Picture this: You’re gliding through the picturesque German countryside aboard a Deutsche Bahn (DB) train, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels a soothing soundtrack to your journey. The scenery unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, but a familiar sensation interrupts your reverie: the unmistakable rumble of an empty stomach. Traveling by train is a fantastic way to experience Germany, but what about the culinary aspect of your journey? Navigating the food options on DB trains can be a bit of a mystery, especially for first-time visitors.
Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway, transports millions of passengers every year. While speed and efficiency are hallmarks of the German rail system, food often takes a backseat in travelers’ minds. This guide aims to demystify the food landscape on DB trains, providing a comprehensive overview of your options, from traditional dining cars to the convenience of onboard bistros and the practicality of bringing your own provisions. We’ll explore the quality, price, and convenience of each option, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring your journey is as delicious as it is efficient. Think of this as your essential guide to eating on the rails in Germany.
The Elusive Dining Car Experience
Let’s begin with what was once a staple of long-distance train travel: the dining car. Known as Bordrestaurant or Bordbistro depending on the offerings, these full-service restaurants on wheels offered a sit-down dining experience as the landscape whizzed by. However, it’s important to manage expectations. In recent years, the availability of full dining cars on DB trains has dwindled.
Availability
Whether or not a dining car is present depends heavily on the specific train type and route. ICE (Intercity-Express) trains, DB’s flagship high-speed service, are the most likely to feature a dining car, but even this isn’t guaranteed. Regional trains and slower Intercity (IC) services are less likely to have one.
The best way to determine if your train has a dining car is to check the DB Navigator app or the Deutsche Bahn website when booking your ticket. Look for the dining car symbol (usually a knife and fork) or explicitly mention the presence of a Bordrestaurant or Bordbistro. Remember that even if a train is advertised with a dining car, unforeseen circumstances can lead to changes, so it’s always wise to have a backup plan. Certain routes, particularly those connecting major cities over long distances, are more likely to have a dining car than shorter regional lines.
Menu Overview
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself on a train with a dining car, you can expect a menu that offers a selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, along with snacks and a variety of beverages. Depending on the time of day, you might find a hearty German breakfast with Brötchen (bread rolls), cold cuts, cheese, and eggs, or a classic lunch or dinner dish like Currywurst (curried sausage), Schnitzel (breaded cutlet), or pasta dishes. Salads are sometimes available for a lighter option.
Drinks typically include coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Keep an eye out for regional specialties or German culinary staples that might be featured on the menu. While vegetarian options are becoming more common, vegan choices can be limited, so it’s always a good idea to inquire with the staff.
Quality and Taste
The quality of the food in DB dining cars can be a mixed bag. While some dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and offer a satisfying taste of German cuisine, others can feel more like pre-packaged convenience food. Online reviews and passenger feedback often vary, with some praising the convenience and others lamenting the quality and price. Ultimately, whether the food is worth the price depends on your individual expectations and budget.
Atmosphere and Service
The ambiance of the dining car is typically functional rather than luxurious. Expect comfortable seating, tables for dining, and large windows offering panoramic views. Service from the staff can range from friendly and efficient to somewhat impersonal, depending on the time of day and how busy the train is.
Reservation
Reserving a table in the dining car is often recommended, especially during peak travel times or on popular routes. You can usually make a reservation through the DB Navigator app or website, or by contacting DB customer service. While not always strictly enforced, having a reservation guarantees you a seat and can help avoid disappointment, particularly during crowded periods.
The Convenient Bordbistro
For a more casual and readily available option, the Bordbistro, or onboard bistro, is a common feature on many DB trains. While not offering the full sit-down experience of a dining car, the bistro provides a convenient source of snacks, drinks, and light meals.
Availability
You’ll typically find a bistro on ICE trains and some IC trains. They are usually located in the middle of the train and are easily accessible. Check the train’s information display or ask a member of the train staff to confirm its location.
Menu Overview
The menu in the Bordbistro is generally focused on quick and easy options. Expect to find sandwiches, pretzels, sausages, snacks such as chips and chocolate bars, and a selection of hot and cold drinks. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and beer are usually available. Some bistros also offer hot meals like soups or simple pasta dishes.
Quality and Taste
The quality of the bistro food is generally acceptable for its purpose: providing a quick and convenient source of sustenance. It’s not haute cuisine, but it can be a lifesaver when you’re hungry and don’t have other options. Taste and freshness can vary, but the sandwiches and snacks are usually reliably palatable.
Price and Value
The prices in the Bordbistro tend to be higher than you would pay in a supermarket or bakery on the ground. The convenience factor is the main selling point. Consider whether the added cost is worth it compared to bringing your own food and drinks.
Mobile Ordering and Seat Delivery: Modern Convenience
In recent years, Deutsche Bahn has introduced mobile ordering options on some trains. This allows passengers to order food and drinks from the Bordbistro directly through the DB Navigator app and have them delivered to their seat.
Process
The process is relatively straightforward. Open the DB Navigator app, navigate to the food and drinks section, and browse the menu of the Bordbistro. Select your desired items, add them to your cart, and proceed to checkout. You’ll need to provide your seat number so the staff can find you.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The efficiency of the delivery service can vary depending on the train and the number of passengers. During busy periods, there may be delays, but in general, the service is reasonably prompt and convenient.
The advantages of mobile ordering are clear: you can avoid queuing at the bistro, browse the menu at your leisure, and have your food brought directly to you. However, there are also potential drawbacks. The menu available through the app might be slightly limited compared to the full bistro menu, and there’s always a risk of delivery delays, especially during peak hours.
Embrace the BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) Strategy
One of the most cost-effective and flexible options for eating on DB trains is to bring your own food and drinks. Deutsche Bahn explicitly permits passengers to bring their own provisions, making this a viable alternative to onboard options.
Benefits
The benefits of packing your own food are numerous. It’s significantly cheaper than buying food on the train, allowing you to save money for other aspects of your trip. You also have complete control over your food choices, ensuring you can cater to your dietary needs and preferences.
Tips for Packing
When packing food for your train journey, choose easy-to-eat, travel-friendly items that don’t require extensive preparation or refrigeration. Sandwiches, wraps, salads in containers, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are all good options. Pack your food in reusable containers and bring your own cutlery to minimize waste. Consider bringing drinks in reusable water bottles or thermoses.
Considerations
When bringing your own food, be mindful of a few considerations. Avoid packing items that require refrigeration, as there are no refrigerated storage facilities available on DB trains. Also, be considerate of other passengers and avoid bringing foods with strong odors that might be bothersome. Above all, clean up after yourself and dispose of your trash responsibly.
Train Station Food: A Pre-Departure Feast
Don’t forget to explore the food options available at train stations. Larger train stations in Germany offer a wide variety of food vendors, including bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets.
Benefits
Arriving at the station early allows you to grab a quick and affordable meal before boarding. You’ll often find a wider selection of food choices at the station compared to what’s available on the train. This is an excellent opportunity to stock up on snacks and drinks for your journey.
Alternative Food Delivery Services
In some larger cities, it may be possible to utilize third-party food delivery services to have food delivered to you at the train station. This requires careful coordination with your train schedule to ensure the delivery arrives before your departure.
Overview
While this option offers a wide variety of culinary choices and allows for customized meals, it also presents some challenges. Timing is crucial, and there’s always a risk of delays.
The Culinary Journey’s End: Making Your Choice
In conclusion, the food options on DB trains are diverse and cater to a range of needs and preferences. From the dwindling dining car experience to the convenience of the Bordbistro, the practicality of bringing your own provisions, and the pre-departure feast at train stations, there are several ways to satisfy your hunger on your German rail adventure.
Ultimately, the best approach to food on your DB journey is to plan ahead. Consider your budget, dietary needs, and travel schedule. Whether you choose to indulge in a meal in the dining car, grab a quick snack at the bistro, pack your own picnic, or explore the food options at the station, you can ensure that your culinary experience complements your overall travel adventure. Bon appétit, or as the Germans say, “Guten Appetit!”
