Raleigh, N.C. — I like to use Triangle Restaurant Week as a chance to try different cuisines. It is great discovering some of the international fare the Triangle has to offer.

The best thing about these TRW menus is that they give you a well-rounded taste of what the restaurants have to offer. 

Here are our picks for exploring international cuisine this week: 

Babylon (Moroccan) - This Glenwood South restaurant specializes in Moroccan cuisine. The restaurant week menu gives a nice mix of of their menu without straying too far from the norm. And they also offer vegetarian-friendly items like the eggplant potato creme. What we are excited to try: Appetizer - Baked Chicken Bastilla Rolls (Hand rolled filo, filled with slow braised shredded chicken, toasted almonds, honey and saffron)

Bida Manda (Laotian) - This Laotian restaurant opened last year next to Tir na Nog and offers variations on the owners' family recipes. A great atmosphere and 

Vin Rouge and Coquette Brasserie (French) -  Vin Rouge, located in Durham, is known for its famous mac and cheese, which made our Five Faves list last year. Coquette, which is located in North Hills in Raleigh, is offering special lunch and dinner menus next week. Of course, Creme brulee is on the list! Another item to try - the braised leg of lamb. 

Mantra (Indian) - Their $30 dinner menu features traditional and more contemporary items. What we are excited to try: The Butter Chicken Masala, which features a ginger and garlic marinade served in a creamy tomato and fenugreek sauce. 

Gregoria's Kitchen and Cuban Steakhouse (Cuban) - This Durham restaurant will offer a special $20 TRW menu featuring classic Cuban cuisine. What we are excited to try: Relleno de Platano Maduro (stuffed sweet plantains with Cuban-style ground beef) and coconut flan. 

Another place to try for international fare - buku (Global). This downtown Raleigh staple boasts "global street food." Not sure what their restaurant week menu will have, but it will probably be a good mix of flavors.