To build the index, Trainline collaborated with chef and culinary analyst Ryan O'Sullivan, evaluating 37 cities across 11 countries. Each destination was scored on a 100-point scale based on rail accessibility, historical significance, and the quality of its local grain-derived specialties. The resulting rankings highlight iconic staples ranging from Bologna's tortellini en brodo, which leads the list with a 98% score, to the barm cakes of Manchester.

Irish actress Nicola Coughlan has joined the project to curate personal recommendations, noting that the ease of train travel allows for seamless transitions between culinary hubs. The company has complemented the rankings with specific 'Taste Guides' for each city, offering travelers tips on station-side bites and local favorites. These guides are designed to help passengers plan multi-stop itineraries that prioritize gastronomy alongside transit efficiency, turning the rail network into a route for food discovery.