from the desert of Arizona to the forests of Gilan; UNESCO’s best food cities

UNESCO has so far awarded 56 cities in the world the title of “Creative City of Gastronomy”; A title that shows that food heritage is as important as language and architecture in the cultural identity of a nation. The selected cities must show that food plays an active role in their social, economic and educational structure and is in line with the principles of sustainability. They are re-evaluated every four years to maintain the authenticity and continuity of food traditions. This global network emphasizes a common principle; Beyond nutrition, food is a tool to preserve memory and convey identity. In the following, we will mention some of these cities. (National Geographic)

Tucson, America‘s first UNESCO food city, is built on sustainability in the dry desert climate. In this city, local producers have provided a model for a resilient food system by reviving ancient grains and desert crops such as cactus. Famous bakeries and native farms have turned ancestral knowledge into a tool to connect society and preserve historical identity. The variety of Tucson’s food menu, from street food to multicultural recipes, shows the ability of this region to adapt to difficult environmental conditions and turn it into a global brand.

Photographer: Unknown / Visit Tucson

“Parma” in northern Italy, as the heart of the “food valley” of this country, is an example of the connection of tradition, quality and education in the food system, where the taste is not only consumed, but also learned and transmitted. In 2015, UNESCO registered this city in the list of culinary cities due to the protection of its flagship products such as “Parmesan cheese” as well as its innovative approach to food education. Food science is taught in Parma from elementary schools to university levels. Traditional producers and old restaurants also preserve this heritage in a practical way.

Photographer: Unknown / Shop Parmigiano Reggiano

“Battambang” joined the UNESCO list in 2023 due to its resilience against decades of crisis and efforts to revive authentic cuisine. This city is a clear example of the role of food in rebuilding cultural identity after decades of war and the loss of traditions. In this city, native ingredients and old cooking methods that survived the devastation have become a part of everyday life again. Local restaurants also establish a link between the past and the present by relying on traditional recipes and seasonal products.

Photographer: Unknown / Grantourismo Travels

Östersund in northern Sweden has built its global reputation on creativity in preserving raw materials and small productions. As one of the first members of the UNESCO gastronomy network, this city has special expertise in traditional food preservation techniques such as fermentation, smoking and drying to get through the long winters. A focus on sustainability, the use of biofuels and the training of a new generation of cheesemakers and producers has made Ostershund a leader in a revitalizing food culture where the rhythms of nature determine the daily menu.

Photographer: Unknown / Visit Östersund

The city of Rasht is one of the leading food tourism destinations in the country and in 2015 it joined the UNESCO creative cities network in the field of gastronomy. The geographical location and humid climate of Gilan provide access to fresh vegetables and ingredients and play an important role in the formation of the traditional cuisine of the city. Foods such as Bagla Qataq, Tarshtare and Mirza Ghasemi are not only food, but also a symbol of local culture and history. With its lively markets and food festivals, Rasht shows how food can define the cultural identity and daily life of people.

Photographer: unknown / 3click

Which of these cities have you traveled to and how was your food experience? In your opinion, which other Iranian city has the capacity to be on this list? Please let Kajaro and its users know your valuable opinion.

Cover photo source: 3click, photographer name: unknown