Lebanese Manouche Added To UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Quite a mouthful but we’re happy to hear that Lebanon’s iconic breakfast, the manouche, has been branded “an emblematic culinary practice in Lebanon” and has been acknowledged as a cornerstone of Lebanese food heritage.

The UNESCO Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage represent a collection of “varied oral and intangible expressions of humanity worldwide,” spotlighting elements the agency seeks to preserve. In simpler terms, it’s a catalog of cultural traditions essential for safeguarding, ensuring their preservation for future generations due to their cultural richness and significance for a community.

Just this week, our beloved manouche was inscribed to this list and described as “the quintessential Lebanese breakfast”. And as every Lebanese person knows, the manouche isn’t just a breakfast item; it’s a flavorful nod to Lebanese mornings and local old forns, where its aroma beckons moments of community and connection. Its recognition on the UNESCO list not only honors a dish but preserves a cultural ritual—the symphony of baking, topping, and sharing—that bonds families and communities across generations.

The List goes on to detail the relevance of the manouche in our culture: “The aroma of al-Man’ouché is a strong identifying factor that evokes traditional morning gatherings, or sobhhiyé, key moments of social interaction. The preparation of al-Man’ouché for sale in small bakeries also contributes to local economic development.”

Its inclusion signifies not just the recognition of a dish but a celebration of the cultural traditions associated with it. This acknowledgment elevates the significance of not just the manouche itself but also the craftsmanship, skills, and rituals embedded in its preparation—a true testament to Lebanon’s culinary strengths.

Other traditions and practices from the Arab region that were included on this year’s list include the dabke from Palestine, traditional glassblowing from Syria, and the harees dish from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. To view the full list, click here.