The latest UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee decided in Delhi to recognize on December 10, Italian cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Talking in an official message, Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni declared that the “decision is a historic recognition that honors the Italian people, celebrates our identity, and exalts a lifestyle loved throughout the world. Because for us Italians, cuisine is not just food or a collection of recipes. It is much more than that: it is culture, tradition, work, and well-being.”
It is a triumph for Italian cuisine, already celebrated worldwide for iconic dishes such as pizza. With the new and broader form of recognition, UNESCO acknowledged all Italian cooking traditions but also the ways they are practiced, taught, and passed down on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The decision underscores the cultural, social, and communal significance of Italy’s culinary practices far beyond the recipes themselves. It is a meaningful way of connecting families and communities, from home kitchens and school canteens to festivals, ceremonies, and social gatherings.
This recognition places Italy alongside other nations whose “practices, skills, traditions and social practices related to foodways” have already been honored. Previous examples include Japan’s Washoku, Malaysia’s breakfast culture, and the French gastronomic meal.
The inscription indeed confirms what countless admirers of Italian gastronomy have long believed—whether savoring Sicilian cannoli or Calabrian ’nduja, Italian cuisine embodies a rich legacy shaped by geography, community, and history.
Italian chefs and industry leaders responded with pride. Michelin-starred chef Michelangelo Mammoliti told to the daily La Repubblica that the news filled him with profound personal and professional satisfaction. He noted that Italy’s diverse regional cuisines play a decisive role in shaping local identities, making the UNESCO recognition especially meaningful. His Piedmont restaurant, La Rei Natura, was recently named the sole new three-star establishment in the 2026 Michelin Guide, reflecting Italy’s continued culinary excellence.
Italy’s food sector also celebrated the decision as a win for the nation’s global branding and for the entire “Made in Italy” supply chain. It does not only highlights culinary artistry but also the craftsmanship and agricultural expertise behind it.
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Dining and Cooking