[mbenjaminsmith]

I'd agree with Hong Kong and Thailand as food destinations. Don't focus on "regional" or "local" cuisine in those places though. Population density (and mix) along with food culture and infrastructure conspire to create multicultural food meccas. I'd probably rate Thai food #2 or #3 in Bangkok, with Japanese, Chinese or maybe Italian having an edge. Hong Kong is marginally more expensive than Bangkok but both offer excellent value. They've also both developed strong wine and beer cultures. I've been enjoying a wide variety of high value Bordeaux here in Bangkok. Both have growing supplies of Belgian and German beers as well. Go to Hong Kong for Belgian beer and mussels. Go to Bangkok for Italian or Japanese or even the steakhouses. Yes, you can also get really good Chinese and Thai in these places.