Food quality of this train degraded a lot. Once used to have best food among Hatia originating trains 5-6 yrs back but Current quality offered by "ROOP Caterers" is way below what "Kwality caterers " used to offer some years back. And the attendant accepts that kwality caterers are one of the best in whole IR. Means you accept that they are the best but you don't even try to reach their level. Anyways, price:
Veg thali - 120
Egg thali - 130
Chicken...
more...

thali - 140
(2 paratha, rice, daal, soyabean-aaloo subji which was the worst of all, pickle, chicken/egg/matar paneer). No curd, no sweet. Food priced higher than other caterers operating in SER. E.g. neelam caterers in 12809/10 mail provide comparatively better (though average overall) chicken thali at 120 rs with a sweet.
Breakfast and MRP items sold at their standard rate. No overcharging.
Other items:
Tea - 10 rs
Samosa/aaloo chop (bonda) - 2 for 20 rs
Chowmein - 40 rs.
Soup - 20 rs per cup.

Eventhough 12874 is returned just from Platform from ANVT due to late arrival of 12873, cleanliness is pretty much good in AC classes.
NOTE : This tip can be observed only when 12873 reaches after 5 PM ( which it mostly does). If arrives before 5 pm, it is taken into yard for cleanling purpose.
1. Coach - After 12873 reaches ANVT and passengers have deboarded gates of AC class are closed from inside and cleaning is done. After proper cleaning air freshner is sprayed (also sprayed during the journey 2-3 times). No...
more...

cleaning of coaches done during journey in 2AC, can't say about SL and 3ac. So if passengers are well behaved, then coach remains clean all the way till Ranchi.
2. Bedding - The used bedsheets are collected away and stacked. And a new clean packed set of bedsheets is provided. No hand towel. Pillows and blankets remain same. Pillows changed on demand if too dirty.
3. Toilets - Due to presence of OBHS, the toilets are cleaned at a frequency of almost 4 hrs during daytime between 6 am to 6 pm.