There are few travel experiences as enchanting as stepping aboard the legendary Orient Express. From the moment you walk through its beautifully polished doors, you are transported into a world of old-world glamour, fine service, and unforgettable indulgence.Among the many memorable elements of the journey, one stands out above all else — the dining.
Dining on the Orient Express is not simply about eating. It is a celebration of elegance, craftsmanship, and culinary artistry. Meals are served in exquisitely designed dining cars, each with its own character and charm. Gleaming wood panels, velvet seating, and glistening glassware create an atmosphere where every moment feels truly special.
An Introduction to Elegant Eating
The meals begin with a sense of occasion. You are encouraged to dress your best, as the dining experience reflects the overall philosophy of the journey — to turn travel into a refined pleasure. Onboard chefs use only the finest seasonal ingredients, often sourced from regions along the route. The result is a fresh, flavourful and regionally inspired menu that changes as the journey progresses.
Start the Day in Style
Breakfast is typically served in your cabin, where you can enjoy flaky pastries, ripe fruit and freshly brewed coffee in the privacy of your plush surroundings. It’s a gentle start to the day and a relaxing way to admire the ever-changing scenery.
Lunch and Dinner With a View
Lunch and dinner, however, are grand affairs. Guests are welcomed into the dining car where they are treated to multi-course meals that would impress even the most discerning gourmand. Expect dishes like duck confit with fig glaze, delicate lobster bisque, or perfectly cooked rack of lamb with rosemary jus. Vegetarian and special dietary options are also thoughtfully crafted with equal attention and care.
Perfect Pairings and Fine Wines
Wine pairing is another delight of dining aboard the Orient Express. The onboard sommelier curates an impressive selection of European wines, each chosen to complement the seasonal dishes. Whether it’s a crisp white from Northern Italy or a full-bodied Bordeaux, every sip is a celebration of the regions you travel through.
More Than a Meal
But the magic isn’t just on the plate. It’s in the hushed conversations between passengers. It’s in the gentle clink of crystal glasses. It’s in the wide-eyed wonder of experiencing something that feels timeless yet rare. Dining on the Orient Express offers more than a meal — it gives you memories that last far beyond the final destination.
One of the most exciting aspects of Orient Express train holidays is the way they combine fine travel with fine dining. Rather than rushing from one city to another, you have the luxury of time. Time to savour. Time to talk. Time to dine. Each dish becomes a marker in the journey, not just in distance, but in experience.
After-Dinner Delights
Even the after-dinner hours are a delight. Retire to the bar car for a digestif or a handcrafted cocktail. A pianist may be playing a tune as fellow travellers share stories. This sense of camaraderie is part of what makes holidays on the Orient Express so unforgettable.
A Culinary Team Like No Other
Behind the scenes, a dedicated culinary team works around the clock to ensure everything is flawless. They work in compact kitchens with precision, creativity and pride. You might not see the chefs at work, but their presence is felt in every plate that leaves the kitchen.
Romance in Motion
There is something deeply romantic about meals on a moving train. The landscape rolls by like a painting. You’re not just dining in a restaurant — you’re dining in motion, in history, in style. It is no wonder that so many people return fromholidays on the Orient Express with stories that begin and end in the dining car.
For those considering Orient Express train holidays, it’s worth noting that the food experience is not an extra — it’s the heart of the journey. It reflects the spirit of the train itself: luxurious, considered and full of wonder. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to experience travel in its most elegant form, the dining experience on the Orient Express delivers far more than expected.
Meals become milestones. Flavours become memories. And the train becomes a part of your story.
Your Journey Begins Here
Ready to experience the romance of dining on the world’s most iconic train? Visit Marvellous Escapes to discover our latest Orient Express journeys and reserve your place at the table. Your unforgettable escape awaits.
