The Vande Bharat Express, also known as the Train 18, is a revolutionary addition to India’s railway system, combining high-speed travel with modern amenities for a premium travel experience. While speed and comfort are at the forefront, one feature that stands out is its thoughtfully curated food menu, designed to cater to passengers’ needs at various times of the day. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, the food on board ensures that your journey is as satisfying as the destination itself.
Vande Bharat Express – A Quick Overview
The Vande Bharat Express is a game-changer in the Indian rail industry. Known for its sleek design, high-speed performance, and state-of-the-art features, the train is built for modern travelers who expect nothing less than luxury and convenience. One of the key aspects of this train is the attention to detail in every part of the passenger experience, and the food service is no exception. The Vande Bharat Express strives to offer a gastronomic journey that aligns with its overall premium travel experience.
Food Menu in Vande Bharat Express
The food menu on the Vande Bharat Express has been carefully crafted to offer a variety of delicious and nutritious options, ensuring that travelers enjoy a satisfying meal no matter the time of day.
Breakfast (Early Morning)
For early risers, the breakfast menu is a delightful mix of light and energizing options. Passengers can expect a range of healthy and flavorful items that will fuel them for the day ahead:
- Vegetarian Options: Freshly made poha, upma, or sandwiches with a side of fruits.
- Non-Vegetarian Options: Soft boiled eggs with toast, chicken sandwiches, or a hearty breakfast roll.
- Beverages: Freshly brewed coffee or tea, served alongside juices or a glass of milk.
The focus here is on wholesome meals that provide energy for the day’s journey while being light enough for early travel.
Lunch (Midday)
As the train reaches the mid-point of its journey, passengers can enjoy a variety of flavorful and fulfilling lunch options. The lunch menu caters to all tastes, ensuring that both vegetarian and non-vegetarian passengers are well taken care of:
- Vegetarian Options: Paneer tikka, dal makhani, mixed vegetable curry, and soft rotis. Served with fragrant basmati rice and a refreshing cucumber salad.
- Non-Vegetarian Options: Chicken biryani, mutton curry with naan, or grilled chicken with vegetable pulao.
- Beverages: Buttermilk, chilled water, and soft drinks. Tea and coffee are also available.
The Vande Bharat Express prides itself on incorporating regional flavors, ensuring that each meal is not just a meal, but a mini-experience of Indian cuisine.
Dinner (Evening)
By the time dinner rolls around, passengers are treated to a satisfying, yet soothing, meal that reflects the vibrancy of India’s diverse culinary heritage. The dinner options provide both comfort and nutrition to prepare travelers for a restful evening:
- Vegetarian Options: Gobi masala with chapati, mixed dal with rice, and seasonal vegetable curry.
- Non-Vegetarian Options: Grilled fish with vegetable rice, or a classic chicken curry with naan.
- Beverages: A warm cup of chai, fruit juices, or bottled water.
The dinner menu is crafted to offer a variety of rich yet balanced flavors, with options that reflect different culinary traditions across the country.
Can Passengers Order Anything Else Besides the Regular Menu?
Yes, while the Vande Bharat Express offers a curated food menu based on the time of day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), passengers can also make special requests for other food items, subject to availability. Here’s what you need to know about additional food ordering options:
1. Special Meal Requests
Passengers can request special meals based on dietary preferences or restrictions. Some examples include:
- Vegetarian/Vegan Meals: If the standard vegetarian meals don’t meet your needs, you can request a vegan option or ask for specific preparations.
- Gluten-Free Meals: Passengers with gluten intolerance can inform the staff in advance, and efforts will be made to accommodate the request.
- Kosher or Jain Meals: Special dietary meals like Jain or Kosher can be arranged on request, especially for passengers traveling long distances or for religious reasons.
2. Beverages and Snacks
While the main menu offers a variety of hot and cold beverages, passengers can request additional snacks or drinks throughout the journey. If you’re craving something extra, like an additional beverage or snack outside the regular offerings, the staff will typically try to accommodate it.
- Chilled Beverages: If you’re looking for something beyond the standard options (like a cold drink), you can inquire with the onboard staff for more beverage choices.
- Snacks: You can ask the staff for extra light snacks such as fruit, packaged biscuits, or nuts, which may be available on request.
3. Custom Requests and Complaints
If you have a specific craving that’s not listed on the menu, passengers can also voice their preferences or complaints directly to the onboard staff. While the availability of custom orders may depend on stock and logistics, the staff is generally quite responsive to accommodating special requests.
4. Ordering Ahead
If you are planning to order something special or want to ensure your dietary needs are met, it’s a good idea to inform the train staff during booking or as soon as you board. This allows the onboard kitchen to make necessary arrangements for special meal requests.
In short, while the Vande Bharat Express offers a set menu based on meal times, there’s flexibility for passengers to make additional requests, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met with comfort and care. Just be sure to communicate your requests early on, and the staff will do their best to accommodate you!
Food Quality and Presentation
When it comes to food on the Vande Bharat Express, quality is of utmost importance. Meals are made with fresh ingredients and hygienic preparation methods to ensure both taste and safety. The train features a dedicated kitchen car where the meals are prepared, ensuring a high standard of food production.
The presentation of the meals is also a highlight. Each dish is carefully packaged, ensuring convenience and cleanliness while dining. Whether you’re in a premium executive class or a chair car, you’ll notice the attention to detail in how each meal is presented.
Regional Specialties on the Menu
In addition to standard meals, the Vande Bharat Express embraces regional specialties that change based on the route the train is traveling. For instance, if you are traveling between Delhi and Varanasi, you might find local favorites such as Chole Bhature or Kachori with Aloo being offered. These regional dishes add a touch of local flavor and make the dining experience even more memorable.
Pricing and Accessibility
The food on the Vande Bharat Express is included in the overall ticket price for passengers traveling in executive class. However, for passengers in other seating categories, meals can be ordered separately. Prices for food are reasonable and reflect the high quality of the service offered.
The meals are served directly to your seat, allowing passengers to enjoy their food in comfort without needing to leave their place. The train’s crew ensures timely delivery of meals, so you never miss out on a satisfying dining experience, no matter where you are seated.
Passenger Feedback on Food Experience
Passengers traveling on the Vande Bharat Express have generally praised the food offerings, especially the quality and variety. Many travelers have appreciated the blend of regional and modern meals, while others have noted the freshness of the ingredients. The attention to detail in packaging and the overall meal presentation has been well-received.
That being said, some constructive feedback has included requests for more customized meal options, especially for people with dietary restrictions or preferences. The Vande Bharat team is actively working on making their offerings even more inclusive.
Comparison with Other Indian Trains
Compared to other premium trains like the Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express, the Vande Bharat Express stands out not just for its speed and comfort, but also for its food quality. While other trains offer tasty meals, the Vande Bharat Express provides a more diverse, regionally inclusive menu that sets it apart in terms of variety and presentation.
Conclusion
The food on board the Vande Bharat Express is a crucial part of the premium experience the train offers. From light breakfasts to hearty lunches and comforting dinners, the menu ensures passengers are well-fed throughout their journey. The focus on quality, hygiene, and regional variety makes the Vande Bharat Express not just a journey but an experience that combines the best of Indian cuisine with modern travel. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, the next time you’re on board, you can look forward to a delicious meal that makes your journey all the more enjoyable.
Additional Information
For passengers who wish to enjoy a customized meal, there are options to pre-order food based on preferences or dietary restrictions. Simply inform the train staff at the time of booking to ensure your needs are met during the journey.
Next time you’re on a Vande Bharat Express trip, be sure to savor the meal offerings and treat yourself to a premium culinary experience!
FAQs
1. Can I order food outside the regular menu on the Vande Bharat Express?
Yes, passengers can make special requests for additional meals or snacks. This includes dietary-specific meals (such as Jain, vegan, gluten-free, or Kosher options), extra snacks, or drinks. It’s best to inform the staff ahead of time or during booking to ensure availability.
2. Are the meals included in the ticket price?
Meals are included for passengers traveling in Executive Class, whereas passengers in Chair Car classes may need to order meals separately. The prices for additional meals or snacks in Chair Car are usually reasonable.
3. What types of food are offered on the Vande Bharat Express?
The food offerings on the Vande Bharat Express include a range of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with regional specialties, healthy snacks, beverages, and more.
4. Can I pre-order a special meal before my journey?
Yes, passengers can pre-order special meals based on dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or religious dietary preferences like Jain or Kosher meals. It’s advisable to inform the staff during booking or upon boarding.
5. Is there a specific time for each meal service on the Vande Bharat Express?
Yes, the meals are served according to the time of day:
- Breakfast is served early in the morning, typically after the train’s departure.
- Lunch is served around midday.
- Dinner is offered in the evening.
You can always check with the train crew for exact meal timings.
6. Are there any beverages available on board?
Yes, the Vande Bharat Express offers a variety of beverages such as tea, coffee, fruit juices, chilled soft drinks, and buttermilk. These are served with meals or upon request throughout the journey.
7. What if I have food allergies or other dietary restrictions?
If you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions, you can notify the onboard staff in advance to ensure your meal meets your needs. The train crew will do their best to accommodate special dietary requests whenever possible.
8. Can I bring my own food onboard?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food onboard. However, it’s recommended to avoid strong-smelling or messy foods that might disturb other passengers.
9. Is the food hygienic and freshly prepared?
Yes, the food served on the Vande Bharat Express is freshly prepared in the onboard kitchen and is made with high-quality ingredients. Regular hygiene checks are conducted to ensure food safety and cleanliness.
10. Can I cancel or change my meal order?
Meal orders can generally be modified or canceled, depending on the circumstances and how much time is left before the meal is served. It’s best to speak with the onboard staff as early as possible for any changes or cancellations.
11. How do I pay for food if I’m not in Executive Class?
If you’re in Chair Car or have opted for additional meals, payment can typically be made via cash or digital methods (like UPI or card payments) directly to the onboard staff when your meal is served.
