Italy's food culture close to UNESCO nod

Italy is awaiting a ruling from UNESCO that could officially place its cuisine on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a recognition that would highlight the nation’s centuries-old culinary traditions.

The Intergovernmental Committee is meeting in New Delhi to decide whether Italy’s bid, strongly supported by the country’s culture and agriculture ministries, will succeed.

The proposal argues that Italy’s iconic dishes—from pasta and pizza to ossobuco and orecchiette—are more than just food. They represent a social ritual passed down through generations, forming an integral part of the country’s cultural identity.

In central Rome, the importance of preserving these traditions is evident at ‘Le Cave di Sant’Ignazio – Da Sabatino’, a family-run restaurant now in its fourth generation. Owner Luigina Pantalone says the restaurant has maintained its character over decades, offering diners both continuity and a sense of home.

“So, this is a family restaurant. We are now in our fourth generation and it is family-run. We don't change because people like to feel at home, they like the contact with us and I have to say that this gives us enormous satisfaction,” Pantalone said.

Customers echo that sentiment, praising the consistency and authenticity of the dishes. Regular Marco Cesario highlighted the restaurant’s signature carbonara, describing it as “prepared to perfection, fully respecting the tradition of Roman cuisine.”

The UNESCO bid carries significance beyond individual restaurants. Pantalone notes that authentic Italian cooking faces growing pressure from imitation and global competition, with traditional recipes and ingredients increasingly at risk. Formal recognition would provide a framework to protect these culinary practices for future generations.

A successful listing would place Italian cuisine alongside France’s festive meals, Mexico’s ceremonial dishes, and Japan’s Washoku, recognising Italy’s food as part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage. For Rome’s restaurateurs and Italy’s cultural institutions alike, the decision represents both a matter of national pride and a safeguard for a treasured way of life.

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