Long train rides in India have never been so comfortable because of the arrival of online food-ordering websites on railways. Those were the times of settling for pantry car food or relying on vendors at railway stations. Now, passengers can have their fresh, clean food brought right to their seats on the train, all through a few touches on their mobile phone.
Here, we’ll guide you through an easy step-by-step process to online railway food booking on the train, so your next train ride is convenient and tasty.
Step 1: Select a Trustworthy Online Train Food Ordering Webpage
The initial step is to pick a reliable website that has online food ordering on trains. Some common names are:
- Zomato (for some trains and stations)
- RailRestro
- TravelKhana
- IRCTC e-Catering
These operators partner with FSSAI-approved restaurants throughout India to provide delivery to big stations.
Step 2: Fill Out Your Train Information
After landing on the selected webpage or app:
- Fill in your PNR number, or
- Enter the train number and date of travel
This enables the platform to recognise your coach, seat, and reaching stations where delivery is enabled.
Step 3: Browse the Menu Based on Station Availability
You will be able to find a list of restaurants and food items available at upcoming stations (e.g., Nagpur, Surat, Jhansi, etc.).
Standard meal types are:
- Veg/Non-Veg Thalis
- South Indian Meals
- Biryani and Combos
- Satvik and Jain meals
- Snacks, Desserts, and Drinks
Select your favourite station and restaurant first for online food order in train.
Step 4: Customise Your Online Food Order in Train
Put your chosen items into a cart, just as you would with any food ordering app. Some sites enable you to:
- Include special requests (e.g., not too spicy, no onion)
- Select portion sizes
- Select combo deals
Double-check that your mobile number is correctly entered so that the delivery person can call and inform you when necessary.
Step 5: Make the Payment
You can either:
- Pay online via UPI, credit/debit card, or wallet, or
- Opt for Cash on Delivery (COD) at your train seat
Most platforms offer secure payment gateways. Online payment is encouraged for faster processing.
Step 6: Track Your Order and Get It Delivered to Your Seat
Once your order is confirmed, you’ll receive SMS or WhatsApp updates about:
- Restaurant confirmation
- Preparation and dispatch
- Delivery status
When your train arrives at the destination station of your choice, a delivery agent will deliver the food to your seat—no need to get off the train!
Tips for a Smooth Online Railway Food Booking Experience
- Book a minimum of 60–90 minutes prior to arrival at the delivery station
- Verify your PNR or seat/coach number before booking
- Select morning/lunch hours for quicker delivery at high-traffic stations
- Always check restaurant ratings and reviews
In Summary
With more partner restaurants and enhanced delivery tracking, train online food orders have revolutionised travel meals in India. Whether commuting alone or with family, a quality meal at your seat is now just a click away. So next time you are boarding a train, avoid the pantry and enjoy the convenience of online railway food booking with the assistance of Traveler Food!
