Traveling by train in India is not just about the journey; it's also an opportunity to explore the diverse and delectable cuisines that the country has to offer. Punjabi cuisine, with its rich and robust flavors, has garnered a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts. Thankfully, you can now enjoy authentic Punjabi food right on your train journey. In this article, we will take you on a flavorful journey through the world of healthy and tasty Punjabi dishes, online food order in train, ensuring that your train ride is a culinary delight.

The Essence of Punjabi Cuisine

Punjabi cuisine is known for its bold and hearty flavours, lavish use of dairy products, and a love for spices. Some key characteristics of Punjabi cuisine include:

Rich and Creamy: Punjabi dishes often incorporate rich ingredients such as ghee (clarified butter), cream, and yoghurt, lending a creamy and indulgent texture to the food.

Tandoori Cooking: Tandoor (clay oven) cooking is a signature technique in Punjabi cuisine, used for making items like tandoori roti, naan, and tandoori chicken.

Spice Infusion: Punjabi cuisine uses an array of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, to create flavorful and aromatic dishes.

Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Options: While Punjabi cuisine offers a plethora of vegetarian dishes like paneer tikka and chole bhature, it's also known for its succulent non-vegetarian options such as butter chicken and chicken tikka.

Popular Punjabi Dishes to Savor on Your Train Journey

Butter Chicken: Begin your culinary journey with the iconic butter chicken, a rich and creamy tomato-based curry with tender pieces of chicken. It's best enjoyed with butter naan or roti.

Paneer Tikka: For vegetarians, paneer tikka is a delightful choice. It features marinated and grilled cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) infused with smoky flavours.

Chole Bhature: This classic North Indian dish consists of spicy chickpea curry served with puffy, deep-fried bread called bhature. It's a hearty and satisfying meal.

Dal Makhani: Dal makhani is a creamy and indulgent lentil dish made from black lentils and kidney beans, simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce. It's a comfort food favourite.

Aloo Paratha: Aloo paratha is a popular breakfast option that consists of unleavened flatbreads stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes. It's often served with yogurt and pickles.

Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti: A winter speciality, sarson da saag is a leafy greens dish, typically made from mustard greens, cooked with spices and served with cornflatbread (makki di roti).

Lassi: Cool down with a glass of lassi, a traditional yoghurt-based drink that can be sweet or salty. It's a refreshing accompaniment to spicy Punjabi dishes.

How to Order Punjabi Food on Trains?

Indian Railways has made it convenient for passengers to order Punjabi food while traveling by train. Here's how you can do it:

E-catering Services: Indian Railways offers e-catering services through various online platforms and mobile apps. Passengers can browse the menu, place orders, check pnr status, and make payments digitally.

Pre-Booked Meals: You can pre-book your Punjabi meal at the time of ticket reservation or later through the IRCTC website or app. This ensures that your meal is ready at your desired station during the journey.

On-Board Pantry Services: Many long-distance trains have on-board pantry services that offer a limited but tasty selection of Punjabi dishes.

Local Vendors at Stations: At major railway stations, you can find local vendors and food stalls that serve authentic Punjabi food. You can purchase these items and enjoy them on the train.

Health Benefits of Punjabi Cuisine

While Punjabi cuisine is often associated with indulgence, it can still offer some health benefits:

Protein-Rich: Many Punjabi dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, are protein-rich due to the use of ingredients like lentils, paneer, and chicken.

Balanced Nutrition: A typical Punjabi meal includes a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, providing balanced nutrition.

Fresh Ingredients: The cuisine often incorporates fresh vegetables and herbs, contributing to the overall nutritional value.

Portion Control: While some Punjabi dishes are rich, portion control can help you enjoy the flavours without overindulging.

Conclusion

As you embark on your train journey in India, make sure to relish the hearty and flavorful Punjabi cuisine. From the creamy butter chicken to the spicy chole bhature and the soul-warming dal makhani, Punjabi food offers a wide range of options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. With the convenience of e-catering services and pre-booked meals, you can enjoy these delectable dishes right in your train compartment. While Punjabi cuisine may be indulgent, it can still be enjoyed in moderation and can offer a satisfying and flavorful dining experience. So, sit back, relax, and savour the robust and delicious flavours of Punjab as the train takes you on a journey through India's diverse landscapes.