As the train speeds along the tracks, a familiar, comforting aroma drifts through the car — not the industrial smell of reheated packaged meals, but the homely scent of food sizzling in a wok. This warmth comes from a new ¥17 budget-friendly set meal launched by the Chengdu Bureau of China Railway. Suddenly, dining on a high-speed train is no longer a compromise; it becomes something to look forward to, adding a touch of everyday life to the journey.
The Challenge of Traditional High-Speed Rail Meals
Many travelers remember the days of hesitating before buying a train box meal. Cold rice clumped together, vegetables lost their vibrant color, and for ¥40–50, the meal felt filling but uninspiring. Often, it seemed easier to grab a sandwich at a convenience store than risk a subpar train meal. The disconnect between price and experience left many with little more than a minor regret on their travels.
The Arrival of the ¥17 Set Meal
Now, that gap is closing. For roughly the price of a cup of milk tea, passengers can enjoy a hot, freshly prepared meal on the train. Two signature options are available:
- Sichuan-style Stir-Fried Pork with Classic Egg Fried Rice — lightly spicy, savory, and rich.
- Ginger-Pepper Chicken with Classic Egg Fried Rice — fresh, aromatic, and flavorful.
Each set features a generous portion of golden fried rice and a side of bright green seasonal vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal reminiscent of home-cooked comfort food.
Freshly Cooked, Full of “Wok Flavor”
The most remarkable part? The wok flavor — the meal isn’t pre-made. Chefs cook the dishes fresh at the train station, using woks to sear ingredients to perfection. Once ready, meals are packed in temperature-controlled containers, keeping them at 65°C (149°F) for optimal taste, and delivered to the train within 30 minutes. By the time passengers open their boxes, steam rises invitingly — just like a hot meal straight from the kitchen at home.
Convenient Digital Ordering
Ordering couldn’t be easier. Through the 12306 App, passengers can find the “Food & Specialty” section, select the Impression Sichuan Flavor restaurant, choose their preferred set, enter their seat number and delivery time, and complete payment — all digitally. If you forget to order before boarding, a QR code on the seat armrest allows last-minute ordering. The meal is then delivered directly to your seat by a train attendant — no need to visit the dining car. Truly a “tap and enjoy” experience.
Travelers’ Reactions
Ms. Wang, a frequent business traveler, shared:
“I wasn’t expecting much, but the first bite surprised me. The fried rice is perfectly separated, slightly crispy, and tastes just like my mom’s cooking. For ¥17, this is amazing!”
Mr. Zhang, traveling with children, added:
“Mealtime used to be stressful, but now the food comes right to our seats. The kids love it, and I can relax.”
In carriages across the network, passengers opening their set meals often wear smiles of surprise, whispering, “This fried rice is really good!”
A Reflection of Care in Service
Behind the ¥17 set meal is a story of careful attention to passengers’ needs. Marketing teams followed trains to understand preferences, R&D transformed feedback into menu improvements, and supply chains optimized costs for affordability. From standard cold chain boxed meals to freshly cooked sets, this change reflects the railway’s shift from “meeting basic needs” to creating enjoyable experiences.
Looking Ahead: More Flavors to Come
Railway authorities plan to introduce more budget-friendly options in the near future — perhaps Chongqing noodles or Guizhou sour fish soup. Travel is meant to be enjoyable, not disrupted by mediocre meals. Next time you ride a high-speed train, open the 12306 App, order a ¥17 freshly cooked set meal, and let the warmth of a home-style meal accompany your journey. After all, nothing says happiness like a hot, comforting meal while traveling at 300 km/h (186 mph).
