Luxury train travel is not just about the journey—it’s also about the culinary experience. From multi-course gourmet meals to local delicacies prepared onboard, the world’s finest luxury trains offer dining that rivals top-tier restaurants. Here’s a journey across continents exploring the best meals on wheels served aboard the most prestigious luxury trains in the world.
1. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe): A Gastronomic Time Capsule
The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is as famous for its cuisine as it is for its Art Deco carriages and storied history. Running routes from London to Venice and beyond, this luxury train offers a fine dining experience straight out of a 1920s romance novel.
Signature Dishes:
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Filet de bœuf Rossini (beef filet with foie gras and truffle)
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Lobster tail in Champagne sauce
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Artisanal cheeses and desserts like tarte Tatin
All meals are prepared by Michelin-trained chefs using fresh ingredients sourced from local markets en route. Dining takes place in three distinct, opulently decorated restaurant cars with a dress code that encourages evening gowns and tuxedos—an experience as refined as the food itself.
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2. The Palace on Wheels (India): Royal Rajasthani Flavors on Rails
India’s iconic Palace on Wheels offers a royal journey through Rajasthan, complete with culinary heritage deeply rooted in its princely past.
What to Expect:
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Authentic Rajasthani thalis featuring dishes like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and ker sangri
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A mix of North Indian, Mughlai, Continental, and Chinese cuisine
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Two elegant restaurants onboard: The Maharaja and The Maharani
Meals are served in lavish surroundings echoing Rajput architecture, and passengers are treated like royalty with impeccable service, including silverware and curated wine lists.
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3. The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada): Gourmet with a View
Known for its glass-domed carriages and scenic routes through the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer doesn’t include sleeper cabins—but it excels in onboard cuisine during its daylight-only journeys.
Culinary Highlights:
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Alberta beef short ribs with Yukon Gold mash
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Fresh British Columbia salmon served with wild rice and seasonal vegetables
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Wines from Okanagan Valley paired with every course
Meals are freshly prepared in small onboard kitchens, and the staff serves each course at your seat while you soak in views of glaciers, forests, and mountain peaks.
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4. The Blue Train (South Africa): A Taste of African Luxury
The Blue Train offers a blend of African hospitality, opulent interiors, and fine cuisine as it travels between Pretoria and Cape Town.
Gourmet Experience:
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Karoo lamb with rosemary jus
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Ostrich fillet with berry reduction
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South African wines from Stellenbosch and Franschhoek vineyards
Chefs use seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and passengers enjoy their meals in a formal dining room with white-linen service and crystal glassware. High tea and post-dinner cognac in the lounge complete the culinary experience.
5. The Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia): Fusion at Its Finest
Traveling between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers a cultural and culinary immersion in Southeast Asia.
Menu Favorites:
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Thai green curry with prawns
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Steamed barramundi with lemongrass and ginger
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Mango sticky rice for dessert
Dining is a celebration of Asian flavors with a modern twist, prepared by internationally acclaimed chefs. Meals are served in elegant dining cars with panoramic windows showcasing rice paddies, temples, and tropical jungles.
6. The Ghan (Australia): A Bush-to-Board Experience
Running from Adelaide to Darwin, The Ghan offers a unique Australian culinary experience called “Bush Tucker to Board”, using native ingredients with contemporary flair.
Highlights Include:
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Saltbush lamb with native thyme jus
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Barramundi with lemon myrtle butter
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Desserts like wattleseed pavlova
The train’s Queen Adelaide Restaurant serves three-course meals, often paired with premium Australian wines. There’s even an Outback barbecue dinner under the stars during the Alice Springs stop.
7. Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru): Fine Dining at Altitude
The Belmond Andean Explorer is South America’s first luxury sleeper train, traversing the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Arequipa. It combines stunning landscapes with Peruvian haute cuisine.
Culinary Excellence:
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Ceviche with Andean corn
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Lomo saltado with native potatoes
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Chirimoya mousse for dessert
Meals are prepared by chefs from the Belmond Hotel Monasterio, one of Cusco’s top luxury hotels. Ingredients include native Peruvian superfoods like quinoa, amaranth, and maca root.
The Final Word: Dining That Defines the Journey
Luxury trains are more than transportation—they’re five-star restaurants on rails. Whether you’re enjoying a regal Rajasthani thali in India, sipping Chilean wine in the Andes, or indulging in French cuisine while crossing the Alps, each journey is enriched by its culinary narrative.
So, when planning your next luxury adventure, remember: the destination may be extraordinary—but the meals on wheels could be just as unforgettable.
