The chew-chew ride
he humble second-class compartment of an Indian train packs in far more adventure than any budget airline. And it certainly gives us lots more to eat.
Oh how we eat! Some stock up at the nearest snack bar as soon as they arrive at the platform. Others break out the tiffin carriers loaded with comfort food as soon as the engine lets out that long toot. The adventurous try their luck at the stations on the way. And the canniest of this breed hold their peace until the train pulls into that particular station where you get the best insert-favourite-delicacy-here on the planet.
The entire Forbes India team put their heads together for this feature. Suggestions rolled back and forth on the group email faster than Satyam jokes. Here, for your delectation, is the cream of the crop: The definitive guide to the best food any set of wagon wheels will take you to. 
1. Chhole-Tikki
Tundla, UP. A British colonial era station. Trains stop longer because it is a hub for changing drivers and guards.
Taste Quotient: Potato pancakes with chickpea gravy; make a filling meal for people on the move.
2. Milk Pedas
Mathura, UP. A hub for long-distance travel both on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai routes.
Taste Quotient: No smell of spoilt milk or cheap plastic. Neither brittle nor soggy, the pedas have just the right consistency and sweetness.
3. Rasgullas
Abu Road, Rajasthan. This is where people headed for Mount Abu get off the train.
Taste Quotient: The sugary syrup takes its unique taste from the earthen pots they are served in, making rasgullas taste much fresher.
4. Mirchi Wada
Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Tourism hub. Many people start their palace tours from here.
Taste Quotient: There’s nothing better than the hot chilli wadas to beat the chilly winter of Jodhpur.
5.Ghaari
Surat, Gujarat. This textile and diamond hub is a major junction on the Western Railway.
Taste Quotient: These milkcake dumplings are high on sugar and are a treat for those who love ghee-based sweets.
6.Breakfast & snacks
Deccan Queen (Mumbai-Pune, Maharashtra). Ideal for people travelling frequently between the two cities.
Taste Quotient: For breakfast, there’s yummy baked beans on toast, chicken and vegetable cutlets. On the evening journey out of Mumbai, there’s freshly-fried fish and chips and, of course, the city’s legendary Parsi Dairy Kulfi.
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Great article, made me very nostalgic because my dad worked for the Railways and chew-chew rides were an integral part of life. Thank you
