Traveling by train has always been my most favorite form of India exploration. There is indeed something comforting about the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks, the constantly changing scenery outside the window panes, and the small moments shared with passengers. However, let’s be honest: train food hasn’t exactly been a highlight of most of my journeys. If you have ever been stuck with a boring meal or, worse still, gotten left behind at the pantry car, I can well understand your plight. Luckily, things have changed, and ordering food on train has become ridiculously easy, thanks to apps like Zomato.
I’ve done it a few times, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. Here’s my simple, step-by-step guide to ordering food on a train from Zomato. I’ll sprinkle in some tips and stories from my experiences, so grab a cup of chai, and let’s dive in!
Why Order Food in Train?
Before I dive into the “how,” let me discuss the “why.” Why bother ordering food on a train instead of sticking to the pantry car? Here’s what I have learned from my trips: variety.
Zomato brings to you restaurants near you. It’s not just one kind of food. Want a cheesy pizza or some piping hot biryani? They have it.
Quality: Honestly, the food from restaurants is much fresher and tastier than the standard fare in trains.
Convenience: You can choose the exact station at which you want the food to be delivered. No need to hurry up and grab some snacks at the last minute!
And let’s not forget—you can customize your order. Ever tried asking the pantry for less spicy curry? It’s like shouting into the void.
Step 1: Check Your Train Details
This is where your journey to deliciousness begins. Pull out your train ticket and take note of your PNR (Passenger Name Record). That 10-digit number that’s printed on your ticket will be used by Zomato to figure out your train route and the stations to drop off your food.
Pro Tip: Double-check your train’s schedule to know when it’s reaching the station where you want the food. Timing is key here.
Step 2: Open the Zomato App
If you’re already a Zomato user, great! If not, download the app and set up your account. It’s free and takes just a couple of minutes.
Once you’re logged in, look for something called ‘Food Delivery in Train’ or its variant. Zomato does experiment with its UI sometimes, but most often, it is either available right on the home screen or under services. If you cannot locate it, just use the search bar.
Step 3: Input Your PNR
This part feels a little magical to me. Once you enter your PNR, Zomato pulls out train details automatically: the name of your train, its route, and the stations where food delivery is available. It’s as if they know exactly where you are-slightly eerie but very helpful!
For instance, during one of my travels from Mumbai to Delhi, Zomato showed me restaurants available at Surat, Ratlam, and Kota stations once I input my PNR. It was similar to a carefully curated food map for myself.
Step 4: Select Your Station and Restaurant
Now comes the entertaining part: picking your meal. This is the time you can let loose and give in to your cravings. Zomato lists restaurants and varieties offered at each station.
Here’s a live example. During one trip, I was traversing Hyderabad and could not resist stopping for a plate of spicy biryani at a highly-rated local restaurant. The app showed the menu in detail with pictures that tell you exactly what you are eating.
Step 5: Customize your order
Once you have selected the restaurant and dishes, customize your meal if necessary. Whether you want extra ketchup on your burger, no onions on your sandwich, or whatever, this is the time to tweak your meal to be just right for you.
On a recent trip, my cousin was traveling with me, and she’s vegetarian. Zomato made it so easy to filter out only veg options at the station we’d selected. No stress, no confusion—just pure convenience.
Step 6: Place Your Order
After you’ve finalized your order, proceed to the payment section. Zomato accepts a variety of payment methods—UPI, debit/credit cards, and even cash on delivery (COD).
Personally, I prefer online payments to avoid dealing in cash while in a train. But if you like it old-school, COD works just fine.
Step 7: Track your order
Zomato sends you a confirmation of your order and keeps updating you in real time. You can view details such as the contact number of the delivery person and the expected time of arrival.
Well, here is a hint: Save the number of the delivery person. Sometimes they call you when they reach the station to confirm that you are seated. It is a small but important thing that makes everything run smoothly.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Meal
Your delivery person will be waiting near your coach when your train reaches the station. I do remember this one instance when, on a journey from Chennai to Bangalore, I ordered a dosa. Five minutes before my train’s arrival, a delivery guy called me, and by the time I stepped out, he was standing right there with my steaming hot order.
It was a pleasure to walk back to my seat with a perfectly packed meal, knowing I did not have to compromise over taste or hygiene.
Common Hitches (and How to Overcome Them)
Of course, no system is perfect. Here are some hiccups I’ve encountered and how you can avoid them:
Delayed Trains: If your train is running late, the restaurant might still prepare your food at the scheduled time. This can lead to lukewarm food or even cancellations. Always keep an eye on your train’s real-time status.
Missed Deliveries: Once I forgot to collect my order when the train left the station before it arrived. Lesson learned: keep setting an alarm or ask your fellow co-passenger to remind you about reaching your station.
Few Options: There will be few restaurants at smaller stations. For such stations, I recommend to order from the next city
Why I love this service
For me, it means ordering food from a train via Zomato: order again, truly, convenience-based but raises the entire travel experience to a new level. I no longer need to wait for expensive and factory meal-halts, but my taste buds sample regional delicacies from locals themselves even on the move.
Is It Safe and Reliable?
One question that I get asked a lot is, “Do I need to trust the food?” My answer is “absolutely.” Zomato partners with verified restaurants, so the food is hygienically packed, and through reviews and ratings on the app, one can make an idea of what to expect.
Conclusion
Ordering food on a train from Zomato has transformed how I travel. It is small, but having the power to choose what I eat-even in the middle of nowhere-makes me feel more in control of my journey. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go on your next train ride.
And hey, if you do, let me know what you ordered. Who knows? Maybe I’ll try it on my next trip!
Read Also : How to remove Zomato account from other devices?
