A Jammin Life

Throughout my entire college career, no one ever guessed my major correctly. It makes sense that people think it’s in food or business, but I’m actually an International Commerce major! I chose this back in the day when I loved food so much and wanted to bring legitimate Korean food to America and American food to Korea. So, I learned the concept of gastrodiplomacy and wanted to get deeper into that. But there was no major in gastrodiplomacy, so I went into International Commerce to combine with my background in food and create my own major!

But that was back when I was passionate and had a fervor for life. Now, I just do what I gotta do and survive this harsh world…. Anyway, because I was so in love with this field for a long time, I wanted to introduce it to you!

In the intricate dance of international relations, food plays a pivotal role that goes beyond mere sustenance. Two concepts at the forefront of this culinary exchange are culinary diplomacy and gastrodiplomacy. You may have heard of them before, but they may have been used interchangeably. What is the difference between culinary diplomacy and gastrodiplomacy? Both utilize cuisine’s universal appeal but in subtly different ways to bridge cultures and strengthen diplomatic ties.

Culinary Diplomacy: A Taste of Diplomatic Bonding

Culinary diplomacy operates on the premise that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. This practice is often seen in high-level meetings between world leaders. For example, when leaders from America and Korea meet, it’s common for the Korean side to introduce traditional Korean dishes as a gesture of goodwill. This not only exposes the foreign dignitary to Korean culture but also sets a warm, convivial tone for discussions. The underlying message is clear: sharing one’s national cuisine is akin to extending friendship and respect.

Gastrodiplomacy: Globalizing National Cuisines

Gastrodiplomacy takes a broader approach. It is the strategy employed by governments to promote their national culinary heritage abroad as a form of public diplomacy. A prime example of gastrodiplomacy in action is the concerted effort by the Thai and Vietnamese governments to support their citizens in establishing Thai and Vietnamese restaurants worldwide. This initiative has not only popularized their cuisines globally but also fostered a greater appreciation and understanding of their cultures. The widespread presence of Thai and Vietnamese eateries across the globe is a testament to the success of this strategy.

The Underrepresentation of Filipino Cuisine

Despite the effectiveness of gastrodiplomacy, some cuisines remain underrepresented on the global stage. Filipino food, known for its bold flavors and unique dishes, is a prime example. Despite its deliciousness and complexity, Filipino cuisine has not enjoyed the same international proliferation as its Thai and Vietnamese counterparts. (Filipino cuisine is one of my favorite cuisines ever, but it is difficult to find in America. Most of my friends have never even had the chance to try it before.) This disparity highlights an opportunity for the Philippines to leverage gastrodiplomacy more effectively. By encouraging the establishment of Filipino restaurants abroad and promoting the nation’s culinary delights, the Philippines could significantly enhance the global profile of its cuisine. This effort could not only increase cultural exchange but also stimulate economic benefits through tourism and international interest in Filipino food products.

The Impact of Food in Diplomacy

The influence of food in diplomacy cannot be overstated. Culinary diplomacy and gastrodiplomacy are powerful tools that can forge connections, deepen mutual understanding, and open doors to dialogue in ways that traditional diplomacy may not. As nations continue to explore these gastronomic avenues, the potential for peace, cooperation, and cultural exchange grows. The success stories of Thai and Vietnamese gastrodiplomacy serve as inspiring models for other countries, like the Philippines, to showcase their culinary heritage to the world.

Whether through the intimate setting of a state dinner or the global spread of national cuisines, food has the remarkable ability to bring people together. As we navigate the complex web of international relations, perhaps it’s time to place greater emphasis on our culinary commonalities. After all, in the universal language of food, everyone speaks the same delicious dialect.