The Impact of Digitalization on the Sustainability of Traditional Turkish Cuisine

Abstract

Technological advancements lead to differentiation in the preparation and presentation of traditional dishes within food and beverage enterprises. The food and beverage departments of hotel enterprises play a crucial role in the promotion and sustainability of traditional Turkish cuisine; in this context, the perspectives of executive chefs on the subject are of great value. This research aims to examine the perceptions of professional kitchen chefs regarding the role of digital technologies in the sustainability of traditional Turkish dishes. In this study, which employs a qualitative research method, a conceptual framework was established through a
literature review on traditional Turkish dishes, sustainability, and digital technology
applications. Within the scope of the research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 executive chefs, and the data obtained were evaluated through content analysis. The findings reveal that digital applications are more than just tools; they are structural components that make culinary identity sustainable. Furthermore, it was determined that digitalization does not conflict with traditional values; on the contrary, it serves a supportive function for these values. In this respect, the study is significant as it demonstrates how digital technologies are utilized in the food and beverage units of five-star hotel enterprises in Istanbul and how these technologies can contribute to the sustainability of traditional Turkish cuisine.