At Delicious Path, we celebrate the deep-rooted culinary traditions that define cultures across the globe. In December 2024, UNESCO announced 11 new food-related additions to its prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, recognizing centuries-old gastronomic practices that have shaped communities worldwide.
From traditional bread-making techniques to regional dishes that tell a story of history and identity, these new entries highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating global food heritage.
Here are the latest gastronomic traditions that have earned UNESCO recognition!
1️⃣ Asturian Cider Culture – Spain 🇪🇸
📍 Where? Asturias, Spain
🍏 What is it? A unique method of cider-making and pouring that enhances flavor and tradition
In Asturias, cider is more than just a drink—it’s a cultural ritual. The “escanciado” technique involves pouring cider from a height, allowing it to aerate and release its natural effervescence. The tradition has been passed down for generations, making it a symbol of Asturian identity.
💡 Fun Fact: The cider is always served in small portions to ensure it maintains its fizz and freshness.
2️⃣ Korean Jang Fermentation Culture – South Korea 🇰🇷
📍 Where? South Korea
🍶 What is it? The traditional fermentation process behind Korean staple condiments
Jang refers to a variety of fermented Korean sauces like doenjang (soybean paste), gochujang (red pepper paste), and ganjang (soy sauce). These fermented condiments are essential in Korean cuisine and represent a centuries-old practice of natural preservation.
💡 Fun Fact: Families in South Korea pass down jang recipes through generations, ensuring that each household has its unique flavor.
3️⃣ Tom Yum Kung – Thailand 🇹🇭
📍 Where? Thailand
🍲 What is it? Thailand’s signature hot and sour prawn soup
One of the most famous Thai dishes, Tom Yum Kung is a flavorful soup made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh prawns. Its bold balance of spicy, sour, and umami flavors makes it a cornerstone of Thai cuisine.
💡 Fun Fact: Tom Yum Kung is considered a symbol of Thai hospitality, often served at gatherings and celebrations.
4️⃣ Cassava Bread-Making Tradition – The Caribbean & Latin America 🌍
📍 Where? Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Venezuela
🍞 What is it? A traditional flatbread made from cassava root
Cassava bread, also known as casabe, is a staple in Caribbean and Latin American communities. Made from grated and sun-dried cassava, this bread is gluten-free, nutritious, and deeply rooted in Indigenous culinary traditions.
💡 Fun Fact: This bread dates back to pre-Columbian times, with the Taíno people perfecting the technique centuries ago.
5️⃣ Tandır Bread – Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
📍 Where? Azerbaijan
🔥 What is it? A traditional oven-baked flatbread, cooked inside a clay tandoor oven
Baking Tandır Bread is a community event, where families gather around traditional tandoor ovens to bake this crispy yet soft bread. The process is considered a symbol of hospitality and unity in Azerbaijani culture.
💡 Fun Fact: Tandır bread is often paired with fresh herbs, cheese, and honey for a classic Azerbaijani meal.
6️⃣ Pastel de Choclo – Chile 🇨🇱
📍 Where? Chile
🌽 What is it? A traditional Chilean corn pie with indigenous roots
This comforting dish is a blend of Spanish and Indigenous Mapuche influences, featuring a creamy corn crust filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs.
💡 Fun Fact: Traditionally, Pastel de Choclo is baked in a clay dish, which enhances its deep, smoky flavor.
7️⃣ Fatteh – Middle East 🌍
📍 Where? Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine
🥙 What is it? A traditional layered dish featuring toasted pita, chickpeas, yogurt, and spices
Fatteh, meaning “crumbs” in Arabic, is a versatile dish that varies by region but always features crispy pita bread soaked in flavorful sauces. It is often served at celebrations and religious festivals.
💡 Fun Fact: Each country has its own variation of Fatteh, from chicken-based versions in Lebanon to eggplant-heavy recipes in Syria.
8️⃣ The Art of Dolma Making – Armenia 🇦🇲
📍 Where? Armenia
🍃 What is it? The traditional practice of making stuffed grape leaves and vegetables
Dolma is a beloved Armenian dish made by stuffing grape leaves or vegetables with minced meat, rice, and herbs. The process of preparing and rolling dolma is a family tradition, often shared across generations.
💡 Fun Fact: Dolma is a must-have dish at Armenian weddings and festive gatherings.
9️⃣ Rwandan Coffee Culture – Rwanda 🇷🇼
📍 Where? Rwanda
☕ What is it? The deep-rooted tradition of growing, harvesting, and preparing coffee
Rwanda is known for its high-altitude Arabica coffee, and coffee-making is an essential part of its cultural identity and economy. The tradition includes hand-harvesting coffee cherries, sun-drying beans, and brewing rich, aromatic coffee.
💡 Fun Fact: Coffee is considered a social experience in Rwanda, often served with warm hospitality in traditional ceremonies.
🌎 Why Does This Matter?
UNESCO’s recognition of these gastronomic traditions highlights the importance of preserving food heritage across cultures. These culinary practices are more than just recipes—they are a way of life, deeply tied to identity, community, and history.
📌 Which of these newly recognized traditions would you love to experience? Let us know in the comments!
