With its vast network spanning the length and width of the country, the Indian Railways has long been a lifeline for travelers. The concept of ordering meals on train, or the food served on board is one feature of train travel that has always been a constant, along with the thrill of the journey. The dining experience on Indian trains has changed dramatically throughout the years. In this blog, we shall travel through time, investigating the evolution of train meals in Indian Railways and shedding light on the most recent innovations!
Evolution of ordering meals on trains in Indian Railways
Part 1: The early days – Simplicity on wheels
Train meals were modest and focused on giving sustenance to passengers in the early days of Indian Railways. The meals were made in onboard kitchens, popularly known as “pantries.” The menu was mostly Indian staples including dal, rice, chapati, and vegetable curries. Meals were served on steel thalis (plates) and were usually shared by passengers. As the quality and variety were limited, travelers enjoyed the convenience of enjoying a hot, home-cooked lunch while staring out the window at the passing countryside.
Part 2: The era of upgrades – Catering services and expansion
The approach to ordering meals on trains evolved with Indian Railways. Catering services were added to provide passengers with more options. The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and commercial vendors were responsible for making and distributing food on train. This move improved the quality, presentation, and variety of meals available. Passengers could now order regional delicacies such as biryanis, kebabs, and other specialities.
Part 3: Modernization and technological advancements
With technological developments and an increasing demand for convenience, the Indian Railways catering system underwent a considerable revamp. With the introduction of e-catering services, customers can now order meals on train from renowned eateries along the train route. This added a level of customisation and improved the whole dining experience. Passengers can enjoy their favorite dishes, which were brought hot and fresh to their seats.
More to know: How is IRCTC e-Catering changing railway journey experience?
Part 4: Introducing Zoop India – A game-changer
With the introduction of Zoop India, the Indian Railways’ food services has undergone a revolutionary makeover in recent years. Zoop India is a cutting-edge e-catering platform that uses technology to deliver a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. It allows travelers to order meals via a user-friendly app or website. Zoop India has thousands of restaurants registered on its platform, with diverse menus featuring a wide variety of cuisines that cater to a varied dietary preferences and needs. Zoop India caters to every passenger’s demands, from vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections to pure Jain meals. Follow the link to explore options for ordering Jain food on train using Zoop: https://www.zoopindia.com/jain-food-in-train.
Did you know? – How you could use Zoop’s Google Chat to Check PNR Status & Order Food on Train Too
Prefer to read in Hindi? – गूगल चैट द्वारा जानें अपना PNR स्टेटस और करें ट्रेन में खाना भी ऑर्डर
Explore Zoop
Zoop India’s unique features include real-time order tracking, food delivery on schedule, and cashless transactions. In addition, the platform prioritizes food safety and hygiene by collaborating only with restaurants approved by IRCTC and FSSAI and adhering to high quality requirements. Train passengers can now enjoy restaurant-quality meals, diverse menu choices, and hassle-free service throughout their journey thanks to Zoop India. Additionally, in case you are traveling in a group, you can also order food on train in bulk using Zoop. Follow the link to place your group food order with Zoop: https://www.zoopindia.com/group-food-order-in-train
With Zoop, you can place your order by following some simple steps on the Zoop India website (https://www.zoopindia.com/) or you can download the Zoop India app from Google Play Store or iOS Store. Additionally, with Zoop, you can also order food on train using WhatsApp messaging, by sending “Hi” to +91 7042062070 on WhatsApp, as well as by using the latest Google Chat Feature, where you can simply open the Google search bar, type “Zoop,” and click on the “Chat with a live agent” option to place your order by mere chatting!In addition to ordering meals on trains, Zoop also lets passengers check their train schedule (https://www.zoopindia.com/check-train-time-table), coach position (https://www.zoopindia.com/check-train-coach-position) or PNR number (https://www.zoopindia.com/check-pnr-status) for a convenient and worry-free travel experience.
Conclusion
The evolution of ordering meals on trains in Indian Railways has come a long way, from the simple homemade meals on steel thalis to ordering your favorite food on train from top-restaurants along the route using Zoop India! So, get familiar with Zoop India and transform your train experience with yummy meals on train and hassle-free passenger-friendly services. Happy Journey!
