A member of staff sells meals on a train. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

As the 2025 Spring Festival travel rush kicked off on Jan 14, the China Railway Shanghai Group introduced 19 new high-speed rail meal options, offering passengers a flavorful journey home.

Onboard train G360, a traveler surnamed Wang savored steaming cabbage dumplings priced at just 20 yuan ($2.70). "As a northerner who loves cooked wheaten food, this warm bowl of dumplings feels like home," he said.

To cater to regional tastes, the menu balances southern preferences for rice and sweet flavors with northern demand for hearty noodles.

Notable dishes include pineapple shrimp balls, steamed garlic pork ribs, Xuzhou-style pork and shrimp, Hefei-style Wushan goose and Huangshan bamboo shoots with braised pork.

Dishes like cheesy curry beef rice and eel-beef combo bowls are designed for younger passengers – quickly becoming favorites on the first day of the rush.

The railway has also boosted convenience with pre-order services at 22 stations, enabling passengers to pick up meals or have them delivered onboard.

Additionally, seven "Eastern Impressions"-themed restaurants at major stations like Nanjing and Hangzhou now offer over 100 meal choices daily.

The culinary initiative brings the taste of home to the fast track, enriching the Spring Festival journey.

Meals available on trains cater to the preferences of both southern and northern travelers. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]