Vande Bharat Express Rolls Out Regional Cuisine Offering Authentic Local Flavours on Select Routes

Published on December 20, 2025

Indian Railways is adding a flavorful new touch to train travel with the introduction of regional cuisine on Vande Bharat Express trains. Designed to make journeys more enjoyable, this initiative lets passengers savour authentic local dishes from different parts of the country while on board. Rolled out by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the idea is to celebrate India’s rich culinary diversity by matching the food served to the regions the trains pass through.

Available on select Vande Bharat routes, the refreshed menus feature well-known dishes from states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, Odisha, Kerala, West Bengal, and across South India, along with flavours from Jammu and Kashmir. It’s a thoughtful addition that turns a train journey into a cultural experience allowing travellers to taste the essence of each region without leaving their seats.

Bringing Regional Dishes to the Vande Bharat Express

For passengers traveling on the Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express, they can savor the flavors of Maharashtra with Kanda Poha and South Indian Dondakaya Karam Podi Fry, along with the flavorful Andhra Pradesh Andhra Kodi Kura. This highlights the cultural diversity of Southern India, blending the taste of the region with the convenience of train travel.

On the Mumbai Central-Gandhinagar Vande Bharat Express, passengers will be treated to Gujarati cuisine, with Methi Thepla offering a taste of the region’s traditional bread, while the Sabarmati Junction-Veraval Vande Bharat Express serves up Masala Lauki, a comforting dish from Gujarat. Similarly, passengers on the Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express can enjoy Odisha’s Aloo Phulkopi, a dish that reflects the rich vegetarian cuisine of the region.

In Kerala, travelers aboard the Kasargod-Trivandrum Vande Bharat Express and Mangalore-Trivandrum Vande Bharat Express will experience an array of traditional dishes including Pachakka Cherupayar Mezhukku Perati, Kadala Curry, and Kerala Paratha. The meal also includes Palada Payasam, a classic Kerala dessert. This menu reflects the state’s cultural richness and provides an authentic taste of South Indian cuisine.

For those traveling on the Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express and Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express, West Bengal’s culinary delights take center stage with Kosha Paneer and Aloo Potol Bhaja, offering a distinct Bengali flavor to the journey.

Bihar’s Signature Dishes and Jammu-Kashmir Specialties

On the Patna-Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, passengers can savor Champaran Paneer, a popular dish from Bihar, while those traveling on the Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express can enjoy the flavorful Champaran Chicken. These offerings bring a regional flair to the journey, providing travelers with a taste of Bihar’s unique culinary culture.

In the Jammu-Kashmir region, Vande Bharat Express passengers will have the opportunity to try local specialties like Ambal Kaddu and Jammu Chana Masala, along with Tomato Chaman and the dessert Kesar Phirni, adding a distinct North Indian taste to the journey.

A Vision for Connecting Indian Culinary Traditions with Modern Travel

This initiative came after discussions between Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and senior officials, who recognized the growing desire among passengers for a more culturally immersive train travel experience. The new regional menu offerings provide an exciting opportunity for travelers to engage with the food cultures of different states and regions, enriching their journey.

By offering region-specific food options, Indian Railways is not only meeting the demand for high-quality, culturally relevant food on long-distance journeys but is also supporting the Indian food tourism industry. This initiative helps passengers experience the vast and varied culinary traditions of the country without having to leave the comfort of their train seats.

The introduction of these regional menus is expected to enhance the overall experience for Vande Bharat Express passengers, with food serving as an essential element of the journey. As the initiative expands, more dishes will be introduced across other train routes, creating a deeper connection between passengers and India’s culinary diversity.

Sustainability and Quality in Train Dining

The focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients for the regional menus aligns with Indian Railways’ ongoing commitment to sustainability and quality in food services. The meals will be prepared using eco-friendly practices, contributing to the railways’ broader goal of reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing its reputation as a provider of sustainable travel services.

As part of the effort to improve passenger services, the IRCTC has also focused on ensuring that the food served is not only culturally significant but also nutritious and of the highest quality, ensuring a positive dining experience on board.

Conclusion: A Unique Experience for Vande Bharat Passengers

The introduction of regional menus on the Vande Bharat Express is set to change the way passengers experience food on Indian trains. By serving authentic local dishes on board, Indian Railways is giving travellers a chance to enjoy the flavours of different regions as they journey across the country.

This thoughtful initiative turns meals into an experience, making train travel more immersive and memorable. It also adds to the growing appeal of the Vande Bharat Express, reinforcing its position as a modern, world-class travel option that blends comfort, culture, and convenience.