Americans stockpile cookbooks, ever in search of the “authentic.” Is it any surprise that culinary tourism is booming? It only makes sense to indulge those gourmet lusts and do a little sautéing on vacation.The most expected and established cooking destinations are in France or Italy, but here are 10 other places around the world to play with your chopping block.

6. Thailand and Myanmar/Burma. Serious Asian food enthusiasts can take a 17-day guided journey with the experienced operators at the Globetrotting Gourmet. “Tastings Thailand” includes the first Isan Food Festival in the northeast region, a Thai cuisine master class weekend at the Sofitel Raja Orchid in Khon Kaen, and plenty of visits to local markets for exploration and tastings. Sydney-based tour guide Robert Carmack is particularly excited about the “Tastings Myanmar/Burma” leg, which “takes in Rangoon and two very special Buddhist lunar celebrations in the Inle Lake vicinity,” he said via email. “Burma is such a special country, so little changed in nearly 50 years—although we see rapid cultural differences each visit.”

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