Dining Options on Pakistan Railways 2026 — What to Eat Onboard
From steaming chai at platform stalls to on-board meals on the Green Line — your complete guide to eating well during Pakistan Railway journeys.
Where Your Meals Come From on a Train
On-Board Catering
- Green Line Express: Full meals included in AC Business/Parlor
- Some trains have pantry cars with fresh-cooked meals
- Train attendants serve chai and snacks in AC coaches
- Quality varies by train — Green Line is the best
Platform Vendors
- Chai (tea) vendors at every station — Rs. 30-50
- Hot samosas, pakoras, and snacks
- Fruit sellers with seasonal options
- Biryani and meal plates at junction stations
Carry Your Own
- Most reliable option for dietary preferences
- Parathas and sandwiches are classic choices
- Pack snacks for delays — trains can run late
- No restrictions on personal food
Must-Try Platform Bites at Key Stations
Lahore Junction
The famous Lahore food stalls are just outside the main gate. The platform vendors sell excellent samosas.
Multan Cantt
Try the Multani Sohan Halwa — vendors bring boxes to the train. Affordable and delicious.
Rohri Junction
The biryani at Platform 1 stall is a traveler favorite. Quick service and generous portions.
Rawalpindi
Terminal station — plenty of time to eat. The kebab stalls near Gate 2 are popular with locals.
Karachi City / Cantt
Limited platform food. Better restaurants are outside the station. Carry food for departures.
Sukkur
Famous for premium dates. Vendors bring trays to the train window — great for gifts too.
🧳 What to Pack for Your Journey
Train water may not be clean. Stay hydrated.
Classic Pakistani train food. Stays good for 8+ hours.
Easy to eat, no mess, nutritious. Avoid cut fruits.
Sealed packs stay fresh and are convenient.
Ask the train attendant for hot water — make your own chai!
High energy, compact, and light to carry.
Easy to eat on moving trains. No plates needed.
For cleaning hands before and after eating.
Hygiene Do's and Don'ts While Eating on Trains
💰 Approximate Food Prices on Trains
| Item | Platform Price | On-Board Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chai (Tea) | Rs. 30-50 | Rs. 50-80 | Available at every stop |
| Samosa / Pakora | Rs. 30-60 | Rs. 50-80 | Best at junction stations |
| Biryani Plate | Rs. 150-300 | Rs. 300-500 | Quality varies widely |
| Bottled Water (1.5L) | Rs. 50-80 | Rs. 80-120 | Check seal before buying |
| Egg Sandwich | Rs. 80-120 | Rs. 100-150 | Fresh and filling |
| Full Meal (Roti+Curry) | Rs. 200-400 | Rs. 400-700 | Available at major stops |
| Cold Drink (Pepsi/Coke) | Rs. 60-100 | Rs. 80-120 | Canned preferred |
| Green Line Meal | — | Included | AC Business/Parlor only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question to expand the answer
On premium trains like the Green Line Express, AC Business and Parlor class tickets include complimentary meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner depending on timing). The meal typically includes rice/biryani or roti with curry, a drink, and dessert. On most other trains, food is NOT included in any class — you need to purchase separately from vendors or the pantry car.
On-board catered meals (Green Line, Business class) are generally safe. Platform food from established stalls is usually fine — look for places with high turnover (busier = fresher). Avoid pre-packaged items with broken seals, uncovered food, and cut fruits from random vendors. When in doubt, stick to packaged snacks, bananas, and bottled water from sealed brands.
Absolutely! There are no restrictions on carrying your own food. In fact, many experienced travelers recommend it for long journeys. Pack non-messy, non-smelly foods out of consideration for co-passengers. Many families prepare parathas, sandwiches, fruits, and snacks for the journey. Keep a small cooler bag for items that need to stay fresh.
Lahore Junction is famous for its food variety. Multan Cantt has excellent BBQ. Rohri Junction is known for Sindhi biryani. Rawalpindi station has good chapli kebab stalls. Sukkur is known for dates and sweets. Quetta has delicious sajji near the station. Most junction stations with longer stops (10+ min) have better food options.
Platform chai: Rs. 30-50 per cup. Samosas/pakoras: Rs. 30-60. Biryani plate: Rs. 150-300. Full meal (roti + curry): Rs. 200-400. Bottled water: Rs. 50-100. On-board catered meals (Green Line): included in ticket or Rs. 500-800. Prices vary by station and vendor — expect slightly higher prices on the train compared to outside.
☕ Ready for Your Delicious Journey?
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