A decision is expected tonight that will very likely recognize Italian cuisine as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. But why has Italian cuisine been proposed for UNESCO recognition? A recent book exploring this topic helps explain the broader meaning behind the candidacy titled “Italian cuisine – between sustainability and biocultural diversity.”
At the heart of the effort is the idea that Italian cooking represents far more than a collection of recipes. It embodies a shared cultural feeling, a sense of identity, and a living tradition that continues to evolve.
The nominating team emphasizes that the application isn’t focused on iconic dishes or signature techniques. Instead, it highlights the everyday act of cooking – the meals prepared at home, shaped by habit, memory and local ingredients. This daily ritual creates a bond among Italians, no matter where they live. Cooking becomes a way of expressing who they are, of preserving family ties, and of connecting to the past while embracing change.
Italian cuisine stands out for its extraordinary diversity. Each region, city and even neighborhood contributes unique traditions, shaped by geography, history and community life. Rather than insisting on a single “official” recipe, Italians celebrate countless variations, each with its own legitimacy. A dish changes character as it moves across the country, reflecting the landscape and the people who prepare it. This mosaic of differences is what defines the national culinary identity.
At the same time, there is a unifying spirit behind all these fragments – a shared respect for ingredients, a preference for simple preparations, and a cultural emphasis on gathering around the table. Italian cuisine thrives on openness, welcoming influences from abroad and adapting them while remaining firmly rooted in local culture.
If UNESCO ultimately grants recognition, the purpose isn’t to elevate Italian cuisine above others. Rather, the goal is to acknowledge cooking as culture – a bridge between generations, communities and nations. Such a designation would also carry special meaning for Italians around the world, who often find that food is the most visible and celebrated aspect of their heritage.
While economic benefits may follow, the candidacy aims above all to honor the ordinary act of cooking: not just what is eaten, but the values of sharing, identity and belonging that infuse every meal.
