Most Americans, myself included, are dumbasses when it comes to unfamiliar cultural nuances. For example, the Swiss can speak like five languages fluently, while we struggle with toughies like "quesadilla." (That's Sanskrit, right?) To help foster better relations with our foreign compatriots, this year we're dedicated to global understanding in the context of food. In the following pages, you'll find meticulous, borderline-obsessive guides to a wealth of ethnic cuisines available here in Philly. We'll help you order correctly, understand what you're ordering, curb unintentional insults and maybe even encourage you to take a risk. That's right: Your appetite could very well lead to world peace. Somewhere, deep within the bowels of a hidden U.N. enclave, Kofi Annan is throwing up the international symbol for "Yeahhhh, boy!"

by Drew Lazor

The Meals Polish Japanese Ethopian/Eritrean Vietnamese Turkish Malaysian Indian Jamaican Also by Drew Lazor United Libations Five cool exotic drinks. Party Global, Stay Local Our favorite summer ethnic festivals ... The City Paper Restaurant Listings Find Where You Want To Eat

The Key SPOT UP: Our pick. TELL ME ABOUT IT: A pocket history of the cuisine. COMMONPLATE: A quintessential dish. FOR THE BALLSY: The meal to try if you're brave. PHRASE THAT PAYS: Simple things you can say in the native tongue. LITTLE-KNOWN FACT: A fun factlet to impress family and friends. TACT BRIGADE: How not to offend your hosts.