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.
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) →
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.
A curiosity about the world.
Meet Dr. Wantanee Suntikul and learn about the person behind this project.
Let’s connect.
Have a question about gastrodiplomacy, food, or tourism?
COUNTRY COLLECTION / SOUTH AMERICA
Peru
Peru’s food traditions offer a way to explore how everyday knowledge, regional identity and cultural exchange can become part of a country’s international presence.
Food and cultural identity
In 2023, UNESCO inscribed the practices and meanings associated with preparing and consuming ceviche in Peru. The heritage includes fishing, growing ingredients, cooking and sharing knowledge within families. Regional variations connect the dish to local identities. UNESCO also highlights the roles of traditional cooks and community efforts to protect ingredients and natural resources. The recognition therefore extends beyond a single recipe.
Public diplomacy example
In April 2026, the Peruvian Embassy in Thailand organized a causa limeña cooking demonstration and a presentation on gastronomic diplomacy at Bangkok University. Students learned about the dish’s ingredients and culinary meaning and took part in its preparation. Peru’s foreign ministry described the event as an effort to increase young Thai people’s knowledge and appreciation of Peruvian cuisine and culture. This is one concrete example of food supporting cultural outreach through education and participation.
Explore further
Read UNESCO’s heritage description alongside the embassy’s account of the Bangkok event. Peru’s official tourism portal offers an introduction to regional cuisines, providing a broader context for examining which traditions are shared abroad.
Official sources
A curated introduction based on the official sources above.
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