Rails to Roti: A Scenic Train Journey from Bangkok to Penang’s Food Paradise

Imagine embarking on a journey that takes you from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the aromatic alleys of Penang, all while watching the landscape transform through your train window. This rail adventure isn’t just about reaching your destination; it’s about savouring every moment of the trip. And what a destination awaits!

Penang, a vibrant melting pot of cultures is a testament to Malaysia’s rich heritage and culinary prowess. It isn’t just another stop on a traveller’s map; it’s a feast for the senses. This UNESCO World Heritage city boasts a unique blend of colonial architecture, street art, and a food scene that’s legendary. From the inviting aromas of Char Koay Teow wafting through the air to the colourful facades of shophouses in George Town, Penang offers an experience that lingers long after you’ve left its shores.

Hence the great food scene in Penang was mentioned shortly. It is needed to get elaborated more since Penang is renowned for its vibrant food scene, blending Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Here are some of the most iconic foods of Penang:

1. Char Koay Teow:

A stir-fried flat rice noodle dish cooked with shrimp, bean sprouts, egg, and chives in a hot wok. The smoky “wok hei” flavor is a hallmark of a great Char Koay Teow.

(Source: https://www.recipetineats.com/char-kway-teow/)

2. Assam Laksa:

A tangy, spicy fish-based soup with thick rice noodles, topped with fresh vegetables and a dollop of shrimp paste. The sour tamarind (assam) gives this dish its distinctive flavor.

(Source: https://guide.michelin.com/my/en/article/dining-out/how-to-make-the-perfect-assam-laksa-penang-malaysia)

3. Nasi Kandar:

A dish of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes. Typically includes fish, chicken, or meat curries, vegetables, and papadum.

(Source: https://originalkayu.com.my/about/)

4. Penang Hokkien Mee:

A prawn noodle soup with a rich, spicy broth made from prawn heads and shells. Served with egg noodles, bean sprouts, and slices of pork.

(Source: https://themuddledpantry.com/2020/06/08/penang-hokkien-mee-har-mee-prawn-noodles/)

5. Cendol:

A sweet dessert made with shaved ice, green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. Often topped with red beans.

(Source: https://munchmalaysia.com/traditional-food/malay-cuisine/cendol-malaysia-a-sweet-and-refreshing-dessert/)

6. Rojak:

 

A fruit and vegetable salad tossed in a thick, sweet prawn paste and tamarind dressing, topped with crushed peanuts.

(Source: https://www.misstamchiak.com/brothers-rojak-clementi/)

7. Lor Bak:

Deep-fried meat rolls wrapped in bean curd skin, served with a thick soy sauce and chili sauce.

(Source: https://mylovelyrecipes.com/recipes/chinese-cuisine/loh-bak/)

These dishes can be found at various hawker centers, street stalls, and local restaurants throughout Penang, particularly in George Town. Each has its own unique flavor profile that contributes to Penang’s reputation as a food paradise.

After talking about a lot of delicious food awaits now let’s get back to a guide trip on how to get there connecting from Bangkok in a budget trip!

Here’s a guide on how to travel from Bangkok to Penang using only the metro and trains:

Bangkok to Hat Yai:

– Take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok. (varies depending on where you get on the station but approximately around 25-60 THB)

– From Bang Sue, board the overnight express train to Hat Yai. This journey takes about 15 to 17 hours. (Starting from 240 THB)

Operating time: 6AM-Midnight

(Source: https://mgronline.com/business/detail/9640000027518)

(Source: https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/778113)

Ticket: https://www.busonlineticket.co.th/booking/bangkok-to-hat-yai-train-tickets

Hat Yai to Padang Besar (Thai-Malaysian border):

– At Hat Yai station, transfer to a local train heading to Padang Besar. This trip takes about 1 hour.

Starting from RM 66.

Operating time: 6 AM – Midnight

Ticket: https://12go.asia/en/travel/hat-yai/padang-besar-malaysia

Padang Besar to Butterworth:

– Pass immigration at Padang Besar.

– Board the KTM Komuter train from Padang Besar to Butterworth. This journey takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Start from RM 17.

Operating time: 4:42 AM – 9:30 PM

(Source: https://malaysiatrains.com/butterworth-railway-station/)

(Source: https://urbanistwanderer.com/2023/01/14/ktmb-ets-platinum-review-standard-class-butterworth-kl-sentral/)

Ticket: https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Padang-Besar/Butterworth-Station?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-uK0BhC0ARIsANQtgGMBCCm5X0TuHp3HkC-Tnj0xOU-mfydCDCPJ5uQxtd_ZdwptvhrKj9IaAlxBEALw_wcB

Butterworth to Penang Island:

– From Butterworth station, walk to the nearby ferry terminal, Raja Uda Pier.

– Take the super fast ferry to George Town, Penang. The ferry ride is about 40 minutes.

Starting price is at RM 2.

Operating time: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM

(Source: https://cj.my/127891/ferrying-through-time-the-iconic-penang-ferry-service/)

Ticket: https://www.penangport.com.my/services/ferry-services

Total journey time: Approximately 20 to 25 hours, not including waiting times between connections.

Note that train schedules can vary, so it’s important to check current timetables when planning your trip. Also, while this route doesn’t use buses, the final leg technically uses a ferry, as there’s no rail connection to Penang Island itself.

As your train pulls into Butterworth and you prepare for the final ferry ride to Penang Island, anticipation builds for the adventures ahead. Whether you’re a history buff, a street food connoisseur, or simply in search of your next great adventure, Penang promises to deliver. And remember, your journey is just the beginning.

MyRehat also offers travel accomodations in Penang on this following link: https://myrehat.com/search-results/?state=pulau-pinang&arrive=&depart=&room_size=&min-price=&max-price=

For more travel inspiration and tips on exploring Malaysia’s hidden gems, visit www.myrehat.com. Your next unforgettable adventure might be just a click away!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​