The purpose of this dissertation is to clarify the role of urban planning in contemporary societies through the lens of culinary diversity. Research indicated that culinary diversity could fuel urban economy and strengthen place identities of city dwellers, especially under the context of global migration. Despite the growing body of academic work regarding food governance and its link with urban planning, the role of planning as enablers and facilitators for culinary diversity has remained widely unexplored. To answer the research question: what is the role of planning in areas with culinary diversity, this research employed a triangulated analytical framework to examine different contextual factors of culinary diversity in two cases study: Mercato Metropolitano in London and Preußenpark in Berlin. After empirically analyzing the planning policies at various levels, planning process and socio-economic factors of two venues, this study found that planning interventions were reflecting the values of culinary diversity for the area. Findings also suggested that varying tools emerged from different planning systems and land use management. Despite the diverging planning context, diversified food offerings in both cities are the outcome of inter-related socioeconomic contexts, including mixed-use development, agglomeration and market appeal. As such, this study concluded by highlighting the need for place-based interventions that are sensitive to the local contexts and aspirations, as well as for collaborative planning to better understand the experience, need and vision of stakeholders, both of which are paramount amid strong market economies and socially diverse environments.