In recent decades, the world has witnessed an extraordinary shift in how food is used; not just as nourishment but as a diplomatic tool. Culinary diplomacy, also referred to as "gastrodiplomacy," harnesses the universal power of food to build cultural understanding, resolve conflicts, and enhance international cooperation and trade.
What is Culinary Diplomacy?
Culinary diplomacy is defined as the use of food and cuisine as instruments to foster cross-cultural understanding and to strengthen diplomatic relationships between states and peoples (Muhammad & Adilbekova 2023). Chapple-Sokol (2013) termed this cultural strategy "commensality," from the Latin roots com (with) and mensa (table), implying the bond that is formed through shared meals.
As food transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, it creates a shared experience where trust and familiarity can flourish. Nations have begun to institutionalise this form of soft power into their foreign policy strategies—spanning high-level state dinners to grassroots food exchanges and chef ambassadorships.
Historical Roots & Renaissance
Though the formal use of culinary diplomacy gained recognition in the 21st century, the practice itself dates back to ancient trade routes and royal banquets. The Silk Road, for example, facilitated the transfer of spices, herbs, and cooking techniques that shaped civilizations (Kaplan 2020). During the Renaissance, lavish banquets served not only as symbols of power but also as platforms for negotiation (Grellmann 2018).
In modern history, initiatives such as the U.S. State Department's use of "culinary ambassadors" during the Cold War helped bridge tensions between rival states (Collins 2012). Today, state dinners—like the one hosted by President Donald Trump in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron in 2018—serve as key tools of relationship-building (VOA News, 2018).
Examples from the Field
Various countries have successfully launched national gastrodiplomacy campaigns. Italy, renowned for its global culinary influence, has incorporated gastrodiplomacy through initiatives such as "The Extraordinary Italian Taste," a campaign led by the Italian Trade Agency to promote authentic Italian products and protect them from imitation in global markets (Italian Trade Agency 2019). Thailand's "Kitchen of the World" initiative, for example, aimed to increase the number of Thai restaurants globally and maintain authenticity through the Thai Select certification (Arunmas 2018).
In Sri Lanka, food festivals and diplomatic culinary showcases have been used to improve tourism and build international awareness of local cuisine such as pol sambol and ambul thiyal (Vidanapathirana 2020). Similarly, Nigeria leverages culinary diplomacy through events like the Amala Fiesta to promote national identity abroad (Adesina 2017).
FIN-USA Culinary & Sports Diplomacy
A recent and noteworthy example of combined culinary and sports diplomacy took place in March 2025 when Finnish President Alexander Stubb met with the U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders shared a private breakfast followed by a friendly round of golf and later enjoyed lunch together.
This seemingly casual encounter carried deep diplomatic undertones. By blending culinary and sports diplomacy, both parties were able to build rapport in a low-pressure environment. The breakfast meeting provided a relaxed setting for dialogue, while golf—a classic venue for informal negotiation—fostered camaraderie and open conversation. The concluding lunch further reinforced the bond through shared cultural experience and the symbolic act of breaking bread together.
On a lighter note: Will Trump’s next trip to Finland see him breaking the ice in more ways than one—through a round of 'steam diplomacy' in the sauna, and maybe even a deal on icebreakers?
Such encounters underscore how carefully choreographed informal settings can meaningfully complement formal diplomacy. They offer leaders a space to build trust, discuss sensitive issues discreetly, and form lasting personal relationships that enhance broader international cooperation.
As seen in a post by Finland’s Presidential Office (@tpkanslia), the visit included shared meals and informal activities.
Beyond International Relations
Culinary diplomacy is no longer confined to formal diplomatic circles. It thrives at the grassroots level through community cooking events, food festivals, and international chef collaborations. Digital platforms like Instagram and YouTube have amplified its reach, allowing global audiences to participate in virtual gastrodiplomacy (Murcott 2014).
Moreover, as noted by the Foreign Affairs Review (2020), the act of cooking and eating together can often succeed where formal negotiations fail; helping to ease tensions and build empathy between conflicting groups.
Culinary Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution
Food serves as a neutral and hospitable medium for initiating difficult conversations. The symbolic meal shared between North and South Korean leaders in 2018 is a prime example of food paving the way for political thaw (Korea.net 2018); though the détente proved temporary.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO 2021), food fosters inclusive dialogue, making it a useful tool in post-conflict reconciliation and peacebuilding.
Challenges & Considerations
Despite its strengths, culinary diplomacy is not without challenges. Cultural sensitivity, appropriation, and commercialization can dilute its message if not carefully managed. Practitioners must strike a balance between celebrating culinary identity and nurturing authentic cross-cultural relationships.
Conclusions
Culinary diplomacy is more than a trendy concept—it's a strategic instrument for nation-branding, cultural exchange, economic diplomacy, and peacebuilding. By transforming dining tables into forums for dialogue, it fosters empathy, curiosity, and mutual respect. In a world often divided by politics, perhaps the most enduring connections are still made over a shared meal.
References
Adesina, O. S. (2017). Projecting Nigeria's Soft Power Through Culinary Diplomacy. African Journal for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.
Arunmas, P. (2018). Kitchen of the World gets reboot. Bangkok Post.
Chapple-Sokol, S. (2013). Culinary Diplomacy: Breaking Bread to Win Hearts and Minds. The Hague Journal of Diplomacy, 8, 161.
Collins, R. (2012). The Cultural Cold War and Culinary Ambassadors. Smithsonian Magazine.
FAO (2021). Food and Diplomacy: Dialogue through Cuisine.
Foreign Affairs Review (2020). Delectable Diplomacy: What is Culinary Diplomacy?
Grellmann, G. (2018). Banquets and Politics in the Renaissance.
Italian Trade Agency (2019). The Extraordinary Italian Taste.
Kaplan, D. (2020). Spice Routes and Cultural Exchange.Korea.net. (2018). North-South Korean leaders share a symbolic meal.
Muhammad, A., & Adilbekova, K. (2023). Culinary Diplomacy: Unveiling the Palate as a Pathway to Stronger International Relations. ISOEC Journal.
Murcott, A. (2014). Social Media and Culinary Globalization. Food Culture & Society.
Vidanapathirana, V. (2020). A Diplomacy of Pol Sambol and Ambul Thiyal: The Role of Gastrodiplomacy in Strengthening Sri Lanka's International Relationships. ResearchGate.
VOA News (2018). Trump Hosts Macron for First State Dinner. Voice of America.
YLE Finnish Broadcasting Company (2025). After golfing with Stubb, Trump says US will "purchase badly needed Icebreakers" from Finland.