Roberta D’Elia, Head Chef of the UK’s largest fresh pasta company is celebrating the news that UNESCO has acknowledged that Italian cuisine has a rich cultural meaning that goes beyond the plate

Chef Roberta and the founders of Pasta Evangelists are available for interviews on the topic of Italian cuisine and the significance of the UNESCO status this week.

Roberta D’elia Head Chef, Pasta Evangelists (1) _37A3448
Pictured: Pasta Evangelists Head Chef Roberta D’Elia – who has spent this year sharing pasta dishes with UK viewers on shows like Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch

“I could not be prouder to hear the news. Pasta is absolutely of cultural significance and specific dishes have become part of our regional identity. There are at least 300 pasta shapes from Italy still out there in the world today, but they wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our families – or crucially, our nonnas – handing down the recipes like treasured heirlooms. For me, orecchiette alle cime di rapa is pure comfort and tradition on a plate. Back home, I see people even today hand-rolling the little ears of pasta in the streets of Bari – it’s amazing to witness.

Italy is overflowing with incredible food, and it’s not just the well-known spots like Rome or Naples that deserve attention. As someone who is proudly from Puglia, I’ve always believed that the heart of Italian cuisine lives in its less-obvious regions, like the fragrant hills of Liguria or the mountain towns of Piedmont. These places offer dishes that are rich in history, full of flavour, and are still a secret to many. At Pasta Evangelists, we want to shine a light on these hidden gems because once you’ve tasted agnolotti from Piedmont or friscieu from Liguria, you’ll realise there’s a whole other Italy waiting to be discovered!”

The founders behind Pasta Evangelists

“It has always been our mission to show the UK that there is more to pasta than first meets the eye. Each shape represents knowledge and tradition passed through families over hundreds of years. By working with our head Chef Roberta D’Elia and three Michelin star Executive Chef Giancarlo Perbellini, we’re able to bring authentic and delicious fresh pasta dishes from Italy to the UK” says Allesandro Savelli, the half British, half Italian Founder and CEO of Pasta Evangelists.

The Pasta Evangelists founders Finn Lagun, Alessandro Savelli and Chris Rennoldson
Pictured: Finn Lagun, Alessandro Savelli and Chris Rennoldson founded Pasta Evangelists in 2016.

Pasta Evangelists recently announced its plan to open 100 restaurants across the UK in the next five years. This expansion plan is expected to create up to 1500 new jobs and the company is looking into developing a ‘Pasta Apprenticeship’ scheme to attract new staff and help its current workforce develop the skills and knowledge needed for a rewarding career in the culinary and hospitality world.