Dear train travelers, do you enjoy traveling by train and want to order food while on board? If so, this post is for you; here, we provide comprehensive details on how to order food in train.how to order food in train
how to order food in train
However, a major challenge often faced is the difficulty of finding good, reliable food on the train. Whether it is a platform vendor or the limited options in the pantry car, the experience is often hit-or-miss.
But now, IRCTC’s e-Pantry and e-Catering services have eliminated this problem. You can order restaurant-quality food right from your train seat, and it will be delivered to you at your station.
Let’s explore the easy ways to order food on a train, along with new features and essential tips!
Also read :-
3 Easy Ways to Order Food on the Train
1️⃣ IRCTC e-Pantry Service (along with ticket booking)
This is a new service from IRCTC, specifically designed for Mail/Express trains that have a pantry car but do not include the cost of meals in the ticket fare.
- How to book: how to order food in train
- While booking the ticket: You will find the e-Pantry option on the IRCTC website or app. You can select your meal and make an online payment right there.
- Booking later: If you did not place an order while booking the ticket, you can still book a meal by visiting the “My Transaction” or “Booked Ticket History” section.
- Meal Verification Code (MVC): After booking, you will receive an MVC via SMS or email. This serves as the confirmation code for your order, which you must present to the vendor at the time of delivery.
- On which trains is it available? This service is currently available on 25 Mail/Express trains, including trains such as the Vivek Express, Kalinga Utkal Express, Paschim Express, and Sampark Kranti Express.
2️⃣ IRCTC e-Catering (Food on Track)
This is IRCTC’s long-standing and highly popular service, which partners with FSSAI-approved restaurants and renowned food brands located at railway stations.
- How to book:
- Website/App: Visit www.ecatering.irctc.co.in or download the “Food on Track” mobile app.
- Enter PNR: Enter your ticket’s 10-digit PNR number; this automatically retrieves your train and route details.
- Select Station: Choose the station where you wish to receive your meal during the journey.
- Choose from the Menu: Select from thousands of options—ranging from Domino’s, Haldiram’s, Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, and local vendors to special thalis.
- Make Payment: You can pay online (via UPI, card, or net banking) or opt for Cash on Delivery.
- At how many stations? This service is available at over 300 railway stations, and approximately 1.2 lakh meals are delivered daily.
3️⃣ IRCTC partner apps (Third-Party Apps)
Some third-party apps are also official partners of IRCTC, which provide more features and offers. Like: how to order food in train
- RailRecipe
- YatriRestro
Food can also be ordered on these apps by entering PNR, choosing the restaurant and ordering it at the seat with the code. These also have the option of cash on delivery.
Best tips for ordering food on the train
- Order in advance: Place your order 1–2 hours beforehand to ensure the food reaches your seat fresh and piping hot.
- Enter the correct PNR: Entering an incorrect PNR could result in the food being delivered to the wrong seat or failing to reach the train altogether.
- Check the e-catering station list: Not every station offers e-catering services; check the website beforehand to see if the facility is available at your station.
- Cash on Delivery option: If you are unsure about the delivery process, the Cash on Delivery (COD) option is the safest choice.
- Refund policy: You are entitled to a refund if your food does not arrive on time or is not delivered at all.
How to Order Food on a Train Faq
Q1: Can I order food on the train without a PNR number?
A: No, it is not possible to order food via IRCTC eCatering without a PNR number. The PNR links your ticket, train, and seat details to ensure the food is delivered to the correct location.
Q2: What is the cheapest way to order food on a train?
A: e-Catering offers options to suit every budget. You can choose the most affordable restaurant or *thali* (meal platter) options on the platform.
Q3: Can food be ordered only on trains that have a pantry car?
A: No! The e-Catering service (Food on Track) is available even on trains without a pantry car, whereas the e-Pantry service is limited to select trains that have a pantry car.
Q4: Do I get a refund if I order food on the train?
A: Yes, if your food is not delivered or the wrong item arrives, you receive a full refund. You will be notified about this via SMS or email.
Q5: Is the e-Catering facility available at all stations?
A: No, currently this facility is available at over 300 major railway stations. You can check for availability at your station on the website or app before placing an order.
Q6: Can I get Jain food or special dietary meals on the train?
A: Yes, e-Catering offers various options such as Jain food, vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and low-oil/low-spice meals.
Q7: Which app is best for booking food on a train?
A: You can use the official IRCTC eCatering (Food on Track) app or official partner apps like RailRecipe and YatriRestro.
Q8: Can I pre-order food for my train journey?
A: Yes! That is a key feature of the e-Pantry service. You can place your order at the time of booking the ticket, and the food will reach your seat on the train before you do.
Conclusion:
In this post, our team has provided comprehensive information on how to order food while traveling by train. We hope you find this post helpful and enjoyable. Please share this post with your friends so that everyone can benefit from the information provided.
👉 Share this post with all your fellow train travelers who crave home-style food! “No more worrying about food on the train—simply order and enjoy a hearty meal!”