UNESCO recognises the full scope of Italian cuisine as intangible cultural heritage, celebrating its diversity, tradition, and the role of women.
ROME: UNESCO has officially recognised the breadth and ritual of Italian cuisine as an intangible cultural heritage, moving beyond its famous individual dishes.
The United Nations cultural agency added the wider concept of “cucina italiana” to its prestigious list on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the decision as an honour for Italian identity and culture.
“For us Italians, cuisine is not just food or a collection of recipes,” Meloni stated.
She emphasised that it represents culture, tradition, work, and wealth.
The Italian government proposed the broader culinary heritage listing in 2023.
Officials noted this is the first time an entire nation’s cuisine has received such comprehensive recognition.
Pizza-making in Naples and espresso coffee were already separately listed by UNESCO.
The recognition distinguishes Italy from culinary rival France, which secured listing for “the gastronomic meal of the French” in 2010.
In Rome’s Trastevere neighbourhood, restaurateur Leonora Saltalippi credited generations of women for the cuisine’s legacy.
“It is all a heritage born from the vision of women in the kitchen,” the 43-year-old co-owner of “Da Gildo” trattoria told AFP.
She noted that family recipes, often unwritten, vary across the country’s regions.
Customer Tiziana Acanfora, 51, highlighted the care and love infused in Italian food preparation.
US tourist Naomi King praised the exceptional flavour and variety experienced during her visit.
“Italian food is one of the better foods in terms of flavour in the world,” King told AFP.
She specifically recommended an oxtail stew and commended the focus on local produce.
The recognition underscores cuisine as a core pillar of Italy’s cultural and national identity.
