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There’s a quiet charm in long train journeys—the rhythmic clatter of wheels, the chai at every station, and the gentle unfolding of human stories in a shared compartment. Flights may save time, but trains give something far more precious—they give experience.
At this stage of life, with time finally on our side and an empty nest at home, we consciously choose trains over flights. A 22-hour journey doesn’t feel long—it feels generous. Generous enough to observe, to connect, and sometimes, just to sit back and watch life pass by the window.
I am an extrovert—with caution. I enjoy conversations, but I equally cherish quiet observation. Every co-passenger carries a story, and I find joy in simply noticing.
And then comes the most comforting part of any journey—home-cooked food.
Why I prefer home-cooked food for a train journey
Nearly four decades ago, when we (me and RB) started family and travel was a favourite pastime, we happily ate the meals served on trains. It was convenient and enjoyable. But over time, concerns about hygiene and food handling have made me return to my own kitchen.
Today, I prefer carrying simple, familiar, and thoughtfully packed meals from home. Food that is not just tasty—but safe, light, and long-lasting.
My memories of train food still carry the nostalgia of poori aloo, stuffed achar paratha, mathri, namakpaare, and spicy mixtures. But now, experience has taught me to choose foods that travel well and digest easily. I am sharing some options that satiate and energise during the long train journey
Train Journey Food Plan (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Here’s my practical and time-tested home-cooked travel food plan for a train journey:
🌅 Breakfast Options (Light & Fresh)
Poha with peanuts – light, non-greasy, easy to digest
Thepla with pickle – stays fresh for long hours
Stuffed achar paratha – filling and travel-friendly
Vegetable sandwiches (dry filling) – neat and convenient
Thermos tea or coffee – because mornings deserve warmth (It's avoidable, if you are ok with the masala tea served in the train)
☀️ Lunch Options (Simple & Satisfying)
Poori + sukha aloo sabzi – classic and reliable
Vegetable pulao – mildly spiced and filling
Thepla + dry sabzi (karela/aloo methi) – excellent shelf life
Paratha + pickle – fuss-free and comforting
Amul curd cup – easily available and a refreshing addition
🌙 Dinner Options (Light & Comforting)
Vegetable pulao or jeera rice – keep it simple
Thepla + curd – light and easy for digestion
Paratha + dry sabzi (karela works well)
Semi-dry khichdi – soothing and satisfying
🍪 Travel Snacks to Carry
Mathri & namakpaare – crunchy and long-lasting
Mixture & small namkeen packets – easy portion control
Dry fruits & roasted makhana – healthy snacking
Khakhra or biscuits – perfect for light hunger
Seasonal fruits (choose non-messy options)
🧳 Quick Packing Tips for Train Food
Prefer dry sabzis to avoid spoilage
Avoid heavy gravies and onion-rich dishes in summer
Use disposable recyclable containers
Carry tissues, spoons, and small garbage bags
Pack food in small portions for easy handling
A Journey Beyond Food
In the end, a train journey is not just about reaching a destination. It is about slowing down… about watching fields blur into sunsets, about overheard conversations, and about sharing a smile with a stranger.
And somewhere in between, opening a tiffin filled with home-cooked food—it feels like carrying a piece of home along the tracks.
Because no matter how far you travel,
nothing nourishes quite like food made in your own kitchen.
Neerja Bhatnagar
If you're looking for interesting and effective content on mental health, parenting, lifestyle, reviews, and more, consider subscribing to my other blog, Neerja's Musings.
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