PurposeThe research aims to determine local food attributes for measuring and evaluating that appeal tourists to the gastronomic city of Phuket, Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe first step is, the item generation, which includes an in-depth interview. Secondly, scale purification includes the exploratory factor analysis, which generates a preliminary factor structure. In the final step, scale validation, confirmatory component analysis is used to test the items and dimensions.FindingsThe 33 items organized into eight dimensions: food quality, authenticity, hygiene, interpersonal, novelty, service provider, foodservice place and value added for a creative city of gastronomy were demonstrated to be valid and reliable after a thorough development process.Practical implicationsThe findings assist practitioners in recognizing the many aspects of local food attributes, as well as how destination managers can employ these factors to promote a destination.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the theoretical literature on a gastronomic creative city, with more research into the links between destination management and other important concepts. In terms of the outcomes of a creative city of gastronomy management, this study might serve as a reference for destination managers and travel suppliers.