Most Asian restaurants are really two restaurants: one where outsiders eat, and one where insiders dine. So how can you become an insider and take full advantage of Asian cuisines?

In this indispensable guide, dining expert Steven A. Shaw proves that you don’t have to be Asian to enjoy a VIP experience–you just have to eat like you are. Through entertaining and richly told anecdotes and essays, Asian Dining Rules takes you on a tour of Asian restaurants in North America, explaining the cultural and historical background of each cuisine–Japanese, Chinese, Southeast Asian, Korean, and Indian–and offering an in-depth survey of these often daunting foodways. Here are suggestions for getting the most out of a restaurant visit, including where to eat, how to interact with the staff, be treated like a regular, learn to eat outside the box, and order special off-menu dishes no matter your level of comfort or knowledge.

Steven Shaw–intrepid reporter, impeccable tastemaker, and eater extraordinaire–is the perfect dining companion to accompany you on your journey to find the best Asian dining experience, every time.