What are your options when you're traveling in India, but craving really good sushi?

Has this ever happened to you? You’re somewhere far-flung … say, China or Peru … and despite all the exciting culinary choices around you, you’re overcome with an inexplicable desire to go for Italian.

We say, give in and make an occasion of it. Here are some off-culture recommendations for a few major destinations.

Sushi in Mumbai. If the city formerly known as Bombay — an obvious center of great Indian food — has over-tandooried your tastebuds, then head for the Taj Palace Hotel to supp at Wasabi, the India branch of the ultimate authentic Japanese sushi house.

Prime Rib in Dubai. Once you’re had your fill of finger food, return to familiar knife-and-fork territory with Chef John Wood’s mustard-crusted prime rib of beef, complete with breathtaking view, at Al Muntaha atop the Burj Al Arab Hotel. (Start with the lobster Caesar.)

Mojitos in Ho Chi Minh City. After you’ve sampled your share of authentic Vietnamese food from those upbiquitous stand-up stalls, splurge for a sit-down dinner and consider indulging in what communist countries do best — providing genuine (and legal) Havana cigars for just a few bucks. Precede this with Cuban fare such as spicy meat balls and a strong Cuba Libre. La Habana is the place, near the Opera House.

Haute French Cuisine in Bangkok. Turns out the best French restaurant in Asia is at the top of the Oriental Hotel, which is why movie industry executives and the international diplomatic corps keep Le Normandie on speed-dial. The six-course degustation menu with optional wine pairing will make you genuinely thank your wife for sneaking your best dinner jacket into your luggage.

Whatever your off-culture inclination, avoid burger joints in far-off lands unless you’re hankering to hang out with the backpack crowd. Is that snobbery? Perhaps. But we’re dispensing advice about dinner, not about democracy. (After all, there is no such thing as equality among restaurants.)

Bon appetite!