Many of the trains in Central and Eastern Europe are excellent travel destinations because they offer seasonal menus in their dining carriages that highlight reasonably priced local goods.

Imagine a situation where a table has been carefully set, ornamented with a clean white tablecloth, and is softly lit by a table light. The trees are covered with snow and are moving at 120 km/h outside the window. The dining car on one of the state-run EuroCity trains that connect Prague with Budapest, Bratislava, Warsaw, and Berlin is the source of this alluring atmosphere.

The EuroCity trains in Czechia are highly regarded by experienced rail enthusiasts as some of the best mobile restaurants in Europe. They serve freshly prepared regional meals and craft beer that is particularly created for the firm.

Here’s a guide to the top European rail trips that provide amazing onboard dining experiences if you’re tired of boring sandwiches and instant coffee and looking for an alternative to airline meals.

The EuroCity Trains in Czechia:

Get insights into train catering in Europe by following @_DiningCar on social media, with a focus on Ceske Drahy, the national rail operator in Czechia. Their EuroCity trains feature dining carriages on most services with draft beer and appropriate cutlery. Savor delicacies like svíčková, a typical Czech dish of sirloin steak and bread dumplings, and goulash soup. About €25 is spent on a dinner accompanied with Pilsner Urquell.

Railjet Trains in Austria: The ÖBB Railjet network connects key cities around the country and provides a practical yet appealing dining car. Savor seasonal soups (around €6), such as spinach and smoked cheese or beef broth with liver dumplings. From large salads to main courses like Tyrolean Gröstl and pork schnitzel, priced between €12 and €15, the menu offers a variety of choices. Make room for the famous milk and cheese strudel or speculoos-filled pancakes from Vienna.

Germany’s ICE Trains: Equipped with Bordgastronomie eating cars, Germany’s modern ICE trains travel throughout the nation and its surrounding areas. It’s a large menu with sweet desserts, kids’ meals, and local hams and cheese for breakfast, but the currywurst and fries—which come in a vegan version—are the real highlight. Flambées in the Alsace style and an assortment of drinks, including Knärzje beer or 2019 Riesling, round out the culinary experience.

Poland’s InterCity Trains: Passengers can enjoy local cuisine in WARS restaurant carriages on several InterCity trains in Poland. Polish sourdough bread is served with daily soups and main courses such as pulled pig tortillas and pork chops. The pièce de résistance is the delicious pierogies, which are stuffed dumplings accompanied by either sweet caramelized onions or pork and grease. Take advantage of the chance to try some of Poland’s well-known vodkas.