Cambodian chefs know how to use their noodles in creating the ancient recipes of Southeast Asia. Bowls brimming with Nom banh chok (Khmer noodles) and savory broth swimming with fish gravy, fresh vegetables, and chicken, pork, or beef have been gracing the tables of Cambodia for centuries.

Forget everything you’ve learned about eating with your hands. In India, the abundant assortment of bread is made for scooping and sopping sumptuous selections of dishes. Curry gravy, chickpeas, chutney, and mouthwatering masala share the stage with Naan, flatbread, and Tandoori pancakes. And, don’t forget the kabobs and samosas!

Browse the souks (markets) where the aromas of exotic spices fill the air and awaken the appetite. Dig into the national dish of the Emirates, kabsa, a mix of basmati rice, lamb or chicken, vegetables, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, and bay leaves—simmered in a single pot and generously served to share at the table.

There’s nothing like the real thing when it comes to Japanese food. From fresh sushi to soba noodles and tempura to tofu, Japan is all about fresh ways to think outside the bento box. Mixing ancient recipes with Avant Garde chef creations, the Japanese food scene is as traditional or trailblazing as you wish. Start the day with okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), and end dinner with sweet wagashi mochi

Hanoi has cornered the market on street food with food stalls and street kitchens scattered throughout the bustling city. From Banh cuon rice-flour pancakes to grilled spring rolls with cucumber and green mango, to beef and noodles, you’ll find the traditional local specialties to tempt the tongue. Continue your culinary quest through Vietnam’s pastoral traditions of fresh farm-to-table fare.

Eat like a local from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with curry- and coconut-infused dishes like Massaman Curry, Hor Mok Ma Prow Awn (seafood coconut curry), chicken or beef with stir-fried glass noodles, or the go-to classic, Pad Kra Prao—chicken, beef, or seafood with a side of steamed jasmine rice. Sweeten the experience with a dessert of Mango Sticky Rice!