World Diversity Day: How Our Food Choices Can Celebrate Culture and Protect the Planet

Here at That’s Food and Drink, we believe food is far more than fuel. It’s a story, a culture, a connection.

So what better time to explore the deeper impact of our food choices than on World Diversity Day (21 May)?

This global observance celebrates cultural richness and encourages open dialogue and inclusive development. But diversity doesn’t just apply to languages, traditions, or beliefs — it also lives in our kitchens, our gardens, and the meals we share.

This year, we're shining a spotlight on how our daily food habits can promote biodiversity, sustainability, and cultural celebration — one bite at a time.

Why Food Diversity Deserves a Place at the Table

Did you know that although more than 30,000 plants are edible, most of the world relies on just a handful of them? It’s estimated that 75% of our food comes from only 12 plants and 5 animal species. That’s not just a missed culinary opportunity — it’s a threat to biodiversity and food security.

When we celebrate and consume a wider variety of foods, we help protect traditional crops, encourage more sustainable farming, and bring often-overlooked ingredients back into the spotlight. Diversity on our plates can lead to greater resilience in the face of climate change, food shortages, and ecological imbalance.

5 Delicious Ways to Make Planet-Friendly, Diverse Food Choices

At That’s Food and Drink, we love a practical tip — especially when it leads to discovering delicious new ingredients. Here’s how you can celebrate World Diversity Day with your fork:

1. Explore Global Flavours

Try out recipes from cultures beyond your own. From Moroccan tagines to Filipino sinigang or Jamaican callaloo, cooking globally not only diversifies your diet but supports appreciation and respect for different culinary traditions.

2. Celebrate Forgotten Crops

Reacquaint yourself with heritage and ancient grains like spelt, teff, buckwheat, or emmer. These nutrient-rich ingredients are not only great for you, but they support more resilient agricultural systems too.

3. Eat Seasonally and Locally

Choosing British-grown produce in season — like rhubarb in spring, broad beans in summer, or root veg in autumn — reduces your carbon footprint and supports local growers keeping traditional varieties alive.

4. Go Plant-Forward

Meat-free meals don't mean boring meals. Pulses, nuts, seeds, and vegetables from around the world offer endless flavour combinations. Try a Middle Eastern lentil and bulgur mujaddara or a West African peanut stew for a sustainable supper.

5. Buy From Diverse Food Producers

Look for local businesses and food makers from diverse backgrounds. By supporting independent producers — whether through farmers’ markets, food festivals, or cultural food shops — you champion community-driven food diversity.

Food Is Culture, Connection, and Care

Food brings us together. It carries our stories, values, and sense of home. This World Diversity Day, let’s celebrate the deliciously diverse ways people grow, cook, and share food — and think about how each choice we make in the kitchen can nourish both people and the planet.

Looking for Inspiration?

We’re sharing a series of planet-positive recipes and ingredient spotlights this week on That’s Food and Drink. Follow along and tag your creations with #ThatsFoodAndDrink and #WorldDiversityDay — we’d love to see how you're eating for the planet and celebrating culture through food.

Celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: A Culinary Journey

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, celebrated annually on 21 May, that's today, is a wonderful opportunity to embrace and appreciate the richness of our world's cultural tapestry. 

One of the most delightful ways to explore and celebrate different cultures is through their food and drink. This blog post will take you on a culinary journey across various continents, introducing you to traditional dishes and beverages that epitomise the spirit of cultural diversity.

Africa: Jollof Rice and Hibiscus Tea

Jollof Rice

Originating from West Africa, Jollof Rice is a vibrant and flavourful one-pot dish enjoyed in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. Made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, Jollof Rice is often accompanied by meat, fish, or vegetables. Each country has its own unique twist on this beloved dish, making it a symbol of both unity and diversity in West African cuisine.

Hibiscus Tea

Also known as bissap or zobo, Hibiscus Tea is a refreshing beverage made from the dried petals of the hibiscus flower. Popular across Africa, this tart and tangy drink is often sweetened with sugar and flavoured with mint, ginger, or citrus. It's not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants.

Asia: Sushi and Masala Chai

Sushi

Sushi, a quintessential Japanese dish, showcases the elegance and precision of Japanese culinary art. It typically consists of vinegared rice accompanied by raw fish, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. Sushi is a perfect example of how simplicity and balance can create extraordinary flavours. From nigiri to maki rolls, the variety within sushi itself speaks to the broader theme of cultural diversity.

Masala Chai

India’s beloved Masala Chai is more than just a tea; it's an experience. This spiced tea blend combines black tea with a mixture of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, simmered with milk and sweetened to taste. Each family in India has its own recipe, making Masala Chai a deeply personal yet universally cherished beverage.

Europe: Paella and Sangria

Paella

Spain’s iconic Paella is a celebration of the sea, land, and vibrant Spanish culture. Originating from Valencia, this saffron-infused rice dish is traditionally made with seafood, chicken, rabbit, and a medley of vegetables. The communal nature of paella, often cooked in large pans and shared among family and friends, embodies the spirit of togetherness and cultural exchange.

Sangria

No Spanish feast is complete without a pitcher of Sangria. This refreshing, fruity drink is made by mixing red wine with chopped fruit, a sweetener, and a splash of brandy or orange juice. Sangria is synonymous with Spanish hospitality and is perfect for festive gatherings.

Latin America: Empanadas and Mate

Empanadas

Empanadas are a popular street food across Latin America, from Argentina to Mexico. These delicious pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables, and can be either baked or fried. Empanadas are versatile, portable, and bursting with flavour, making them a perfect symbol of Latin American culinary ingenuity.

Mate

Mate, a traditional South American drink, is particularly popular in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Made by steeping dried yerba mate leaves in hot water, this communal beverage is sipped through a metal straw from a shared gourd. The ritual of drinking mate, with its emphasis on community and connection, is a beautiful reflection of South American culture.

Middle East: Falafel and Arabic Coffee

Falafel

Falafel, deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Often served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce, falafel is not only delicious but also embodies the rich history and flavours of the region.

Arabic Coffee

Arabic Coffee, known for its strong, distinct flavour and rich cultural significance, is more than just a drink in the Middle East. Brewed with cardamom and often served in small cups, this coffee is a symbol of hospitality and tradition. The preparation and serving of Arabic coffee are deeply rooted in Middle Eastern customs and are a key part of social gatherings.

Celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development through food and drink allows us to savour the essence of different cultures. Each dish and beverage tells a story, offering a glimpse into the traditions, values, and histories of people from around the globe. As we come together to appreciate these culinary delights, we foster greater understanding, respect, and harmony among diverse communities. So, let’s raise our glasses and plates to the rich mosaic of global cultures and the delicious ways in which they enrich our lives.