The effects of migrant kitchen staff on Turkish cuisine

Culinary culture, formed through centuries of accumulated knowledge and practice, is one of the most enduring reflections of a society’s identity. Migration plays a significant role in shaping this accumulation, as immigrants carry their culinary traditions to new geographies, often blending them with local practices to create hybrid forms. This study aims to explore whether immigrant kitchen workers in Turkiye influence Turkish culinary culture. Using a qualitative research design, data were analyzed through descriptive and content analysis methods. The findings reveal that immigrant kitchen staff hold differing views on work culture, kitchen organization, and the potential degeneration of culinary traditions, yet they show a strong consensus on preserving their own cultural heritage.