Train journeys in India are as much about the experience as the destination — the open skies, changing landscapes and, above all, the food. With the launch of India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train on the Howrah–Kamakhya route, the onboard menu curated by IRCTC has emerged as a major highlight for travellers.
The service was inaugurated on Saturday by Narendra Modi and features a specially designed vegetarian menu inspired by the culinary traditions of West Bengal and Assam.
Menu rooted in regional flavours
According to reports, the menu has been curated by Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, in collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The focus is on regional identity, seasonal ingredients and gentle flavours suitable for overnight travel.
Two distinct vegetarian menus have been developed — one reflecting Bengali cuisine and the other highlighting Assamese food traditions. Ingredients are reportedly sourced from nearby farms, with an emphasis on nutrition and freshness.
Bengali and Assamese delights onboard
Passengers opting for the Bengali menu can expect dishes such as basanti pulao, cholar dal, moong dal and preparations made from chana and dhokar-style ingredients.
The Assamese menu includes joha rice, mati mohar, masoor dal and seasonal vegetable bhajis, known for their light seasoning and comforting taste.
Desserts are also a highlight, with traditional sweets like sandesh, narikol burfi and rasgulla reflecting the shared sweet heritage of the region.
What makes the sleeper service unique
The Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper is India’s first overnight Vande Bharat service, covering nearly 1,000 kilometres. The fully air-conditioned train has 16 sleeper coaches — First AC, AC 2-tier and AC 3-tier — accommodating around 823 passengers.
With regional food, modern comfort and overnight connectivity, the new service aims to redefine long-distance rail travel in eastern and northeastern India.