Traveling across India by train is a cultural experience, but for those who follow a Jain diet, it can also be a challenge, especially when trying to find food that meets religious dietary restrictions. This article explores what Jain food is, why it’s important for travelers, and how platforms like RailMitra are addressing this growing need. RailMitra, one of India’s leading train e-catering platforms, offers a convenient and reliable solution by delivering pure Jain food in train directly to your seat.
What Is Jain Food and Why Is It Different from Other Foods?
Jain food follows the dietary principles of Jainism, a religion that emphasizes non-violence and compassion toward all living beings. The Jain diet is strict and deeply rooted in religious and ethical values. Here is the points which makes it different from other food.
- No root vegetables (e.g., potato, onion, garlic, carrot)
- No fermented foods (e.g., curd in some cases, yeast-based items)
- No meat, eggs, or fish (strict vegetarianism)
- Prepared with minimal harm to microorganisms and insects
Jain food is usually light, easy to digest, and cooked with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Types of Jain Meals Available on Trains
Most Jain meals are simple, nutritious, and prepared with traditional Indian cooking methods. Common items include:
- Jain Thali: Includes rice, sabzi, dal, chapati (no root vegetables)
- Jain Pulao: Fragrant rice dish made with spices and vegetables (excluding onion and garlic)
- Jain Sabzi-Roti: Mixed vegetable curry with roti, made Jain-style
- Jain Snacks: Light items like poha, upma, or khichdi suitable for short journeys
The Challenge: Finding Jain Food While Traveling
For Jain travelers, especially during long train journeys, finding meals that adhere to these principles can be difficult. Most station food stalls and pantry cars offer standard vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals, which often include onions, garlic, and other restricted ingredients.
Common issues faced by Jain travelers:
- Lack of Jain-specific meals at railway stations
- Risk of contamination in common kitchens
- Uncertainty about food preparation methods
- Limited control over meal ingredients and timing
RailMitra: Making Jain Food Accessible on Indian Trains
To address this issue, services like RailMitra have emerged, offering Jain food delivery in trains through a network of FSSAI-registered restaurants across India.
How it works:
- Passengers can pre-order Jain food online by entering their PNR number or train details
- They choose from Jain meal options at specific stations along their route
- The food is prepared fresh and delivered directly to the passenger’s seat on the train
This system ensures that passengers have access to safe, hygienic, and fully Jain-compliant meals, even on long-distance train journeys.
Benefits of Jain Food Delivery in Trains
Ordering Jain food through platforms like RailMitra offers several advantages:
1. Adherence to Religious Practices
Meals are prepared without onion, garlic, or any underground vegetables, ensuring full compliance with Jain dietary laws.
2. Hygiene and Safety
RailMitra partners only with FSSAI-certified restaurants, ensuring that food preparation standards meet hygiene guidelines.
3. Convenience
Meals can be ordered in advance and delivered directly to your seat, saving time and reducing travel-related stress.
4. Availability Across India
Whether you're traveling from Mumbai to Delhi or Jaipur to Kolkata, Jain food can be delivered at major railway stations across India.
How to Ensure Your Jain Meal is Authentic
Here are a few tips for Jain travelers:
- Check whether the food provider is FSSAI-registered
- Ensure your meal is labeled or confirmed as "Jain"
- Order in advance to avoid last-minute issues
- Use trusted platforms like RailMitra for verified restaurant partners
Conclusion
For Jain travelers in India, access to pure and hygienic food is essential, especially on long train journeys. Thanks to services like RailMitra, passengers can now enjoy authentic Jain meals in trains, without compromising on their faith or dietary needs. With a growing demand for personalized travel services, Jain food delivery in trains is more than a convenience—it's a necessity that ensures spiritual and physical well-being on the go.
FAQ
1. Can I get Jain food on any train in India?
Yes, RailMitra offers Jain food delivery on most long-distance and express trains across India. You just need to enter your PNR number or train details to check availability at upcoming stations.
2. Is Jain food available at all railway stations?
While not available at every station, Jain meals can be delivered at over 450+ major railway stations where RailMitra has partnered with FSSAI-approved restaurants.
3. Is the food 100% Jain-compliant?
Yes. The food is prepared without onion, garlic, or any root vegetables. It follows the dietary principles of Jainism and is cooked in separate kitchens by trained chefs.
4. Does RailMitra provide non-veg food in trains?
Yes, RailMitra offers non-veg food in train delivery through its network of FSSAI-approved restaurants at selected stations. Passengers can choose from a variety of chicken, egg, and fish-based dishes while booking meals online.