4 Ways to Order Food on a Train in Indonesia

Traveling by train is one of the most convenient ways to cover long distances in Indonesia. With routes connecting various cities, all you need to do is book a ticket and relax until you reach your destination.

The good news is that if you didn't have time to grab a meal or snacks before boarding, you don't have to worry. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI), the company that runs the train service, offers a variety of culinary options for passengers.

Wondering how to get your hands on these meals and snacks? There are several ways to order food while on an Indonesian train. From making a direct order in the dining car to using a dedicated app, this article will guide you through all the options. Keep reading to find out more!

1. Order Directly at the Dining Car

One of the easiest ways to get a meal is to head over to the train's dining car. This special section of the train, managed by PT Kereta Api Indonesia, is equipped with a chef’s cooking area and a dining section with tables and chairs.

Just get up from your seat and walk to the dining car. Once there, you can pick what you'd like to eat and drink from the menu. Some dishes, like Tom Yum, Fried Rice, Mie Godog, and Sei Sapi, are freshly prepared right before your eyes in the cooking area.

Place your order, pay for it, and then sit back and enjoy your meal. An added bonus is that you can take in the scenic views through the train windows as you dine. Have you ever had a meal experience like this on a train?

2. Order through the Train Attendants

If you don't want to leave your seat, or the dining car is full, you can still order food right where you are through the train attendants.

A little while after the train departs, attendants will go through the carriages offering a selection of food and drinks, including snacks and meals.

So if you're hungry, just ask what options are available, make your choice, pay, and enjoy your meal. Be prepared to have the exact amount of money ready to facilitate a smooth transaction with the attendant.

3. Order through the KAI Access App

This method is particularly useful if you want to see the available food options before making a choice. However, you can only use this option if you've booked your train ticket through the KAI Access App. Here's how to go about it:

1. Open the KAI Access App.
2. Scroll down and click on the "Railfood" menu.
3. Browse through the available options and make your selection.
4. Click on "Order" next to the item you want. The price will also be displayed.
5. Click the "+" sign next to your name to finalize your order. This button indicates the quantity of the item you're ordering and provides the server with your name, train class, and seat number to avoid any confusion.
6. Choose your payment method. Options include KAI Pay, LinkAja, OVO, and QRIS. For instance, I had a balance in OVO, so I chose that method.
7. Wait for the attendant to bring your order to your seat.

4. Pre-Order through the KAI Access App

This option is similar to the third one, but it allows you to pre-order food from PT KAI's partner vendors at certain stations.

For example, when I was in Yogyakarta and would travel to Cirebon the next day, I could choose to pre-order meals from vendors in Yogyakarta, Kutoarjo, and Purwokerto. My food will be delivered to my seat when the train stops at these stations. Here’s how:

1. Open the KAI Access App.
2. Scroll down and click on the "Railfood" menu.
3. Choose your travel option and then click the "Menu" button to see the food options available in specific cities.
4. Make your selection and click "Order."
5. Click the "+" sign next to your name to confirm your order.
6. Make your payment, which will include a small delivery fee because the food comes from partners working with PT KAI.
7. Finally, wait for your food to be delivered to your seat.

So, those are four ways to order food while traveling on a train in Indonesia. Now you can ride long distances without worrying about going hungry. Numerous food and drink options are available right at your fingertips. Stay tuned for our next travel article!