New Delhi: Indian Railways has officially integrated regional cuisines into its Vande Bharat Express service, aiming to elevate the passenger experience by serving authentic local flavours and culturally significant dishes.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the initiative is designed to bring India’s vast culinary heritage directly to travellers, providing "the taste of India’s diverse culinary heritage" from the comfort of their seats.

Regional Menu Highlights

The new catering strategy tailors menus to specific routes, ensuring that the food reflects the geography of the journey:

Southern & Central India

  • Nagpur-Secunderabad (20101/20102): Features Maharashtra’s Kanda Poha, alongside Andhra Pradesh favourites like Andhra Kodi Kura and Dondakaya Karam Podi Fry.
  • Kerala Routes (20633/34 & 20631/32): Passengers on the Kasargod-Trivandrum and Mangalore-Trivandrum runs can enjoy a traditional spread including Appam, Kadala Curry, Parotta, and Palada Payasam.

Western India

  • Mumbai-Gandhinagar (20901): Serving Methi Thepla, a Gujarati staple.
  • Sabarmati-Veraval (26902): Features Masala Lauki.
  • Mumbai-Madgaon (22229): Offers Maharashtra’s savoury Masala Upma.

Eastern India

  • Howrah-Puri (22895): Showcases Odisha’s Aloo Phulkopi and West Bengal’s Aloo Potol Bhaja.
  • Rourkela-Howrah (20872): Serving Kosha Paneer.
  • New Jalpaiguri-Howrah (22302): Features the classic Bengali Murgir Jhol.

Northern India & Bihar

  • Patna-Ranchi/Howrah (22349/22348): Highlights Bihar’s signature flavours with Champaran Paneer and Champaran Chicken.
  • Kashmir & Jammu Routes (26401-04): Offers a deep dive into Dogri and Kashmiri cuisine with Ambal Kaddu, Jammu Chana Masala, Tomato Chaman, and Kesar Phirni.

A Culturally Immersive Journey

The Ministry emphasized that by prioritizing these regional delicacies, Indian Railways is actively celebrating the nation's gastronomic variety. The release noted that the move is intended to make rail travel "more memorable and culturally immersive," turning a standard commute into a reflection of India's rich traditions.

With inputs from ANI