Tejas Express, one of India’s premier semi-high-speed trains, is celebrated for its world-class facilities and modern amenities. Among its highlights is the onboard catering service, which delivers meals that promise quality, variety, and value for money
the specifics of food quality and prices on Tejas Express, exploring the offerings and how they compare to other premium trains in India.
Food Quality in Tejas Express
Tejas Express is operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), renowned for its commitment to hygiene and quality. The food served on Tejas Express is carefully curated to match the expectations of its premium passengers. Below are some of the key aspects of the food quality:
Hygienic Preparation
Meals are prepared in modern kitchens adhering to stringent cleanliness and safety standards.
Regular quality checks are conducted to ensure the food meets FSSAI guidelines.
Diverse Menu Options
The menu includes Indian, continental, and regional delicacies.
Passengers can enjoy both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
Fresh Ingredients
Meals are cooked with fresh ingredients, ensuring taste and nutritional value.
Seasonal fruits and fresh dairy products are often part of the meals.
Presentation
Meals are served in eco-friendly and well-packaged containers, emphasizing sustainability.
The packaging also ensures the food remains hot and fresh during the journey.
Taste
Reviews from passengers often highlight the good taste and balanced seasoning of the food.
The variety ensures that passengers can experience a range of flavors on their journey.
Food Pricing in Tejas Express
The pricing of food on Tejas Express is transparent and reasonable, considering the premium service. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing system:
Inclusive Pricing
For most Tejas Express trains, catering charges are included in the ticket price for Executive Chair Car and Chair Car passengers. This ensures passengers don’t have to worry about additional costs during their journey.
Optional Catering
Some Tejas Express services allow passengers to opt-out of onboard catering at the time of booking, reducing the ticket cost. For these passengers, food can still be purchased separately.
A La Carte Pricing
For passengers who opt-out of catering but wish to buy food onboard, items are available à la carte. Prices for these meals range from ₹100 to ₹300, depending on the dish.
Snack Options
Light snacks such as samosas, sandwiches, and cookies are priced between ₹50 and ₹150.
Beverages like tea, coffee, and soft drinks are also affordably priced.
Meal Prices
Breakfast: ₹150 to ₹200 (includes items like poha, upma, bread toast, juice, and tea/coffee).
Lunch/Dinner: ₹250 to ₹350 (includes a full meal with rice, bread, curry, dessert, and salad).
Snacks: ₹100 to ₹200 (includes combo packs like sandwiches, muffins, and beverages).
Menu Highlights
Here’s an example of the type of food you can expect on Tejas Express:
Breakfast
South Indian platter: Idli, vada, sambhar, chutney.
Continental: Omelette, bread rolls, and butter/jam.
Accompaniments: Juice, tea, or coffee.
Lunch and Dinner
Vegetarian: Paneer curry, mixed vegetables, dal, rice, chapati, pickle, salad, and dessert.
Non-Vegetarian: Chicken curry, rice, chapati, salad, and a dessert.
Snacks
Evening snacks: Veg puff, sandwiches, and a choice of tea/coffee.
Cookies or biscuits are often served as complimentary treats.
Desserts
Gulab jamun, ice cream, or brownies are included with main meals.
Comparison with Other Premium Trains
Vande Bharat Express
Tejas Express and Vande Bharat both offer high-quality meals, but Tejas Express fares slightly better in terms of pricing flexibility due to its à la carte options.
Shatabdi Express
While Shatabdi meals are included in ticket prices, the presentation and variety on Tejas Express often exceed those of Shatabdi trains.
Rajdhani Express
Rajdhani serves extensive meals, but Tejas Express’ emphasis on regional flavors and eco-friendly packaging gives it an edge.
Passenger Feedback on Food Quality
Positive Reviews
Many passengers commend the freshness and taste of the meals.
The eco-friendly packaging is a significant plus point for environmentally-conscious travelers.
Areas for Improvement
Some passengers suggest expanding regional options for specific routes.
A few reviews point out that beverage portions could be more generous.
Food quality and pricing on Tejas Express reflect the train’s status as a premium service. With its focus on hygiene, variety, and affordability, Tejas Express provides passengers with an excellent dining experience during their journey. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast or a hearty dinner, the catering service ensures satisfaction while emphasizing value for money. For travelers seeking convenience and high-quality meals on the go, Tejas Express sets a high benchmark in Indian rail travel.
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