Meals on train has always been a concern for travelers. The meals offered on the train has low quality, and a lack of healthy options. They are bit expensive and never satisfy the hunger. They are tasteless and never made the travelers happy. People just eat them in case of no option. This is the reason that many travelers carry their own tiffin boxes full of different food item. They have their snacks too. But most of the people and for solo traveler train meals are still the only source of their food while travelling on train. I think the Indian railway took a note of this concern and made some improvement in the food quality. Recently while travelling in Vande Bharat Express, I found their services qualify for some standard.
The Vande Bharat Express is gaining immense popularity these days among the youngsters primarily due to its blend of speed, modern, aircraft-like amenities. Especially the in-house meals services being offered. The fare for travelling on these train is slightly on the higher side as compared to other train. The train is currently running in specific route. And when I get a chance to travel, I was especially focused on their meals. I have heard some mixed reaction regarding the meals offered on this train. There is no other charges for the food item. The meals and snacks prices were included in the ticket prices. So once you onboard the train, they begin their services with a bottle of water. And then once the train start running in the track, they start with their snacks plate.
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The snack plate have wrapped branded item, which shows they are pretty sure to take care of the hygiene. They have a mini
- Mixed fruit juice
- A packet caramel flavored pop corn
- A packet of crispy 'haldiram' namkeen
- A stuffed Kachori
- A small tomato ketchup
I especially liked the pop corn and the kachori. They taste much better than what is available in local street.
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Once the snack is over, the train staff came to clear the plates and collect the unused item. They made sure to make the place clean. Soon they bring a packet of tea powder and hot water.
Who does not like to have hot beverages after some snack. And the staff made sure to make serving timely to avoid delays. The services was so good and on time. After enjoying the snack and tea. The passengers went on the break. It is a 7 hrs. long journey so we are expecting dinner on time. In the mean time the pantry staff keep vending the chips, cookies and tea to passenger. But these will be chargeable. Around 8.30 PM they serve us the dinner on our seat. I was quite excited about the food quality and was ready to explore something new Vande Bharat.
The dinner was served on aluminum plate, packed with paper cover. The meals include following in menu ;
- 4 qty of chappati
- Boiled rice
- Shahi paneer
- Dry mix veg
- Curd
- pickle
- wooden spoon
- a tissue paper
I found the food ok, except the curd, which was bit sour. Rest of the food item were average taste. Post the meals, the staff were quick to place a mini cup of Vanilla Ice cream as sweet item. It was a mother dairy made, so the quality was good.
BTW...*I asked to extra cup of ice cream and they were happy to serve me. I enjoyed my travel and so does the food. There might be different reason, either in was ok, or the Railway has taken some major steps to improve their services. Vande Bharat is changing the train travelling experience and many people like me are thoroughly enjoying such ride with good services
In good faith - Peace!!
