Malaysia

Sambal Grilled Stingray Wrapped with Banana Leaf, $15.95 | Pacific East Japanese Restaurant

You might not expect to find one of Malaysia's better-known dishes at a Japanese restaurant, but don't be intimidated. With a taste and texture close to scallops, the exotic stingray is marinated in herbs and a spicy sambal sauce, traditionally made with chilies and shrimp paste. "It's heavy and full-bodied," says chef and owner Freeman Ngo of the sauce. "We use lemongrass, shallots, garlic and lime leaf." To keep the meat moist, the stingray is wrapped in banana tree leaves and then grilled.

1763 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-320-2302, pacificeastcoventry.com