali spice mix).
It is difficult resist the sweet aroma of ghee-fried Mawa Jalebis -- made of khoya/milk solids -- if you are passing via Burhanpur station in Madhya Pradesh. Tell your conscience to get lost. Those jalebis are 100 per cent worth it!
The legendary Thalappakatti restaurant in Tamil Nadu's Dindigul gave the town its fame. The local vendors at Dindigul station are a godsend, if you want to savour the flavoursome meat of this iconic biryani.
This luscious, milk-based sweet is a lovely dessert or snack that you wouldn’t like to miss when in Bhubaneswar or any other railway station in Odisha!
The soft and aromatic Black Halwa is the best local food you can experience during your train journey in Kerala. Kozhikode railway station is specifically well-known for this coconut oil-based sweet dish.
This yum-yum layered, multi-egg cake from the Indo-Portuguese cuisine of Goa will perk you up if you are just passing through Madgaon station and sulking with FOMO for not being able to get off and take in nearby gorgeous beach vibes.
Besan-filled (gram flour or chickpea flour) kachoris are sure to tempt you with their divine aroma when your train takes a halt at Shegaon in Maharashtra. Resisting is futile. The delicious crunch of these kachoris are worth it!
This sweet, spicy and savoury delicacy from the streets of Surat in Gujarat can also be spotted on its railway platforms too. Do not forgo sampling the Surati treat, if you catch sight of it.
The glass jars of Uppilittathu, which is basically cut veggies or fruits in brine), are sure to catch your fancy if you are travelling by train in Kerala. Amla, pineapple, raw mangoes, green chillies, carrots, cucumbers, beetroot -- the options are varied, colourful and oh-so-delicious!