Over the last decades a remarkable process of rural development based on the revival of local culinary heritage has been set in motion all over Sweden. In Västernorrland and Jämtland, two counties that share the same culinary heritage and history and at least in some parts, have common geographical features, the shift towards this culinary place based development has been quite different. Differences can partly be explained through institutional explanations. But as will be showed by this study, there are also important historical and other reasons behind different patterns. What was left of a once common culinary heritage has been decisive for the possibility of economic success. In this article the main emphasis is put on how the nature and character of culinary heritage influences the possibility of promoting rural development.