The verdict from New Delhi is in, and it is delicious: Italian cuisine is no longer just a meal, but an officially protected masterpiece of human history.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has formally inscribed Italian cooking traditions onto its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The decision, made during an assembly in India on Wednesday, validates a diplomatic push by Rome that frames pasta and preparation not merely as sustenance, but as a pillar of national identity and economic wealth.

More Than Just Recipes

While specific items like the art of the Neapolitan "Pizzaiuolo" were already recognized, this new status elevates the entire ecosystem of Italian cooking. UNESCO officials emphasized that the designation honors the social alchemy that happens around the table.

According to the agency, the practice is a "means of connecting with family and the community, whether at home, in schools, or through festivals." For the thousands of Kenyans employed in the hospitality sector—where Italian cuisine remains a dominant staple from Westlands to the coast—this recognition underscores the global value of the skills they practice daily.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who championed the bid, framed the victory in economic and cultural terms.

• Culture: A preservation of centuries-old transmission of knowledge.
• Wealth: Acknowledging the massive export value of the "Made in Italy" brand.
• Identity: "For us Italians, cuisine is not just food... it is so much more," Meloni stated.

A Win for African Heritage

The assembly in Delhi was not solely a European celebration. In a significant move for African culinary heritage, Egypt saw its beloved street food, Koshary, added to the prestigious list.

Koshary—a spicy, carbohydrate-heavy mix of lentils, rice, and pasta—is a staple that fuels millions in Cairo daily, much like Githeri does in parts of Kenya. Its inclusion signals UNESCO's growing appetite for recognizing foods that sustain the working class, not just gourmet delicacies.

A spokesperson for the agency told the BBC that these designations are vital for protecting "social practices related to foodways" in an era of globalization. As the gavel fell in India, the message to kitchens worldwide was clear: keep the water boiling, for history is being served.