There is one incident which I will never forget. After my marriage, my wife and I were on our way from Nagpur to Karwar, and the route that we had chosen was via Hyderabad and Hubli. On reaching Hyderabad, we found that the gauge inversion work - i.e., converting the railway line from metre gauge to broad gauge, had started, and the trains for Hbli now left from a place called Mehboobnagar. The timings had also changed. My wife had been to Hyderabad earlier and had an opinion that the food in Hyderabad was no good.
We had a lot of luggage with us, and because of the circumstances, we decided to stay in the first-class waiting room. The place was uncomfortable, to say the least. My wife was reglarly pointing out various food options that were available at the station and telling how bad her earlier exeriences were. I told her I would get some packed food for her from outside. She did not like the idea but did not oppose it. I went out and checked with the taxi drivers/ local grocers, etc., outside the station. I was sure you would not have to walk more than 100-200 meters in Hyderabad to get a good snack or biryanee, or fixed meal. They all pointed to a shop, the place was in the basement and there was a crowd of locals chatting and eating. I placed the order and got nicely packed biryanees in minutes. You should have seen the expression of gratitude in my wife's eyes.
I must advise all the tourists to come out of the station, check up with the locals, and then eat. You will not be disappointed. Do not take any offers of going in a taxi, etc. Ask for places within walking distance. One exception is Chennai, where you should avoid the three-wheeler drivers.