How to Book Food in Train: Are you on a train and craving delicious food but unsure how to order it? Gone are the days when you had to rely solely on pantry car services or carry packed meals from home. Thanks to technology, booking food on a train has never been easier. Now, you can have your favorite meals delivered straight to your seat with just a few clicks. Whether it’s a hot thali, a pizza, or even a regional delicacy, there are multiple ways to satisfy your hunger while traveling.
Let’s walk through the different methods you can use to book food on a train and enjoy your journey without worrying about what’s for dinner.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Food via IRCTC eCatering
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) offers a convenient eCatering service that allows passengers to order food online. Here’s how you can do it:
- Step 1: Visit the IRCTC eCatering website or download the ‘Food on Track’ app on your mobile device.
- Step 2: Enter your PNR number, and the system will automatically fetch your train details, including your route and upcoming stations.
- Step 3: Browse through a variety of restaurants and food vendors that serve on your train route. You’ll see options ranging from local dishes to popular restaurant chains.
- Step 4: Once you’ve picked your meal, place the order. Choose the station where you want your food to be delivered.
- Step 5: Confirm your order and make the payment. You can opt for online payment or select Cash on Delivery (CoD) if that’s more convenient.
- Step 6: Sit back and relax. Your food will be delivered to your seat when your train reaches the selected station.
With IRCTC eCatering, you can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from Indian thalis to international fast food, and even meals that cater to specific dietary needs, like Jain food or diabetic-friendly options.
Booking Food Through Third-Party Apps
Apart from IRCTC, several third-party platforms make it easy to order food on the go. These apps collaborate with restaurants and local food vendors to bring meals directly to train passengers. Here are some popular third-party apps:
- Zomato and Swiggy: Yes, you can use your favorite food delivery apps, Zomato and Swiggy, to order food at select train stations. Just enter your train details, choose the restaurant, and place your order for a quick delivery to your seat.
- RailRestro: Known for its wide network of restaurants, RailRestro provides passengers with a range of meal options like North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, and even regional specialties.
- Travelkhana: This app specializes in food delivery on trains and offers a large menu, including vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and special diet options.
- Zoop: Zoop offers a reliable food delivery service on trains, with options ranging from thalis to fast food.
- Yatri Bhojan: This app partners with several restaurants along popular train routes to ensure timely and quality food delivery.
The process is simple:
- Enter your PNR or train details.
- Choose a restaurant and select your meal.
- Make the payment online or choose Cash on Delivery (CoD).
- Your meal will be delivered at the station you choose, right to your seat.
These apps often provide additional features like discounts, combo deals, and meal customization, so you can get more value for your money.
Payment Options To Pay For Food In Train
When it comes to paying for your meal, there are multiple payment methods available to make your experience hassle-free:
- Online Payments: Most platforms accept a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe), net banking, and mobile wallets like Paytm.
- Cash on Delivery (CoD): If you prefer paying in cash, you can select the CoD option when placing your order. The delivery person will collect the payment when your food is delivered at the station.
Points to Remember While Booking
To ensure a smooth and timely food delivery experience, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
- Double-check your PNR: Make sure you’ve entered the correct PNR number when placing your order to avoid any confusion.
- Confirm the delivery station: Verify the station where you want your food delivered. If your train is running late, some apps will automatically adjust the delivery station, but it’s always good to check.
- Order in advance: It’s a good idea to place your order at least 30-60 minutes before your train arrives at the station to give the restaurant enough time to prepare and deliver your meal.
- Keep track of your train’s schedule: Real-time updates are available on most food apps. Make sure your delivery station is still valid if your train is delayed.
Other Options for Booking Food
If you prefer to plan ahead, some online ticketing platforms also allow you to pre-book meals when reserving your train tickets. This option ensures that your meal is ready and delivered without the need to place a separate order later.
At major stations, you may also find local food vendors who offer delivery directly to your train. While this option is less organized than eCatering, it provides the opportunity to sample regional delicacies.
Conclusion
Booking food on trains has become easier and more convenient with the help of technology. Whether through IRCTC eCatering or third-party apps like Zomato and Swiggy, you have plenty of options to enjoy a delicious meal while traveling. By following these simple steps, you can have your favorite food delivered to your seat, making your train journey both comfortable and satisfying. So next time you’re on a train, forget about packed meals and treat yourself to a freshly cooked meal on board!
FAQs
Can I cancel my food order after booking it?
Yes, most platforms allow you to cancel your order within a specific time window, and some offer partial or full refunds.
Do these platforms offer special dietary meals like Jain or vegan food?
Yes, both IRCTC eCatering and third-party apps like RailRestro and Travelkhana offer special meals tailored to specific dietary needs.
What happens if my train is delayed?
Most eCatering platforms monitor train timings and adjust the food delivery accordingly. You may receive updates via SMS or in-app notifications about changes in the delivery station.
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