In Rome's Trastevere district, restaurant owner Leonora Saltalippi pours olive oil over fettuccine with artichokes. Italy has "centuries of mothers and grandmothers" to thank for Wednesday's award, she emphasizes to the AFP news agency.
It is a legacy born from women's visions in the kitchen.
UNESCO's announcement constitutes a "historic recognition", according to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
"For us Italians, cooking is not just food or a collection of recipes. It is much more: culture, tradition, work and enjoyment," she says in a video .
During an ongoing conference in New Delhi, India, the UN agency UNESCO has around 50 nominations to consider.
In addition to Italian cuisine, a number of new additions to the list have been confirmed, including Icelandic bathing culture, Afghan miniature art and the Indian festival of lights, Diwali.
