Rasht; a culinary capital in UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Rasht, celebrated for the unique aromas of local dishes crafted by the grandmothers of Gilan Province, a member of the Creative Cities of Gastronomy network in 2015. It joins notable cities such as Adelaide, Australia; Barcelona, Spain; Bergen, Norway; Budapest, Hungary; Detroit, USA; Liverpool, UK; Rome, Italy; Montevideo, Uruguay; Salvador, Brazil; Singapore, and 22 other cities across 46 countries worldwide.
Marjan Nemati Sabaa, a journalist, highlighted that tourism is one of the most significant strategies for various nations pursuing sustainable development. Consequently, a heightened focus on different forms of tourism can have a substantial impact on the economy. From historical and cultural perspectives, Iran stands out as an essential tourist destination in the region. Culinary tourism, in particular, emphasizes food as a primary motivation for travel, chtn.ir wrote.
Culinary tourism can be viewed as a journey to a destination that offers rich cultural experiences, unique meals, and local flavors. Food plays a crucial role in tourists’ decision-making processes when selecting travel destinations. The diverse local dishes of Gilan Province significantly contribute to its reputation as a flagship of Iran’s food industry within the tourism sector.
Few can mention Rasht without conjuring memories of its delicious dishes and enticing aromas. The fame of these culinary delights is recognized not just in Iran but also across the globe. When Gilan Province and Rasht are discussed, the distinctive flavors and aromas of their local cuisine shine forth alongside their rich history, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality. This reflects the ingenuity of the region’s inhabitants and their artistry in creating a wide variety of dishes from a limited range of natural ingredients.
The kitchens of Gilan Province are filled with the enticing scents of local foods, prompting foreign tourists to inquire about traditional dishes upon their arrival. UNESCO, as an educational, scientific, and cultural organization, established the Creative Cities Network in 2004 to prioritize creativity and cultural industries at the core of local development and international collaboration.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) encompasses seven creative fields: handicrafts, folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature, and music. Its mission is to strengthen creativity and promote the production, distribution, and enjoyment of cultural products and services at the local level.
This initiative also seeks to foster creative expression — particularly among vulnerable groups such as women and youth — while increasing access to and participation in cultural life, as well as maximizing the benefits derived from cultural products. The integration of cultural and creative industries has long been one of the major attractions for travelers visiting Gilan Province, which is renowned for its rich and vibrant culinary landscape. Thus, defining food destinations can provide a fresh perspective on culinary tourism.
According to this understanding, food routes not only help preserve local dishes but also aid in reviving forgotten or nearly forgotten culinary traditions.
With Rasht designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the province has emerged as a prominent destination for food tourism. Consequently, food routes can orient the travels of this type of cultural tourist. Approximately 300 local dishes have been identified in the province, with 30 dishes officially registered on the national list and 20 more currently undergoing the registration process.
The global recognition of Rasht as a Creative City of Gastronomy, combined with innovative concepts such as defining food routes in Gilan Province, aims not only to spread the aromas of Gilan’s grandmothers’ dishes around the world but also to preserve the authenticity and cultural richness of this land, ensuring it flourishes more than ever.