Check out these locations for some international inspiration.
Lebanese favorites include the kafta kebab and the chicken (with apples, raisins, pineapple, squash and zucchini) in a sweet curry sauce over couscous.
281 Montgomery Ave., Bala Cynwyd, (610) 667-1245
Among the signature items: jasmine soup, drunken noodles, and Panang curry (with coconut milk, green beans, bell peppers and kaffir lime leaves). The dumplings are delicious, too.
232 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne, (610) 293-7500
A hidden gem for Lebanese favorites like baba ghanoush, kebbeh, and tabbouleh. The succulent lamb burgers are prepared three ways.
235 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, (856) 272-6339.
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Israel, Morocco and Iraq are well represented here. The menu features kebabs of all kinds—plus short ribs, sabich, and various dishes spotlighting eggplant, lamb, tahini and harissa.
305 W. State St., Media, (484) 442-8012
Favoring flavor profiles from Taiwan and China’s Sichuan region, specialties include cumin lamb with house-made noodles, spicy-sour rib-eye steak, and chicken with sweet soy sauce.
214 Sugartown Road, Wayne, (484) 580-8558
Regulars swear by the grilled octopus, pan-fried Kefalograviera cheese and eggplant-zucchini chips (with tzatziki). The swordfish souvlaki is a dark-horse favorite.
222 N. Radnor Chester Road, Wayne, (484) 581-7124 
EKTA Vegetarians rave about the smoked eggplant (with onion, tomato, green peas and ginger) and paneer cheese (cooked numerous ways). And there’s a dozen varieties of naan.
1003½ W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 581-7070
Fattoush deftly juggles Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and nails the basics. The chicken shawarma, lamb gyros, hummus and tabbouleh are all spot-on.
182 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, (484) 568-4465
This Main Line institution continues to lure devotees with its grilled lamb chops, braised lamb shank (in tomato Marsala wine sauce) and a whole grilled fish.
50 N. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 520-0288
Sushi, pad Thai, spare ribs, Szechuan beef, Chengdu lamb—Maki-San does it all well. Delicious vegetarian options include moo shu tofu and a mock kung pao chicken.
138 Montgomery Ave., Bala Cynwyd, (610) 668-2100
From sushi to its signature Peking duck, this Asian cornerstone offers an array of pan-Asian delicacies. The seafood-filled Shinchaku Rice Bowl is a customer favorite, as are the Shanghai meatballs and Chilean sea bass (in ginger sauce).
Various locations.
Pholosopy
The lotus root salad is a great starter, before transitioning to an aromatic bowl of pho or vermicelli filled with goodies like rotisserie chicken, grilled meat, shrimp, egg rolls and more.
226 Haverford Ave., Narberth, (610) 881-5111.
RASA INDIAN CUISINE (Closed) Northern and southern Indian specialties share the menu at Rasa. Loyalists swear by the masala, biryani, chaat and tandoori-marinated meats. 1201 Wilmington Pike, Chadds Ford, (484) 800-8109,.
RITTENHOUSE DELI Ardmore’s best-kept secret makes killer Korean barbecue tacos. Fillings also include tofu bulgogi and traditional beef and pork. 68 Rittenhouse Place, Ardmore, (610) 642-3183.
XOLO TACOS Along with superior tacos, burritos and enchiladas, signature dishes include salmon, grilled chicken and carne asada. Save room for the churros with melted chocolate. 14 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-7777
