Dining is always a top priority on the Tibet train journey. Given the extended travel time, it’s essential to keep passengers comfortable and satisfied, both in mind and body.

Every Tibet train is equipped with a dining car offering a range of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with snacks, fruits, and drinks. Enjoying a meal while taking in the stunning scenery through the wide windows makes for a memorable experience.

Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dining on the Tibet train. From the location of the dining car and meal options to pricing, preparation tips, and insider advice, we’ve got you covered to keep your stomach satisfied throughout the journey.

Where is the Dining Car Located on Tibet Train?

Typically, the kitchen is located next to the soft sleeper carriage, with a dining car attached that provides tables and seats for passengers to enjoy three meals a day. It is generally situated in the middle, often in the 7th compartment, but you can ask the train attendant for confirmation.

The dining car contains a bar area and a dining area. In addition to food service, the bar offers tea, coffee, and a selection of beers. The tidy tables, comfortable seats, and large glass windows on both sides allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet railway while enjoying your meal.

Dining car on the Tibet train.

Decorated in Tibetan style, it can accommodate 40 to 50 passengers at a time. Even if the attendants don’t speak English, you can still choose your dish by selecting from pictures on the menu or by pointing to the dishes served at other tables.

What Meals Available onboard for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner?

The dining car serves three meals a day. Breakfast is available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and includes a variety of items such as baozi (steamed stuffed buns), mantou (steamed buns), eggs, sausages, porridge, pickles, bread, and milk. Each serving costs about 25 RMB and provides a balanced mix of nutrients.

Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and supper is available from around 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Both meals feature a variety of Chinese and Tibetan-style dishes, including noodles. The menu includes approximately 55 cold dishes, 8 Tibetan dishes, 32 regular dishes, and 8 soup options. Prices for freshly cooked meals on board range from 30 RMB to 130 RMB, nearly double the prices found on the ground, considering the circumstances.

You can order tasty food in the dining carriage.

You can expect to find popular dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken, Red Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou), and Twice-Cooked Pork. If you prefer noodles, options include Snow Vegetable Noodles, Beef Noodles, and Steak Noodles. Please note that the dishes served on the train may vary from season to season.

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What Vendors Sells on Tibet Train?

During mealtime, the dining carriage can get busy and has limited seating, so train attendants will push a food cart or trolley into each carriage to sell boxed meals. All items on the cart are Chinese or Tibetan-style dishes. A lunch or supper package, which includes three different dishes served with rice, will cost approximately 35 RMB.

Outside mealtimes, you can buy snacks, fruits, and beverages from a trolley regularly pushed by the train attendants. Snacks include biscuits, chips, peanuts, and nuts, while boxed fruits feature apples, pears, bananas, and seasonal options. Prices are generally higher than on the ground.

You can buy snacks, drinks, and fruits from the trolley pushed into by train attendant.

What to Prepare for Dining on Tibet Train?

For dining on the Tibet train, be prepared with cash, as international credit cards aren’t accepted. While mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are an option, poor signal may disrupt service. Carry enough cash in smaller bills for a smooth experience, especially if you plan to try different dishes or grab snacks and drinks.

For the best dining experience, choose a window seat and try some Tibetan dishes to fully enjoy the stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau—a perfect combination. Watching mountains and valleys pass by makes dining as much about the scenery as the food. While there’s no time limit, please be considerate of other passengers and avoid sitting too long after your meal.

Additionally, it’s recommended to pack some food for the 20-hour train journey (or longer), as the selection on the Tibet train may be limited. Bringing your own food and snacks can also save money since prices for similar quality food and fruit tend to be higher onboard.

More Insider Tips

1. If you want to enjoy the scenery from a spacious seat in the dining car, please purchase at least a glass of beer or a cup of tea.

2. Most food and snacks offered by the dining car or vendors are Chinese or Tibetan-style and may be spicy. If this isn’t to your taste, consider bringing your preferred food on board.

3. Hot water is available free of charge on the Tibet train, with dispensers located at the end of each carriage for tea, coffee and instant noodles.

4. If you miss mealtime and get hungry, don’t worry—the dining car offers a midnight snack service from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

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Conclusion

Dining is a key aspect of the Tibet train journey, ensuring passengers remain comfortable and satisfied during their travels. With a well-equipped dining car offering a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages, travelers can enjoy delicious Chinese and Tibetan dishes while taking in breathtaking views through large windows. If you have any good ideas about dining on Tibet train, you are welcome to share with us!