UNESCO has added Italian cuisine to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The body reached the decision at an intergovernmental committee meeting in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday.
It describes Italian cooking as “a cultural and social blend of culinary traditions.” The statement points out that cooking methods have been passed down across generations, and that the practice is “a means of connecting with family and the community.”
Members of the Italian delegation at the venue rejoiced after the result came out.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a video message, “Italian cuisine is our most formidable ambassador.”
The art of pizza making in Naples has already been inscribed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Japan’s “washoku” traditional dietary cultures, France’s gastronomic meal and the Mediterranean diet are also on the list.
Dining and Cooking