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Two American cities are also acknowledged by UNESCO.
In 2004, UNESCO created a network of creative cities around the world to promote cities that had “identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.” The cities are recognized for their creativity in seven different fields: Crafts and Folk Arts, Music, Literature, Media Arts, Film, Design, and Gastronomy. Today, there are 249 names on the list, each highlighted for its distinctive culture, legacy, and sustainable food practices.
Creative tourism is an excellent way to understand people and their cultures, and this network can be your go-to to discover new destinations depending on your interests. For food lovers, there are options in every corner of the world: from Africa to the Caribbean. So, we are picking out 10 of them to give you a headstart. Even if you’re not an adventurous eater, you will still appreciate food history and traditions of creative cities of gastronomy.
1 OF 10
Bohicon
WHERE: Benin
Bohicon is a culturally rich city in the African country of Benin, which is known as the birthplace of voodoo. The country is under the radar, but if food is a driving factor in your vacation, you will experience a sensory overload when you taste the local condiment of Afitin (made of sumbala seeds) and the fermented corn paste that’s passed generation to generation called Houawélio.
It is a recent member of the network—added in 2021—and you can look at Intrepid Travel to help you curate a trip. The Department of State gives it a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution warning and suggests avoiding northern Benin.
2 OF 10
Overstrand Hermanus
WHERE: South Africa
Located 100 kilometres from South Africa’s prime destination Cape Town, Hermanus has built quite a reputation for itself. On offer are premiere whale watching opportunities, pristine beaches, and a number of wineries offering tours and tastings. The coastal town loves its regional selection of wines and you’ll find lovely food and wine pairings at restaurants and wineries.
Check out the farmers’ market on Saturday morning or attend the 10-day FynArts Festivals that celebrates local arts and gastronomy. It also offers hiking and biking, along with water activities, if you want to balance out all the food and alcohol.
3 OF 10
Buraidah
WHERE: Saudi Arabia
Another new addition to this network is Buraidah, a city in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The region is called the food basket of the country and grows crops and vegetables thanks to its favorable climate. Buraidah, the capital of the province, is a date heaven. In fact, the end of summer marks the beginning of a 35-day Buraidah Date Festival that brings farmers from all over the country and neighboring regions. Tourists are introduced to an assortment of dates and products during this event.
The city also hosts many other festivals that highlight its culinary arts and you can explore different markets to sample local dishes and gastronomical skills.
4 OF 10
Zahlé
WHERE: Lebanon
Did you know that the city of Zahlé in Lebanon is known for its wines? The “City of Wine and Poetry” has an array of wineries that will give you a taste of their traditional blends and introduce you to local foods. When here, you must also try arak, a potent alcoholic drink made with grapes and anise that’s sold in markets and cafes. If you’re visiting around September, you will be able to take delight in the Festival of the Vine, which features poetry readings, plays, and concerts.
Lebanon is marred by unrest and war, but it is blessed with beautiful landscapes and ancient ruins.
5 OF 10
Hyderabad
WHERE: India
The southern city of Hyderabad in India is synonymous with Hyderabadi biryani. But as you walk on the lands that were ruled by the Nizams, you will find an interesting juxtaposition: Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Mecca Masjid are revered in the city which is also an IT hub with glittering offices and swanky restaurants. From biryani to breweries, travelers are exposed to a place that honors its heritage but lives in its present. So, try the famed Hyderabadi biryani, mirchi salan, haleem, and jouzi halwa in the city for a nawabi taste, and head to rooftop restaurants and bars for a hit of international cuisines.
6 OF 10
Phuket
WHERE: Thailand
Thai cuisine is one of the most popular in the world, so it’s understandable to fly to the country to taste authentic flavors that your neighborhood takeaway joint might not be able to deliver. In Phuket, which has been a part of the network since 2015, generations have passed down old recipes and kept them alive. A few must-try dishes on the island are khao tom haeng (dry rice porridge), Hokkien fried noodles, and pad mee sua (stir-fry vegetable noodles).
Phuket’s food scene is shaped by the different cultures. Coincide your trip with the annual, three-day Old Town Festival and you’ll see the colors of the island’s arts and crafts.
7 OF 10
San Antonio
WHERE: Texas
There are two American cities on the Creative Cities of Gastronomy network: San Antonio and Tucson. Tucson, with its long agricultural history and plethora of vineyards and orchards, joined the network in 2015. It was the first American city to become a part of this innovative programme. San Antonio earned its spot in 2017.
The Texan city celebrates its confluence of cultures through culinary arts. As part of this chain, the city aims to celebrate its culinary heritage while focusing on sustainability, economic growth, and innovation. When you’re here to take a bite of its European, African, and Mexican influences, go on a food trail to local restaurants and bars and get to know chef ambassadors who represent their local flavors around the world.
8 OF 10
Bergen
WHERE: Norway
The Norwegian city paints a pretty picture with the remarkable fjords. Go deeper and you’ll find another distinctive identity: its love for sustainable and organic seafood. According to UNESCO, “the city’s food culture originating from sea biodiversity is considered the most sustainable in Europe.” In addition, Bergen hosts the world’s largest annual conference on seafood that focuses on innovation and sustainability.
In a city where more than 3,000 farmers and 200 food entrepreneurs are pushing forth the concept of organic food, you’ll be spoilt with culinary delights. Come for the Berger Food Festival in September, visit the farmers’ market every other Saturday, and get a spoonful of dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients—Bergen fish soup, puspas (lamb stew), and skillingsbolle (cinnamon buns) are calling your name.
9 OF 10
Ensenada
WHERE: Mexico
The Mexican city of Ensenada is the “Capital of Mexican Wine.” The coastal city located on the Baja California Peninsula produces 90% of the country’s wine and has amazing seafood. Check out the fish market of Mercado Negro and make a beeline for one of its seafood restaurants. Calle Primera has a number of restaurants that will plate up Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients.
It is a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy network because “it nurtures sustainable and innovative food systems through advanced scientific research and urban programmes.” As a traveler, it means that the city has so much to offer when it comes to food and wine, and it pays attention to ethical and environment-friendly practices.
10 OF 10
Popayán
WHERE: Colombia
The first city in the world to be registered as a member of the Creative Cities of Gastronomy network is Popayán. This Colombian city stands out with its white-washed colonial architecture and it is an important religious destination. The Holy Week procession, a religious celebration happening since the 16th century, has been on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list since 2009. Every year, the city also plays host to the National Gastronomic Congress of Popayán, which brings new flavors to the table and showcases its regional cooking through events, workshops, meetings and conferences.