Does Vande Bharat Serve Food: The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is a high-speed train service in India that has been making waves for its comfort, speed, and modern features. For travelers, one of the most important aspects of long-distance travel is the availability of food onboard. So, does Vande Bharat serve food? Let’s explore the food services available on this premium train and how it enhance the overall travel experience.
Food Services on Vande Bharat
Does Vande Bharat serve food? The simple answer to this question is Yes. Vande Bharat Express does serve food! Depending on the journey and class of travel, passengers are provided with different meal options. The food service varies between the Executive Class and Chair Car, offering tailored meals for each section.
Executive Class vs. Chair Car:
- Executive Class: Passengers in the Executive Class are provided with premium meals that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on the time of travel. The meals are more elaborate compared to the Chair Car.
- Chair Car: In Chair Car, passengers also receive food, but the menu is slightly simpler compared to the Executive Class. However, the quality remains top-notch, and both classes enjoy a variety of dishes.
Menu Options at Vande Bharat
The Vande Bharat Express offers a variety of food options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. The menu typically includes:
- Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Meals: Passengers can choose between veg and non-veg meals, ensuring everyone’s dietary needs are met.
- Cuisines: The menu features a mix of Indian regional dishes, snacks, and desserts. For example, passengers may find traditional dishes like idli-sambar, paneer tikka, or even chicken curry, followed by a delicious dessert like Gulab jamun or a sweet pastry.
- Beverages: Passengers are offered beverages like tea, coffee, and fruit juices to accompany their meals.
How Food is Served
Vande Bharat follows a seamless system for delivering meals to passengers. The food is usually pre-packed in hygienic containers, ensuring freshness and quality throughout the journey. The train crew serves meals based on the time of day and the class of travel.
- Timings: Breakfast is served in the morning, lunch in the afternoon, and dinner in the evening. For shorter journeys, snacks and light meals are provided.
- Role of IRCTC: The catering services onboard are managed by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), ensuring that the food meets quality and safety standards.
Is Food Included in the Ticket of Vande Bharat Express?
One of the common questions travelers ask is whether food is included in the ticket price of Vande Bharat Express. The answer is no—food is not automatically included. Passengers have the option to choose whether they want to include meals during their journey.
- Opting for Food: If passengers choose to opt for food while booking their tickets, the cost of the meals will be added to the ticket fare. This option provides the convenience of having meals served directly to your seat during the journey.
- No Food Option: Passengers who prefer not to have onboard meals, can opt out of this service and save money by paying a lower fare without the food component. This flexibility allows travelers to bring their own food or eat before and after the journey.
How To Check Food Included In Vande Bharat Train Ticket
If you’ve booked a ticket on the Vande Bharat Express and can’t remember whether food is included, don’t worry! It’s quite common to forget such details, especially when planning a trip.
To check if food is included in your Vande Bharat train ticket, follow these steps:
- Visit the IRCTC Website or App:
- Go to the official IRCTC website or open the IRCTC app on your mobile device.
- Log In:
- Use your credentials to log in to your IRCTC account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one.
- Check Booking Details:
- Navigate to the “Booking Details” or “PNR Status” section.
- Enter your PNR number to view the details of your booking.
- Look for Meal Information:
- In the booking details, look for a section labeled “Meal” or “Food”. This section will indicate whether a meal is included with your ticket.
- Confirmation Email:
- Alternatively, check the confirmation email you received after booking your ticket. The email should have an attachment with your booking information, including a “Meals Included” section if food is part of your ticket.
If you opted out of meals during booking but wish to add them later, you can do so by following the instructions provided in the IRCTC app or website. Keep in mind that ordering meals onboard might cost slightly more than pre-booking them.
How to Order Food on Vande Bharat
Passengers have the flexibility to either include meals in their ticket fare or skip the meal service. Ordering food on Vande Bharat is simple and can be done in a few different ways, depending on your preference.
1. Pre-booking via IRCTC
- Meal Inclusion at Ticket Booking: When booking your Vande Bharat Express ticket through the IRCTC website or app, you can opt to include meals with your ticket. This will automatically add the cost of food to your ticket, ensuring meals are served to you during the journey.
- Special Meal Requests: IRCTC also allows passengers to pre-book special meal options, such as vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals, or specific dietary requirements (like Jain food or gluten-free options). This ensures you receive the meal that best suits your needs.
2. Onboard Orders
- Snacks and Beverages: If you didn’t opt for meals when booking your ticket, or if you want additional snacks or beverages during the journey, you can purchase these onboard. A selection of snacks, drinks, and small meals may be available, depending on the route and the time of day.
- Catering Services: IRCTC catering staff onboard are responsible for handling meal requests and ensuring that passengers are served in a timely manner. If you have any special requests or need additional items, you can approach the catering staff during the journey.
3. Changing Your Food Preferences
- If you realize after booking that you’d like to add or modify your meal choice, you can do so via the IRCTC app or by contacting the customer service team before your journey. For shorter routes or last-minute changes, it’s advisable to communicate directly with the train staff during the journey.
Quality and Passenger Feedback
The quality of food served on Vande Bharat Express has received positive feedback from passengers. Most passengers appreciate the freshness, hygiene, and taste of the meals. The train follows strict hygiene standards, ensuring a safe and pleasant dining experience.
In fact, the Vande Bharat Express has received high marks for maintaining cleanliness in its pantry and catering services, which adds to the overall comfort of the journey.
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat Express is more than just a high-speed train; it’s a premium travel experience. The availability of food onboard, tailored for different classes, adds a layer of convenience for travelers. Whether you’re on a short journey or a longer one, the variety and quality of food enhance your overall trip, making Vande Bharat an ideal choice for comfort and convenience.
Next time you book a ticket on this modern marvel, rest assured that your taste buds will be well taken care of!
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