Gastrodiplomacy

Gastrodiplomacy is a form of public diplomacy that uses cuisine to communicate national identity and build cultural understanding. It links food, culture, and soft power by using national dishes, culinary traditions, and food entrepreneurs to engage foreign audiences. Paul Rockower describes gastrodiplomacy as “the act of winning hearts and minds through stomachs,” using a country’s cuisine to raise awareness of its nation brand and make culture tangible and relatable.¹

The field emerged from early case studies such as Thailand’s campaign to expand its restaurants abroad as a form of cultural outreach. Since then, countries including South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Peru have developed national culinary strategies that promote tourism, strengthen diplomacy, and highlight the global significance of their food cultures.

Gastrodiplomacy also shares practices with social gastronomy by recognizing the central role of food in connecting communities, especially in societies shaped by migration. Immigrant and refugee chefs often act as informal diplomats, using their food traditions to foster dialogue, challenge stereotypes, and encourage cross-cultural exchange. Through public programs, embassy initiatives, and community-based culinary projects, gastrodiplomacy demonstrates how food continues to influence global relationships and create opportunities for deeper cultural engagement.