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Thailand - Located in the middle of Southeast Asia, this country of almost 69 million people has a rich history, which is greatly reflected in its food.

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Thailand - Thai cuisine is characterized by its incomparable ability to blend an array of tastes, including sweet, spicy, sour, bitter, and salty. Although the dishes are diverse, rice is a staple.

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Vietnam - Also located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has a rich food heritage. Vietnamese food combines native and outside influences, particularly Asian and French.

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Vietnam - When you think about rice, you probably imagine a simple side dish. But in Vietnam, rice comes in all shapes and forms: steamed, sticky, noodles, pancakes, and porridge are just a few of them. Other staples include fish sauce, seafood, pork, beef, and tropical fruits.

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Tokyo, Japan - This East Asian island country has a whopping population of 127 million. With a history spanning thousands of years, it's no surprise that Japan's cuisine is intricate, yet delicate.

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Tokyo, Japan - Bourdain once stated that if he had to spend the rest of his life in one place, it would be Tokyo. Japanese cuisine emphasizes seasonal ingredients and fish, so you can expect colorful, fresh, nourishing meals while in Japan's capital.

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Beirut, Lebanon - Lebanese gastronomic history is very traditional, dating back to the Phoenicians and Romans. This Middle Eastern country also has strong Ottoman and French influences, all of which are reflected in its food.

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Beirut, Lebanon - Lebanese food is commonly grilled, baked, or sautéed in olive oil. Expect lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, starches, and seafood. Popular dishes include hummus, tabbouleh, kibbeh, and falafel.

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Laos - Yet another Southeast Asian country to make the list, Lao cuisine originated in a northern region that is now part of China. Its food shares many characteristics with Thai cuisine, where many Lao immigrants live.

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Laos - Similar to other Asian cultures, rice is a staple in Laos. One of the country's most popular dishes is larb, a salad of spicy marinated meat or fish, seasoned with an abundance of herbs and spices.

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Lyon, France - This city, located in eastern France, is known for its gastronomy in addition to its historical and architectural landmarks. 

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Lyon, France - The city is renowned for having some of the world's most-acclaimed chefs. In addition, it is located along regions that produce wine, poultry, as well as fruits and vegetables, guaranteeing freshness and quality.

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Nicaragua - Nicaragua is a Central American country marked by its ancient roots. But it also has a long history of political turbulence, including territorial disputes by the British and Americans. 

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Nicaragua - The country's cuisine is characterized by varied ingredients and intricate preparation methods. A popular dish is nacatamal, a mix of rice, polenta, potato, meat, and chili, all wrapped and cooked inside a banana leaf.

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Spain - Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is renowned for its vast culinary traditions. Both the Romans and the Moors left strong imprints in the country's history that are still evident today.

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Spain - Mediterranean cuisine is rich in olive oil, grains, vegetables, and spice. One of the country's most popular dishes is the paella, made with rice, seafood, chicken, and chorizo.

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Tangier, Morocco - This city in northern Morocco, with a population of one million, is characterized by its blend of Portuguese, English, and Spanish cultures.

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Tangier, Morocco - Among the city's many dishes, Bourdain highlighted bastilla, an almond chicken pie that can be found in local shops and popular restaurants.

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Mozambique - Located in southeastern Africa, the country is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and is home to approximately 30 million inhabitants. Mozambique has strong Portuguese, Indian, and Arabic cultural and gastronomic influences.

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Mozambique - Reflecting its history of colonization, the country's cuisine is quite diverse, but seafood and curry are the base of many traditional dishes.

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