UNESCO has registered "Italian cuisine," including both its preparation and consumption, as an intangible cultural heritage. This recognition reflects social identity, family ties, and the enduring significance of culinary culture passed down through generations in Italy.
On 10 Dec 2025 GMT+7, UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee decided to inscribe "Italian cuisine," encompassing both its preparation and dining customs, onto the list of intangible cultural heritage. They described Italian cuisine as “an example of social and cultural identity” and an emotional heritage that extends beyond European borders.
UNESCO did not specify particular dishes or recipes but emphasized the importance of culinary practices, from family gatherings on Sundays to grandmothers teaching grandchildren how to fold tortellini dough, highlighting "communal eating" as central to social bonds within Italian society.
The committee meeting in New Delhi, India, noted Italy's emphasis on sustainability and biocultural diversity in traditional foods, prioritizing fresh seasonal ingredients, simple dishes, and reducing food waste, while also reflecting the diverse cultural influences across different regions.