Italy Becomes First Country to Earn UNESCO Recognition for National Cuisine

Italy has become the first country in history to have its entire national cuisine, not just individual dishes, inscribed on UNESCO’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” list.

The recognition encompasses the full breadth of Italian culinary tradition, including classics such as pasta, pizza, cheese, and wine, as well as the broader cultural practices of family-shared meals, generational transmission of recipes, regional culinary diversity, respect for ingredients, and communal dining rituals at homes, festivals, and social gatherings.

The successful nomination, prepared by Italy’s ministries of Culture and Agriculture, highlights Italian cuisine as a cultural and social blend of culinary traditions, a living heritage that connects communities while expressing identity, memory, and hospitality.

Italy’s Prime Minister welcomed the recognition as a confirmation that Italian cuisine is more than food or recipes; it embodies culture, tradition, identity, and creativity.

Food and agriculture groups have noted that the UNESCO status will strengthen efforts to protect local culinary traditions from imitation abroad and may also boost gastronomic tourism.

While some observers have raised concerns about potential over-commercialisation and turning time-honoured practices into tourist attractions, chefs, artisans, and families across Italy celebrated the recognition as a triumph for regional food producers and the countless households preserving Italy’s cooking heritage.

This milestone marks the first time a national cuisine, rather than a single dish or ritual, has been honoured by UNESCO, giving Italian cooking global heritage status and acknowledging its profound social, cultural, and historical significance.

Sources: The Guardian, Reuters, Associated Press, Ynet News, ANSA