Food on trains

[CR34M3 CR4CK3R]

Hi,

I'm planning to take the train from Istanbul to Kars at the start of December this year (2010). I have two questions regarding food on the train;

1. I presume that no food is included in the ticket price, so, about how much does the restaurant cart charge per meal?
2. (In case of the restaurant cart being overly expensive) Are you allowed to bring food on the train and go all picnic-style?

Thanks,

[sally]

Food in the restaurant car last September was reasonably priced. We had the usual Turkish breakfast and kebabs and salad in the evening. Most Turkish people will have taken food with them and are sure to offer you some. We were offered apples, dried fruit, salted seeds and nuts and glasses of tea. We were embarrassed that we had nothing to offer in return. Another time I would make sure that I had something.

[turkeytom]

Presuming that you will be riding the Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express), you will have your meals in a dining car (Yemekli Vagon).

Here is the Turkish State Railways restaurant car price list (in Turkish):

http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/home/detail/?id=255

Some examples:

Breakfast (bread, butter, jam, cheese, egg, olives, tea) TL8
Tea TL1.50
Coffee (Turkish, or Nescafe) TL2.50
Salads and Meze (appetizers) TL3.50—TL4.00
Grilled meats TL9.50—TL12.50
Beer or raki (one drink) TL6.50

It would be a good idea to take some of your own supplies, such as bottled water, dried fruits, biscuits, etc.

2000km on a train... Not for the faint of heart.

Tom Brosnahan