UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Agency, has granted Italian cuisine the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Some dishes, such as pizza, are already on the UNESCO list of “intangible cultural heritage”, but now the entire Italian culinary tradition has been awarded.
“For us Italians, cuisine is not just food or a collection of recipes.
“It is much more, it is culture, tradition, work and wealth,” said Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy.
For millions of fans, the news confirms what they already believed – from Sicilian cannoli to Calabrian nduja – Italian cuisine is the best.
The decision was announced at the UNESCO Assembly in the Indian capital, Delhi.
The UN agency has described Italian cuisine as “a means of connecting families and the entire community.”
Added to the list of intangible world heritage basket, a spicy dish of lentils, rice and pasta available at countless Egyptian food stalls.
UNESCO has recognised the “skills, traditions and social practices related to food” of other countries, a spokesperson for the agency told the BBC.
Previously, it was also on the list yours, the traditional food culture of the Japanese, especially for New Year’s celebrations, the breakfast culture of Malaysia and the gastronomic meal of the French, the spokesman added.
In an interview with the Roman Republic, chef Michelangelo Mamoliti said he was proud both as an Italian and professionally.
“Italy is one of the countries where regional cuisine has a very strong influence on culture and tradition,” said the chef, whose restaurant Rei Nature in Piedmont, the only new three-star restaurant in the Michelin Guide for 2026.
Italy hopes that this move by UNESCO will further boost the tourism industry, which already welcomes 80 million international visitors annually.
Luigi Scordamaglia, CEO of the company Filiera Italia, which represents all food and wine companies in the production chain, told the Ansa news agency that the move from UNESCO was a success “for the entire supply chain.” Design and Style”.
Skordamalja also spoke about the role of the Mediterranean diet in promoting good health.
“When we talk about the Mediterranean diet, we are talking about our wonderful Italian cuisine, which shares its principles, above all those of balance and variety,” he added.
The pool culture of Iceland, Cuban Son music and dance, and the art of playing, singing, and making the lute from Albania have also been included on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
Watch a video about donkey cheese, one of the most expensive in the world
BBC is in Serbian from now on and on YouTube, follow us HERE.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram i Viber. If you have a topic suggestion for us, please contact bbcnasrpskom@bbc.co.uk
News
Dining and Cooking