Touring the Tastes of Asia

Looking for new delightful dining experiences? The United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA) is highlighting the tastes of Asia in five countries.

In India, Tauck is inviting travelers to taste "A Portrait of India." This 18-day tour involves cooking demonstrations and ad inner at the home of a noted Indian chef. Visit New Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Cochin, Kumarakom and Mumbai. The tour must be booked by December 1 for travel until December 21. Visit www.tauck.com.

Experience a half day Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An, including a visit to the market and reparation of five traditional dishes with Explorations' "Treasures of Angkor Wat and Vietnam" from Collette Vacations. This 16-day tour to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam is bookable by March 1, 2012 for travel through April 12, 2012. Visit www.explorationstouring.com.

On International Expeditions' "Laos and Vietnam: Sacred Jewels of Southeast Asia" travelers ample the famous roast chicken at Anh Tuyet's restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam, featured on Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations." In Laos, culinary offerings include lunch at Makphet Restaurant in Vientiane and Italian cuisine at Xe   Pian ecolodge. Also offered is an elephant fish lunch in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. Activities include sightseeing by cyclo-rickshaw, tuk-tuk, long boat, sampan boat and elephant back. An overnight cruise on Halong Bay in Vietnam aboard a Chinese junk, plus visits to Luang Prabang in Laos and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam are also included, as are excursions to local markets, villages and sustainability projects, a private back welcome ceremony and a sacred take bat ceremony. The tour can be booked until December 1, 2011. Visit www.IEtravel.com/explore-laos.

Savor a Beijing duck dinner and local culinary lunches on Pacific Delight Tours' 10-day "China Impressions" tour. The itinerary visits Beijing, Xi'an, Suzhou and Shanghai and includes airfare from Los Angeles (add $200 for New York), hotels, meals sightseeing and transfers. This tour is available through March 2012. Visit www.pacificdelighttours.com.