Janal, an extension of regional kitchens on the Tren Maya

By Luis Ramirez

Tren Maya officially introduced its new restaurant train, Janal, a word of Mayan origin meaning “to eat” or “food.” The announcement took place at the Mérida-Teya station during an event that brought together representatives from the business, restaurant, and hospitality sectors of southeastern Mexico.

The project’s director General, Óscar David Lozano Águila, emphasized that “Janal” represents a cutting-edge piece of railway engineering while also serving as a showcase for 21st-century Mexican gastronomy. He underscored that the initiative aims to transform Tren Maya into a culinary destination of international relevance, beyond its role as a means of transportation.

The design of the restaurant train was inspired by the work of architect Luis Barragán. The concept integrates light, color, and geometry with the surrounding jungle landscape through panoramic windows that enhance the dining experience. The objective is to provide passengers with a comfortable setting in which they can savor the culinary richness of southeastern Mexico while traveling through the heart of the Mayan World.

During the inaugural journey along the Mérida–Izamal–Mérida route, guests enjoyed a representative menu featuring traditional dishes such as brazo de reina, panuchos, chayitas, and papaya dessert. The occasion also marked the first tasting of Tren Maya Beer, created to complement the onboard gastronomic offering. This product will be available across all service categories: “Xiinbal” (standard), “Patal” (long-distance), and “Janal” (restaurant).

Janal, an Extension of Regional Kitchens on the Tren Maya

Lozano Águila noted that Tren Maya has transported more than two million passengers to date, consolidating itself as an ecosystem of identity in motion. He invited the business sector to integrate their proposals into the project, defining the restaurant train as an extension of the region’s most emblematic kitchens. He clarified that the intention is not to compete with local establishments, but rather to project their excellence onto an international stage.

The Director General stressed that the success of Tren Maya should also be the success of the companies participating in this alliance. The launch of “Janal” represents a strategic action aimed at generating equitable economic impact and promoting tourism grounded in cultural responsibility and business vision.

The new service will open to the public in the near future and seeks to position Tren Maya as an international culinary benchmark. Guided by the principle that progress must go hand in hand with culture, the project continues to advance in its mission to connect Mexico with its history, its people, and its flavors.