The best things since sliced bread

Bread has been a part of the human diet for thousands of years, so it is not surprising that nations lay great store by their own versions. More so today when artisanal bread—as texturally and visually different from the once-marvelled square, sliced white version as possible—is making a triumphant comeback. Countries are now parading their traditional breads as they once did their armies. So, President Emmanuel Macron pushing the idea of including the traditional baguette (the long, crusty roll, not the iconic handbag by a French-owned Italian brand, obviously) in the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage is perfectly understandable.

Indeed, France has clearly been caught loafing when it comes to sanctifying its doughy heritage considering Neapolitan pizzaiolos have spun their flatbread into the list already as have Armenia and Turkey their lavash. From bagels to bloomers, ciabatta to chapatis, pitas to paranthas, no other breads have made it to this Unesco list.

From India, in particular, only a few arts, crafts and cultural traditions have been enshrined so far. However, given that broad concepts such as French, Japanese and Mexican meals and Belgian beer culture have been listed, the Indian thali— the tradition only, as contents vary according to regions-—should be put on the Unesco table soon for inclusion.