9 Beautiful Maps Of Countries And Continents Made From Real Food

Artists Caitlin Levin and Henry Hargreaves were originally inspired by a passion for travel, and believe exploring new places through the food you eat is often a portal to the cultural complexities of that place. Here’s a selection of maps based on each country’s food.

‘In this series we have taken many of the iconic foods of countries and continents and turned them into physical maps. While we know that tomatoes originally came from the Andes in South America, Italy has become the real tomato king. These maps show how food has travelled the globe – transforming and becoming a part of the cultural identity of that place. Who can hear the saying, “throw some shrimp on the barbie” and not think of Australia? Who goes to France without eating bread and cheese? And who makes a Brazilian caipirinha without a fistful of limes?’

Digestives and Jammy Dodger biscuits make up the UK, perfect for dunking in a cuppa

Different maize and corn products make up this map of the USA

Shrimps and other seafood make up Australia

What else but Kiwifruit for New Zealand?

France is a country with over 600 different types of cheese

Plantains and other ingredients make up Africa

Tomatoes, limes, lemons and other fruits for South America

Different types of seaweed are used for Japan

‘These maps are a playful representation of our interpretation of food from around the world, painstakingly created with real unadulterated food. This project speaks to the universality of how food unites people, brings us together and starts conversation – just as we hope these beautiful maps will do too.’

All images are by Henry Hargreaves and Caitlin Levin and typography by Sarit Melmed.

About the author

Andrew Webb

Food & Drink Editor

Born in the Midlands and raised in the North West of England, Andrew came to London to attend St Martin's College of Art. After ten years working for the BBC and Channel 4, he set off on an eight month food tour of Britain, which led him to write his award-winning book, Food Britannia. He was previously the Editor of Lovefood.com and also produced and hosted delicious magazine's podcast. Responsible for the Culture Trip's food and drink content, he is interested in hearing about food events, product launches and potential interviews with chefs and food producers. He's also judged the British Pie Awards, reviewed restaurants, and spoken at food festivals, and so knows a good plate of food when he sees it. He can be found tweeting here @foodjournalist