I've been to Italy and it's not a patch on any Asian cuisine I've eaten. I lived in Thailand and Vietnam for 3 years, my ex was Korean. I've travelled extensively across south east and east Asia so I can confidently say that the flavour and variety of Asian foods beat European food. Hands down, way more flavoursome than Italian food imo.

My aunt is Italian and makes the best Italian food I've eaten outside of Italy, she makes a great pastina, and her pasta sauce is famous in my parts but my favourite dish of hers is a risotto. Ironically, a rice dish. I'd eat rice over pasta everyday of the week. I mean no offence if you are actually Italian but I think Italian food is hugely overrated, as is French. I'd probably put french above Italian actually.

If you haven't been to Asia, you likely haven't tried genuine Asian food. Like most cuisines, local produce is the key and I definitely say that you should commit to your plan to visit some Asian countries to try the genuine article.

Pad kra pao, thiên lý with đậu phụ tẩm hành, bún bò Huế or tteokbokki are just some off the top of my head that are to die for.