With the advent of modern transportation, traveling from one locality to another, region to region, or even from one country to another has become faster and more convenient. This may lead many to believe that traditional means of transport such as trains are less favored.
However, this is not entirely true. Many tourists have expressed their love for traveling by train as it offers unique and distinct experiences. A great example of this is Mr. Abroad, a foreign tourist who has spent a considerable amount of time traveling in Vietnam. He particularly enjoys traveling between provinces by train, and what fascinates him the most are the meals.
Mr. Abroad, a foreign tourist who enjoys train experiences in Vietnam (Photo: Mr. Abroad)
In a recently uploaded video, he shared his experience of having a dinner that cost less than $3 on a regular train, and he couldn’t help but praise its flavor. “It’s very good, very delicious,” the tourist commented.
Specifically, the dinner he was referring to consisted of very familiar dishes to Vietnamese people. He ordered a plate of rice with pork and stuffed tofu in tomato sauce. It was accompanied by boiled vegetables and a bowl of soup. The price for this meal was 70,000 VND, which is less than $3.
Although the meal was simple, it was harmonious in flavor, and all the ingredients were well-cooked, according to Mr. Abroad’s taste buds. “I especially like Vietnamese tofu because it’s prepared in a way that’s unique. The rice, soup, pork dish, and vegetables were all delicious. Overall, it was a great meal,” he added.
Foreign tourist praises the $3 meal on a Vietnamese train (Photo: Mr. Abroad)
Previously, Mr. Abroad had also enjoyed meals on various other trains in Vietnam, such as bun bo (beef noodle soup) or banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches). All of these meals were reasonably priced, ranging from $1 to $3, and left the foreign guest satisfied.
Cuisine on Vietnamese Trains
In reality, all trains in Vietnam offer food and beverage services to passengers. While the dishes are typically simple and common, they have left a strong impression on both foreign and domestic tourists.
“The food on the train is a bit more expensive than usual, but I think the quality is still good considering the different cooking conditions. Eating on the train also gives a very different feeling,” shared Phuong Uyen, a 23-year-old tourist from Hanoi.
Vietnam Railways
The variety of dishes served on trains is quite diverse, ranging from dry snacks like banh mi, banh gio (a type of steamed rice cake), and xoi (sticky rice) to soups and noodles like pho, bun, mi, and mien. This diversity ensures a range of culinary experiences for passengers.
Additionally, some trains in Vietnam offer a more unique dining experience. For instance, there are trains that serve regional specialties from the areas they pass through, or those that offer luxurious dining with gourmet dishes made from premium ingredients.
One notable example is the “Heritage Connection Train” running between Hue and Da Nang, which began operating in March this year. Unlike regular trains on the same route, this train not only features a unique design and decoration in its passenger compartments but also has a separate compartment dedicated to serving Central Vietnam’s specialties.
Regional specialties sold on the new Da Nang – Hue Heritage Train (Photo: Quang Nam Newspaper)
These specialties include dishes like banh beo (steamed rice cakes), banh nam (steamed flat rice dumplings), banh bot loc (clear shrimp and pork dumplings), banh mi, bun mam nem (noodles with fermented pork and anchovy sauce), and even coffee. There are also packaged cakes available for passengers to buy as souvenirs for their friends and family. In addition to the special dining compartment, passengers on the “Heritage Connection Train” can also enjoy stunning views of Lang Co Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam, through larger-than-usual windows, and immerse themselves in cultural performances in the community activity car.
Another example of a train offering a unique dining experience is “The Vietage,” which operates between Ho Chi Minh City and Quy Nhon. According to the provider, the meals served on this train are luxurious, combining Vietnamese and French cuisine.
The Vietage Train offers a 5-star culinary experience to its passengers (Photo: IVivu)
Along with the exquisite food, the drinks served on this train are carefully selected and elaborately prepared, ranging from tea and coffee to soft drinks and fine wines. Apart from the culinary experience, passengers can also enjoy facilities such as a bar, massage room, and gym onboard the Ho Chi Minh City – Quy Nhon train.
Overall, passengers agree that regardless of the food offered, traveling by train between cities always provides a unique and delightful experience.
