Indian Rail Catering

If you’re traveling on an Indian Railways train, chances are you’ll be relying on IRCTC meal booking services to satisfy your hunger pangs. Booking your meals in advance not only ensures that you don’t go hungry during your journey but also saves you the hassle of having to carry your food. Below are some tips to make the most of your IRCTC meal booking experience: 

Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

IRCTC meal services offer a wide range of meal options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a vegetarian, or non-vegetarian, or have specific dietary requirements, you can easily find a meal option that suits your needs. However, it’s important to plan your meals ahead of time so that you can choose the right meal option when booking your tickets. The IRCTC website allows you to book your meals up to 2 hours before the scheduled departure of your train, so make sure to book your meals in advance.

Check the Menu

Before booking your meals, it’s a good idea to check the menu to ensure that the meal options suit your taste buds. IRCTC offers a variety of meal options, including vegetarian thalis, non-vegetarian meals, snacks, and beverages. You can also opt for Jain meals, which are prepared without onion, garlic, and root vegetables. Checking the menu beforehand will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when your food arrives.

Choose the Right Meal Option

When booking your meals, make sure to choose the right meal option based on your preferences. For example, if you prefer vegetarian meals, make sure to choose a vegetarian thali or a veg meal option. Similarly, if you’re a non-vegetarian, choose a non-veg meal option. If you have specific dietary requirements, make sure to opt for a meal option that suits your needs. 

Book Meals for the Right Journey

IRCTC meal services are available on select trains, so make sure to check if the service is available on your train before booking your meals. Additionally, IRCTC meal services are available for journeys of 100 km or more, so make sure to book your meals for the right journey.

Opt for E-Catering Services

If you’re traveling on a train where IRCTC meal services are not available, you can opt for e-catering services provided by IRCTC. E-catering services allow you to order food from a wide range of restaurants and food outlets at select railway stations. You can order your food online or via phone and have it delivered to your seat on the train.

Choose the Right Payment Method

IRCTC meal services accept a range of payment options, including credit/debit cards, net banking, and e-wallets. Choose the payment method that is most convenient for you. If you’re booking your meals on the IRCTC website, make sure to use a secure payment gateway to ensure the safety of your transaction.

Book Your Meals in Advance

IRCTC meal services allow you to book your meals up to 2 hours before the scheduled departure of your train. However, it’s a good idea to book your meals well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. If you’re booking your meals on the IRCTC website, make sure to do so at least a few hours before the scheduled departure of your train.

Carry Your Water

While IRCTC meal services provide water bottles, it’s always a good idea to carry your water bottle to avoid dehydration. Make sure to fill your water bottle at the railway station before boarding the train.

Check Your Meals on Delivery

When your meals arrive, make sure to check the contents of your meal package to ensure that you have received the right meal options and everything is in good condition. If there are any discrepancies, make sure to inform the catering staff immediately. If you have any special requests or requirements, you can also inform the catering staff in advance so that they can accommodate your needs.

Keep Your Meal Coupon Safe

When booking your meals on the IRCTC website, you will receive a meal coupon that you will need to present to the catering staff when your meals are delivered. Make sure to keep this coupon safe and handy, as you will not be able to receive your meals without it.

Be Mindful of Food Hygiene

While IRCTC meal services strive to maintain high food hygiene standards, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of food hygiene when consuming food on a train. Make sure to wash your hands before eating, avoid touching your face while eating, and ensure that the food you consume is cooked properly and is not spoiled.

Give Feedback

IRCTC meal services are constantly striving to improve their services, and your feedback can go a long way in helping them achieve this goal. If you have any feedback or suggestions regarding the quality of the food, service, or overall experience, make sure to share them with the catering staff or via the IRCTC website. 

Check the Delivery Timing

IRCTC meal services have specific delivery timings, so make sure to check the timing for your train before booking your meals. This will ensure that you receive your meals on time and don’t have to wait for too long. 

Check the Cost

IRCTC meal services are reasonably priced, but the cost may vary based on the meal option and train class. Make sure to check the cost of the meal option you’re interested in and factor it into your travel budget.

Avoid Ordering Too Much

While it may be tempting to order multiple meals or snacks, make sure to avoid over-ordering. Not only will this increase the cost of your journey, but it may also lead to the wastage of food.

Check the Reviews

If you’re unsure about the quality of IRCTC meals or want to know more about the meal options, check the reviews on the IRCTC website or other online platforms. This will give you an idea of the quality of the food, service, and overall experience, and help you make an informed decision when booking your meals. 

In conclusion, booking Indian rail catering meals is a great option for those traveling on Indian Railways. With a variety of meal options to choose from, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, snacks, and beverages, IRCTC meal services provide a convenient and hassle-free way to ensure that you don’t go hungry during your train journey.