23-04-2025
SNCF unveils 'bistro dining' on French train services
Rail travellers in France have to wait until 2026 for the new-look TGV-M trains to hit the tracks, with their two-storey 'cathedral-style' buffet car.
But, while the 28-seat dining area in the shiny new high-speed trains isn't on the cards this year, SNCF has this spring relaunched its on-board menu with more of a focus on French 'bistro' classic dishes.
Menus change seasonally, though the famous
croque monsieur
will be a common staple, as will the French classic Quiche Lorraine.
The
Spring 2025 menu card
features Toulouse sausages and pomme purée (mashed potato), Crozets reblochon AOP and jambon d'Auch (baked reblochon cheese with ham); pasta with sun-ripened vegetables and risotto with asparagus and peas.
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Desserts include chocolate fondant, fruit purée, cake or yoghurt.
At €15.90 for a main course, dessert and a drink combination, it's not cheap – let's be honest, train food generally isn't – but it is intended to be a step up from more common sandwiches and cans of fizzy beverages.
Soft drinks are included in the menu price, while beer or wine costs extra.
Burgers, sandwiches and other snacks and drinks are also available in the buffet cars, which are available only on the high-speed TGV services on the InOui trains. They are not available on the budget OuiGo routes, or on local TER trains.
SNCF proudly points out that the regional food served on its trains – supplied by Toulouse-based catering giant Newrest – is made with ingredients from 'local, sustainable supply chains'.
