Think of it as being a tourist in your own town, an urban explorer, a master of the weekend staycation.

With the opening of the new Goldline Foothill Extension, you can get on a spacious Metro train in Sierra Madre Villa on the eastern edge of Pasadena, and travel to the Citrus College station in Azusa, with stops in Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale and downtown Azusa in between.

And, as you probably know, traveling by rail is hungry work. So here’s a selection of good places to dine, no more than a short walk (or Uber ride) from each of the stations.

Near the Sierra Madre Villa Station

Our newest train is deserving of a bit of historic dining, in this case at the original Panda Inn (3488 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena; 626-793-7300; www.pandainn.com), which dates back to 1973 — ancient in local terms. It’s the restaurant that gave us the Panda Express chain, though you might not notice the connection as you dig into a feast of Upside Down Crispy Noodles, Panda Beef and Orange Chicken. This is the Chinese restaurant that launched a thousand dumplings.

Near the Arcadia Station

Let us then connect the venerable Panda Inn in Pasadena, with the far newer Din Tai Fung chain (1088 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626-446-8588; 1108 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626-574-7068; with a new branch set to open soon in Westfield Santa Anita; www.dintaifungusa.com), arguably the most famous Chinese dumpling operation not just in the San Gabriel Valley, but in the world, with locations throughout Asia.

The crowds waiting for a table can be daunting, but the wait is always worthwhile, especially for the much-loved Soup Dumplings.

Those in the know make a reservation (in person is the only way) at both branches (they’re right next to each other), and go to the first one to text their cell phone.

In the meanwhile, there are tasty Chinese bakeries nearby — and watching the dumplings being made is a fine show.

Near the Monrovia Station

They only serve breakfast and lunch at the Peach Café (141 E. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia; 626-599-9092; www.thepeachcafe.com), but then, if you choose well at this wildly popular, extremely good destination for home-cooked Americana just off Myrtle Avenue, dinner won’t be necessary. The portions are massive — and this is the sort of food that makes you wonder if anyone will complain if you lick your plate clean.

From the perfect housemade corned beef hash and classic Monte Cristo sandwich, to the chicken-blueberry salad and short rib grilled cheese sandwich, there is pleasure to be found, in every bite.

Near the Duarte Station

Sometimes, when traveling by Metro, what you need is a hot dog. Which is what you’ll find at the Duarte branch of The Slaw Dogs (1355 Huntington Drive, Duarte; 626-358-8898; www.theslawdogs.com), where the selection of wieners verges on the obsessively maniacal — the Picnic Dog served with onion rings and Mom’s potato salad; the LA Street Dog, a bacon-wrapped dog with garlic mayo and pico de gallo; the Hulk Dog, built around a seriously spicy ghost pepper link, jalapenos, bacon wrapped pepper jack cheese, roasted pasillas, habanero pickled onions and chipotle aioli. A meal that should make the rest of your train ride a very interesting endeavor.

Near the Irwindale Station

The bad news is that Picasso’s Café (6070 N. Irwindale Ave., Irwindale, 626-969-6100, www.picassoscafe.com) isn’t open on weekends. And it’s only breakfast and lunch on weekdays. But the cafe has one of the best in-house bakeries around, allowing train travelers to grab a bag or a box of tasty breads and fine pastries for the rest of their trip.

Or, if you have the time, just make yourself at home under one of the outdoor tables, and indulge in classic sandwiches, pastas and grilled dishes — nothing as artistically edgy as the namesake’s paintings — but food that satisfies with every bite.

Near the Downtown Azusa Station and Citrus College Station

What better way to come to the end of the journey east than with a big — very big! — platter of barbecue from Canyon City Barbeque (347 N. San Gabriel Ave., Azusa; 626-815-4227; www.canyoncitybbq.com), the destination of choice for pulled pork and brisket. rib tips and St. Louis spareribs, even Frito pie and barbecue nachos.

If you’re feeling a tad thirsty after your journey, they have a proper selection of beers, both big names and small. The servers are friendly as could be, the crowd leans towards big groups, and there’s sports on the TV. Eat enough, and you’ll nap on the train, all the way back.