Train food was different in the 1990s. There was no uniform catering policy, so local flavors were available on every route. Vegetarian thali, egg curry and snacks like samosa-kachori available at stations were common.
There was a time when there were no high-speed trains like today or mobile apps for ordering food at your fingertips. Indian Railways journeys in the 1990s had a different kind of fun and memories of their own. At that time, the arrangements for food and drinks in the railways were not at all like today. Let us know more about that train flavor of the 90s.
different flavors
Before today’s IRCTC system, Indian Railways did not have any uniform catering policy. Each railway zone made its own arrangements for food and drinks. In long distance trains, food was prepared inside the train itself, while refreshment rooms at major stations and private contractors also helped in supplying food. Because of this, passengers on each route got to taste different menus and local flavours.
Vegetarian Thali
In those days, vegetarian thali was the most popular dish in trains. It mainly consisted of rice or chapatti, dal, a simple vegetable and pickles. This food, which was easily prepared and heated in a moving train, was good for health and easy to digest. Pulao and khichdi were also included in the menu for long journeys.
Craze for egg dishes
Among non-veg items, egg products were most liked. Omelet was served for breakfast and egg curry was served as the main meal. Chicken dishes were available only on select routes. If one wanted to eat mutton, one had to depend on the canteens of big stations.
The taste of each region was most reflected in the breakfast. On the route of North India, hot Aloo Paratha and curd were available, whereas on the route of South India, Idli, Upma and Pongal were more preferred. Bread and butter were commonly available in almost all zones.
Samosa, Kachori, Cutlet and Vada
Stopping of the train at the station was no less than a festival for the passengers. Apart from the samosas, kachoris and cutlets sold in coaches, hot pakodas and vadas wrapped in newspaper at major junctions doubled the fun of the journey. Tea vendors were also very visible.
Soan Papdi, Gulab Jamun and gram flour laddus were the main sweets of that period. Unlike today, bottled water was not common at that time. Passengers either carried water from home or filled their bottles from taps installed on the platform.