Last week, UNESCO formally recognized Italy’s national cuisine as an “intangible cultural heritage.” The process to name Italian cuisine as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage tradition makes it the first cuisine to make the coveted list.

According to the official UNESCO website on Italian cuisine, “A cultural and social blend of culinary traditions, the element is associated with the use of raw materials and artisanal food preparation techniques. It is a communal activity that emphasizes intimacy with food, respect for ingredients, and shared moments around the table.”

“We are the first in the world to receive this recognition, which honors who we are and our identity,” said Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister, Italy. “Because for us Italians, cuisine is not just food or a collection of recipes. It is much more: It is culture, tradition, work, and wealth.”

The rich culinary tradition was voted by a UNESCO panel meeting in New Delhi, India, especially noting the social ritual associated with Italian cuisine. In addition to recognizing the tradition’s biocultural diversity, UNESCO also recognizes the sustainable practices often associated with Italian cooking.

“The practice is rooted in anti-waste recipes and the transmission of flavors, skills and memories across generations,” UNESCO released in its official announcement. “It is a means of connecting with family and the community, whether at home, in schools, or through festivals, ceremonies and social gatherings.”

With the recognition, many hope the status will help protect Italian cuisine from culinary abuses and false Italian foods like the production of fake olive oil, using Italian-sounding names on products not made in Italy and even selling prepackaged sauces.

In fact, a recent incident involving jarred sauce labeled “carbonara” being sold at the European Parliament in Belgium caused outrage. Francesco Lollogrigida, Italy’s agricultural minister, insisted on an investigation into the culinary abuse. The sauce used smoked pancetta instead of pork jowl in the recipe. Traditional and authentic carbonara recipes include pork jowl, grana cheese and pecorino cheese.

Earning this UNESCO status also means Italy has a greater responsibility to protect its cultural treasure which, in this instance, is its cooking and cuisine. Italy last made the list of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritages in 2024 for manual bell ringing. In 2023, the country also was recognized for its opera singing and, in 2019, truffle hunting and extraction.

This year, UNESCO also added these traditions to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List:

• Naval carpentry art of the Moliceiro Boat in Aveiro region of Portugal
• Drawn thread embroidery of Gaziantep, Türkiye
• Basketry tradition in Poland
• Cuarteto in Córdoba, Argentina
• Deepavali, India
• Moroccan Caftan
• Representation of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ in Iztapalapa, Mexico
• Swimming pool culture in Iceland
• Yodelling in Switzerland
• Mwazindika spiritual dance of the Daida community in Kenya

See the full 2025 list here.

What are your thoughts on Italian cuisine being the first gastronomy to make this list? Do you agree with Italy’s sentiments against fake Italian products? What is your favorite Italian dish? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.