"I was genuinely not expecting this..": Foreigner blown away by IRCTC Thali

Indian trains are more than just transport; they're rolling adventures packed with chaos, chatter, and unexpected warmth that turn strangers into stories. From the rhythmic clatter of tracks to vendors hawking chai and samosas, every journey feels like a slice of the country's culture and people.

Foreign travelers often arrive with wide eyes, ready for the legendary crowds but rarely prepared for the hidden gems like onboard hospitality.

Recently, social media lit up with a video of a foreign traveller who couldn’t stop appreciating the facilities on board.

Fran appreciates the food surprise on the train

Content creator Fran, a foreign traveler on a global adventure, shared an Instagram video that exploded online, showing his surprise at a full meal served on an Indian train. "I did not expect this on an Indian train. I had no idea that they would actually serve a meal. So we might as well review what we have got," Fran said in the clip, visibly thrilled as he unpacked the spread.

The meal included rice, dal, matar paneer, roti, pickle, curd, rasmalai, and even a hot towel, a classic veg thali that's standard on many long-distance trains via IRCTC catering. "I was genuinely not expecting this. Indian train food gets a bad reputation, but this mixed thali was actually good: good portion, fresh, proper flavour," Fran captioned, praising the quality despite preconceptions.

Social media reactions to the post

The video quickly went viral, attracting lively comments from Indians proud of their railways. "This is India, bruh, you will never sleep on an empty stomach," one user quipped, while another noted, "Mate, that is the charm of food on a train in India, and it is usually really, really good."
Another user commented, "Bro, that's not chicken, that's paneer. Cottage cheese. What you had was a veg thali meal, which is pretty standard on Indian trains," a third pointed out, educating Fran on the vegetarian delight. Offers poured in, like, "If you are in Mumbai, I would be more than happy to show you around. Cheers, mate," reflecting India's welcoming spirit.

IRCTC manages hospitality and food conditions

Indian Railways, through IRCTC, ensures meals on select Mail/Express trains with pantry cars, now made easier via E-Pantry pre-booking on 25 routes like Vivek Express.

Passengers get standard thalis delivered to their seats, with options for veg, non-veg, Jain, and more, trackable digitally for reliability. Recent upgrades also include online orders during booking or via apps, complete with refunds if undelivered.