Southeast Asia has long been known as a paradise for food lovers. Its cuisine reflects a mix of cultures, climates, and histories that have shaped the region into one of the world’s most flavorful destinations. From tropical islands to fertile river plains, food here is not only nourishment but also a form of identity and pride.
Recognizing this richness, UNESCO has included several Southeast Asian cities in its Creative Cities of Gastronomy Network, an initiative that honors places where cuisine is deeply tied to culture, community, and sustainability.
As of today, five cities in Southeast Asia carry this prestigious title, each with a story that goes far beyond taste.
Battambang, Cambodia: The Heart of Rural Flavors
Located along the Tonle Sap River, Battambang is Cambodia’s agricultural soul. The city is known for its use of local, organic ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms and waterways. Traditional dishes like fish amok, fermented fish paste, and fragrant rice define its identity.
What makes Battambang special is its community-driven food culture. Cooking here remains a shared practice passed down through families and local markets, blending ancient Khmer traditions with sustainable living.
UNESCO recognized Battambang for maintaining the purity of rural Cambodian cuisine while encouraging local empowerment through food.
Kuching, Malaysia: A Harmony of Flavors
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, Malaysia, represents culinary diversity at its finest. Its cuisine is a reflection of the city’s multiethnic roots, Malay, Chinese, Dayak, and Indian influences come together on every plate.
From the spicy tang of Sarawak laksa to the simplicity of kolo mee and the smoky aroma of manok pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo), every dish tells a story of coexistence.
Kuching’s inclusion in UNESCO’s gastronomy network highlights how the city has preserved traditional cooking while promoting a sustainable food economy that supports local farmers and indigenous ingredients.
Iloilo, Philippines: Heritage on a Plate
Iloilo, on Panay Island, is often called the heritage kitchen of the Philippines. It is home to beloved dishes like La Paz Batchoy, a noodle soup rich with pork broth and egg, and Pancit Molo, a dumpling soup that traces its roots to the city’s Chinese community.
Beyond its famous dishes, Iloilo stands out for its deep respect for culinary heritage. Many local restaurants and households still follow recipes that have been passed down for generations.
UNESCO recognized Iloilo for nurturing a food culture that connects the community through shared traditions and supports sustainable, farm-to-table dining.
Phetchaburi, Thailand: The City of Sweets
Phetchaburi, a small city in central Thailand, is affectionately known as the “Sweet City.” Its identity is built around sugar, coconut, and tropical fruits, which are used to create Thai desserts like khanom mor gaeng (Thai custard) and thong yip (golden flower dessert).
Phetchaburi’s strength lies in its mastery of balance, combining local ingredients with refined traditional techniques.
The city’s recognition by UNESCO celebrates not just its desserts, but also its role in preserving local craftsmanship and the small-scale industries that sustain Thailand’s rich culinary landscape.
Phuket, Thailand: A Crossroads of Culinary Cultures
Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, is more than just beaches and resorts. It is a culinary melting pot where Chinese, Malay, and Thai influences meet.
The city’s signature dishes, such as mee hoon, moo hong (braised pork belly), and fresh seafood cooked with southern spices, showcase a Peranakan heritage that has evolved over centuries of trade and migration.
UNESCO honored Phuket for successfully preserving its unique culinary identity despite the pressures of mass tourism. Local markets, street food stalls, and family-run restaurants continue to thrive, keeping traditional recipes alive while promoting Phuket as a global food destination.
More Than Just Food: A Shared Identity
These five Southeast Asian cities show that food is more than something to eat, it is a way of life, a bridge between generations, and a form of storytelling. Each city offers a glimpse into how communities nurture their heritage through the act of cooking and sharing meals.
UNESCO’s recognition of Battambang, Kuching, Iloilo, Phetchaburi, and Phuket reminds us that the world’s greatest cuisines are built not just from flavor, but from culture, care, and connection.
Southeast Asia’s gastronomic cities are proof that taste can unite people, preserve history, and inspire sustainability, one dish at a time.
