I order extra dishes at restaurants the day before i travel. I carry it in the bag the restaurant provides. if the stuff looks really interesting, i order enough for 3 to 6 portions. sometimes maybe 5-6 lbs and have it in a shopping bag. I have never been questioned when running it through the xray machine.

I have never tried soups, but think that would fall under the liquid regs. noodle dishes like pad tai are ok.

as to bringing it through customs. i am certain that the regs vary widely from one country to the next.