Food in a station or on a train: what to know before you travel

Your options for food on a train journey

Food for a train journey usually comes from one of three places: the vendors on the station platform, a pantry car on some trains, or a meal ordered in advance from a caterer. IRCTC runs its own catering service for trains, and Mealora is not affiliated with it. Check the IRCTC website or app for its current options and prices.

How platform delivery from Mealora works

• Send us your train number, station, platform and scheduled arrival time on WhatsApp.
• We confirm the delivery point, the time and the delivery charge before you pay.
• We can deliver to the platform at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS).
• We can deliver to the platform at Delhi Junction (Old Delhi - DLI).
• We can deliver to the platform at Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM).
• We can deliver to the platform at Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT).
• You can pay by cash or UPI on delivery.
• You buy your own station entry ticket, and we bring the meal to the agreed point on the platform.
• If the train is late, delivery may be later. We will call the number you give us.

Which foods travel well

Dishes that are easy to carry and eat without reheating work best. A thali with dal, rice and roti, a dry vegetable or paneer dish, and a dessert is a practical choice. Heavy gravies and seafood are harder to keep safe in a warm carriage, so eat them soon after delivery.

Prices and what they include

Our Deluxe Vegetarian Thali is ₹299 per person and the Deluxe Non-Vegetarian Thali is ₹349 per person, with Yellow Dal Tadka or Dal Makhani. The minimum order and the station delivery charge are confirmed on WhatsApp. See the full menu on the train travel meals page.

Before you order

• Check the station rules for platform entry before you travel.
• Order early enough for the time you need, and keep your phone on for our call.
• Keep the food cool if the journey is long, and eat it within a few hours.

Questions about food on a train

What is the price of a meal in a train?

Mealora does not sell meals on trains. Our packaged thalis are delivered to the station platform: Deluxe Vegetarian Thali at ₹299 per person and Deluxe Non-Vegetarian Thali at ₹349 per person. The station delivery charge and minimum order are confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay.

How much do IRCTC meals cost?

We are not affiliated with IRCTC, so we cannot comment on its prices. For our meals, see the thali prices above. Check the IRCTC website or app for its current rates.

Which food is best for train travel?

Dishes that stay fresh and are easy to eat on the move work well. Our thali includes dal, rice, roti, a vegetable or paneer dish and a dessert, which are simple to carry and eat in a train. Tell us your preferences and we will suggest the best fit for your journey.