More than what’s on the plate.

A meal can be an invitation to understand another culture. Gastrodiplomacy explores how cuisine helps nations and communities communicate who they are.

This project looks at the connections between food, tourism, national identity, and cultural exchange.

Discover gastrodiplomacy →

Where food and travel meet.

How does experiencing a cuisine shape the way we see a country? Dr. Suntikul’s research examines the relationship between gastrodiplomacy, tourism, and national identity.

Read the research paper (PDF) →

Explore research and news →

One table. Many cultures.

Explore the five countries in the original collection. Their dedicated guides are forthcoming.

France · South Korea · Thailand · Taiwan · Peru

People, places & the food between them.

Explore photographs from the original project.

Visit the gallery →

A curiosity about the world.

Meet Dr. Wantanee Suntikul and learn about the person behind this project.

About Dr. Suntikul →

Let’s connect.

Have a question about gastrodiplomacy, food, or tourism?

Get in touch →

A WORLD OF CONNECTION

Food speaks
every language.

Explore how food brings people together, shapes our journeys, and builds understanding across cultures.

People sharing a variety of dishes around a wooden table
THE SHARED TABLEA simple meal. A wider world.
FOOD AS A BRIDGECulture & identity✳Tourism & discovery✳Dialogue & diplomacy

01 / THE IDEA

More than what’s
on the plate.

A meal can be an invitation to understand another culture.

Gastrodiplomacy explores how cuisine helps nations and communities communicate who they are. This project looks at the connections between food, tourism, national identity, and cultural exchange.

Understand the idea
A market vendor with produce displayed on a clothPEOPLE, PLACES & THE FOOD BETWEEN THEM

02 / FEATURED RESEARCH

Where food
and travel meet.

How does experiencing a cuisine shape the way we see a country? Dr. Suntikul’s research examines the relationship between gastrodiplomacy, tourism, and national identity.

RESEARCH PAPERWantanee Suntikul
Read the overview Open the full paper (PDF)

03 / A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

One table. Many cultures.

Explore the collection

Six countries. Explore food traditions, cultural exchange, and public diplomacy through our country guides.

04 / NOTES & PERSPECTIVES

Food for thought.

Research & news
01
IN THE NEWS · AUGUST 29, 2017

Gastrodiplomacy in tourism, featured by USC

Explore the USC Center on Public Diplomacy’s introduction to Dr. Suntikul’s research.

WATCH / FROM THE ORIGINAL PROJECT

Another way
to explore.

Continue with the video featured on the original website.

A formal dining roomWatch on YouTube ↗

THE PERSON BEHIND THE PROJECT

A lifelong love of food.
A curiosity about the world.

From cooking with her mother in Thailand to studying food, culture, and tourism, Dr. Wantanee Suntikul brings a personal perspective to her academic work.

Meet Dr. Suntikul