Top Indian Foods for Train Travel: Snacks & Meals by Trip Length
When on a train journey in India, food plays a significant role in enhancing the travel experience. Indian train travel, often scenic and leisurely, gives passengers the time and space to savor meals, connect with family and friends, or simply enjoy some solo time with a good snack or meal by their side.
However, choosing the right food for a journey can be challenging, as it must balance freshness, convenience, and nutritional value.
Train journeys vary in length, from short trips to multi-day adventures, and each duration calls for a different approach to packing food. This article highlights a variety of Indian foods ideal for travel, organized by journey length, and explains the preparation process, nutritional benefits, and why each item is suited for the journey.
With this guide, travelers can enjoy fresh, flavorful meals on the go without worrying about food spoiling or causing discomfort during their travels.
Whether you’re taking a short, medium, or long trip, these classic Indian travel foods will keep you full, and energized, and make your journey more enjoyable.
For Short Journeys (4-6 hours)
- Aloo Paratha with Pickle
- Preparation: Roll out wheat dough, stuff it with spiced mashed potatoes, and cook on a tawa (griddle) with ghee or oil.
- Reason for Eating: It’s filling, easy to pack, and doesn’t spoil quickly. Pickle adds flavor without needing extra sides.
- Impact on Journey: Keeps you satisfied and energized without the need for additional snacks.
- Roti Rolls/Wraps
- Preparation: Fill rotis with paneer, vegetables, or egg, then roll and secure with foil.
- Reason for Eating: They’re compact and easy to hold, minimizing mess and making them ideal for travel.
- Impact on Journey: Balanced in nutrition, they provide a good mix of protein and carbs, keeping you alert and satisfied.
- Fruit and Nut Mixes
- Preparation: Mix your choice of dried fruits (raisins, apricots) and nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts).
- Reason for Eating: Lightweight and energy-dense, providing a quick boost.
- Impact on Journey: A convenient, mess-free snack that keeps you full between meals without any hassle.
- Poha
- Preparation: Lightly sauté flattened rice with spices, onions, and peanuts. Let it cool and pack it in an airtight container.
- Reason for Eating: It’s light, mildly flavored, and won’t spoil quickly.
- Impact on Journey: A quick breakfast or snack that keeps you refreshed and satisfied without causing discomfort.
For Medium Journeys (6-12 hours)
- Masala Pulao or Vegetable Rice
- Preparation: Cook rice with vegetables and mild spices, allowing it to cool before packing.
- Reason for Eating: It can be enjoyed cold or warm and provides a balanced meal without a mess.
- Impact on Journey: Filling and flavorful, it’s ideal for a full meal without feeling overly stuffed.
- Idli with Dry Chutney Powder
- Preparation: Make idlis and pack with a side of dry chutney powder, like gunpowder or peanut chutney.
- Reason for Eating: Idlis are non-greasy and stay fresh longer; chutney powder is flavor-packed and convenient.
- Impact on Journey: Light on the stomach and easy to eat, idlis keep you comfortable and energized.
- Khakra and Thepla
- Preparation: Prepare thin, crispy khakras and spiced theplas, letting them cool completely before packing.
- Reason for Eating: Both are lightweight, durable and won’t spoil quickly.
- Impact on Journey: Perfect for quick bites or snacks, they keep you satisfied without causing heaviness.
- Ready-to-Eat Packaged Foods
- Preparation: Purchase pre-packaged options like dal, rice, or parathas; heat if desired.
- Reason for Eating: Convenient and shelf-stable, with a variety of flavors available.
- Impact on Journey: Provides a complete meal with minimal effort, perfect when you want a no-fuss dining option.
For Long Journeys (12+ hours or Overnight)
- Thepla with Pickle
- Preparation: Make theplas by kneading spices into wheat flour dough and cooking on a tawa.
- Reason for Eating: Theplas stay fresh and soft for a day or more, especially with a side of pickle.
- Impact on Journey: Compact and easy to store, they’re ideal for multiple meals over longer journeys.
- Khakra with Chutney Powder
- Preparation: Pack crunchy khakras with a small container of chutney powder.
- Reason for Eating: A low-mess, long-lasting snack that’s easy to pack.
- Impact on Journey: Keeps hunger at bay with a crunchy texture and mild flavor that’s enjoyable on the go.
- Dry Snacks
- Preparation: Pack roasted chickpeas, makhana (fox nuts), or ready-made namkeen.
- Reason for Eating: Lightweight and filling, dry snacks last for days without needing refrigeration.
- Impact on Journey: A convenient option for snacking anytime, providing bursts of energy without heaviness.
- Instant Mixes
- Preparation: Carry single-serve packets of upma or poha mixes; just add hot water.
- Reason for Eating: Quick and hassle-free, ideal for a warm meal on the go.
- Impact on Journey: Provides a comforting meal, especially if you’re craving a hot snack during long travel.
- Dried Fruits and Nut Mixes
- Preparation: Mix up a variety of dried fruits and nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, raisins, and dates.
- Reason for Eating: A lightweight, nutrient-dense snack that’s easy to pack and doesn’t require any preparation.
- Impact on Journey: Keeps you full, providing essential vitamins and minerals for a quick energy boost.
- Ready-to-Eat Packaged Foods
- Preparation: Purchase pre-sealed meal packs, such as dal and rice, for easy dining.
- Reason for Eating: They offer a complete meal without the need for refrigeration.
- Impact on Journey: Keeps you full and nourished, making long journeys more comfortable.
For Multi-Day Journeys (1-2 days)
- Thepla with Pickle
- Preparation: Prepare spiced theplas, which remain fresh for multiple days.
- Reason for Eating: Theplas are durable, soft, and easy to store.
- Impact on Journey: A filling meal option for extended trips, with enough shelf life to last a couple of days.
- Khakra with Chutney Powder
- Preparation: Pack a variety of khakras for flavor options, with dry chutney powder or achar (pickle).
- Reason for Eating: Khakras are convenient, tasty, and stay crispy for days.
- Impact on Journey: An excellent snack choice, it prevents hunger without the need for refrigeration.
- Dry Snacks
- Preparation: Include options like roasted chickpeas, peanuts, or spiced nuts.
- Reason for Eating: Lasts for days and is easy to munch on anytime.
- Impact on Journey: Adds variety and protein to your travel diet, perfect for quick bites.
- Instant Mixes
- Preparation: Carry instant mixes for upma, khichdi, or noodles; all you need is hot water.
- Reason for Eating: Quick, convenient, and provides a hot meal when desired.
- Impact on Journey: Adds a bit of comfort, especially for long trips when you crave a freshly prepared taste.
- Dried Fruits and Nut Mixes
- Preparation: Prepare a mix of nuts, raisins, apricots, and other dried fruits.
- Reason for Eating: Lightweight and full of nutrients, ideal for multi-day travels.
- Impact on Journey: Keeps energy levels up, with no prep needed for a quick snack.
- Ready-to-Eat Packaged Foods
- Preparation: Carry shelf-stable options like biryani, dal, or curry that can be eaten at any time.
- Reason for Eating: No refrigeration is required, and full meals are provided whenever hunger strikes.
- Impact on Journey: Ensures you have a satisfying, complete meal on hand, minimizing the need to buy food en route.
| Journey Length | Food Item | Preparation & Packing | Benefits for Journey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Trip | Stuffed Parathas | Prepare with minimal oil, wrap in foil, and pack with pickles or chutney. | Hydrating, nutritious, and has no need for preparation or cutlery. |
| Idli with Dry Chutney | Steam idlis, pack with dry peanut or gunpowder chutney in a container. | Non-greasy, easy to eat, and stays fresh without refrigeration. | |
| Fruits (Bananas, Apples) | Pack whole fruits in a container or bag. | Light and savory stays fresh, and can be eaten cold or at room temp. | |
| 2-Day Trip | Thepla with Pickle | Use minimal oil in cooking, wrap individually, and store with pickle. | Light, shelf-stable, and easy to eat cold without loss of flavor. |
| Poha with Peanuts | A crunchy, savory snack that keeps well without refrigeration. | Prepare dry-style with minimal moisture, and pack in an airtight container. | |
| Chivda (Spiced Flattened Rice) | Pack in an airtight container to keep crisp. | Prepare with tamarind paste and spices, and pack in a leak-proof container. | |
| Dried Fruits & Nuts | Pre-pack in small bags or containers. | High in energy, non-perishable, and nutrient-dense. | |
| 3-Day Trip | Khakhra with Chutney | Store in an airtight container with single-serve chutney packets. | Crunchy, easy to pack, and stays fresh for multiple days. |
| Puliyodarai (Tamarind Rice) | Hearty, filling, and holding up well without refrigeration. | Stays fresh due to tamarind’s preservative properties, flavorful. | |
| Aloo Puri | Make puris with minimal oil and pack in foil with dry potato curry. | Prepare with lemon juice and spices, and pack in an airtight container. | |
| 4+ Days Trip | Lemon Rice | Mix with spices, and nuts; pack in an airtight container. | Stays fresh due to acidity from lemon, great flavor. |
| Instant Oats/Poha Packets | Pack individual sachets, just add hot water when needed. | Quick to prepare, lightweight, and comforting. | |
| Sattu Ladoo | Pre-pack in an airtight container. | High in protein, energy-dense, and does not spoil easily. | |
| Murmura (Puffed Rice Mixture) | Mix with spices and nuts; pack in an airtight container. | Light, filling, and stays fresh for extended periods. |
With these options, you’re ready to make your train journey more enjoyable and hassle-free, all while enjoying the flavors of home. Each item is carefully selected for its travel-friendly nature, helping you stay satisfied and comfortable, whether it’s a short or long journey.
