UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy offer a feast for the senses, where every dish reveals a city’s rich culture and history
To truly know a city, you have to taste it. In the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy, food is more than just a meal. It’s a narrative woven into the land, history, and people.
From Lima’s ceviche to Tbilisi’s khachapuri, every dish offers a glimpse into the soul of the place. Even the simplest meals tell a story, connecting you with the culture and the community that created it.
Lima, Peru: Where Past and Present Dance on the Plate
Lima hums with vibrant flavours, where ancient ingredients like quinoa and potatoes meet modern culinary techniques. At Mercado de Surquillo, the tang of lime and the sweet perfume of tropical fruits fill the air.
Ceviche embodies the city with its sharp acidity and delicate fish, a fusion of ancient ingredients and contemporary culinary techniques.
The tender fish practically melts in your mouth. A crisp bite of red onion brings an unexpected punch.
Each bite reminds you that Lima blends history and innovation in delicious harmony. It intersects the old with the new, constantly reimagining tradition.
Kuching, Malaysia: Ancient Roots, Modern Flavours
Like Lima, Kuching brings together ancient traditions and modern influences to create a vibrant, evolving food culture. In Kuching, the dense jungles of Borneo shape the flavours. Wild herbs and spices infuse dishes passed down through generations.
The fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Bornean flavours shows how tradition can evolve, mixing timeless practices with contemporary flair.
Sarawak Laksa, served steaming hot, captures this perfect balance: a rich, tangy broth layered with spice and savoury depth. The soft noodles slide down easily, while a dollop of chili paste adds a fiery kick.
Dishes like Manok Pansoh, slow-cooked chicken in bamboo, reflect the essence of Borneo’s forests. They have a smoky, wild flavour, but are approachable enough for modern palates. In Kuching, the ancient and the modern coexist. Much like Lima, the city offers a window into the past while celebrating the vibrancy of today
Bangkok, Thailand: Food as a Celebration of Community
From Kuching’s fusion of old and new, the journey moves to Bangkok. Food here pulses with the same energy and excitement as the city itself.
Bangkok’s streets crackle with life. The air is filled with the sizzling sounds of food tossed in hot woks.
In Bangkok, food is alive—chaotic and vibrant, just like the city. Vendors shout over the sounds of sizzling oil while the smells of grilled meat, frying noodles, and sweet coconut milk envelop you.
Pad Thai perfectly captures Bangkok’s culinary spirit. It’s a quick stir-fry of noodles, tamarind, and fish sauce, garnished with peanuts, lime, and fresh herbs. Simple yet packed with flavour, it balances salty, sweet, and tangy notes—a reflection of the city’s love for harmony and contrast.
Pad Thai is a beloved part of the Thai food experience. It reminds us that, in Bangkok, food is not just sustenance—it’s a shared moment of connection.
After the vibrant energy of Bangkok’s street food stalls, we shift to a slower pace in Tbilisi, Georgia. Here, meals are marked by intimacy and tradition. Food is less about the frantic energy of the street, and more about connecting with others.
Related: Pad Thai Goong Sod
Tbilisi, Georgia: Where Food is Family
In Georgia, food is more than just flavours on your plate—it’s about family, connection, and the land. Meals are communal, often served family-style, with dishes meant to be shared among loved ones. Khachapuri is a perfect introduction to this hospitality.
The golden crust crisps at the edges, giving way to a soft, pillowy centre. Inside, molten cheese and butter ooze out as you tear off a piece. The dough is slightly chewy but delicate.
Eating khachapuri isn’t just about the food. It’s about the joy of sharing it. As you break off a piece and pass it around the table, you feel a warm embrace of Georgian hospitality in every bite.
Bologna, Italy: Crafting Tradition
After the warmth and intimacy of Tbilisi’s family meals, we find ourselves in Bologna, Italy, where food celebrates meticulous craft and tradition. Every dish here testifies to generations of careful cultivation and technique.
In Italy, chefs and cooks treat pasta not just food, but as an art form. Pasta makers hand-roll fresh tagliatelle, making the dough smooth and elastic as it transforms into delicate ribbons.
As they cook, the fragrance of the fresh pasta mingles with the scent of simmering ragù. The sauce, slow-cooked and rich with layers of flavour, clings perfectly to the noodles, each bite balanced and comforting.
At Mercato di Mezzo, prosciutto hangs like artwork, and wheels of Parmesan beg to be tasted. Bologna’s food culture celebrates tradition, honoring both the craft and the simplicity of ingredients. Here, each meal reminds us that great food comes from technique and patience as much as from the love and care put into every bite.
A World of Flavours to Explore
The UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy are more than just culinary destinations. They are living, breathing reflections of the places they represent.
From Lima’s fusion of the past and present to Kuching’s blend of wild herbs and spices with contemporary flair, each city invites you to experience its heart through food.
In Bangkok, the communal joy of street food captures the spirit of the city. Tbilisi offers deep-rooted traditions, while Bologna reveres the craft of its cuisine.
Every bite tells a story of people, history, and culture. Next time you travel, let food be your guide. Dig in, savour the flavours, and find yourself not just tasting a place, but truly experiencing it.
