Theoretical Development and Thematic Evolution of Food Tourism Research: A Systematic Literature Review

Purpose This study systematically reviews key theoretical discussions on food tourism using the PRISMA methodology. While several literature reviews exist on food tourism, this study addresses a research gap by providing an integrated analysis of theoretical developments and thematic evolution in food tourism research, with particular focus on the interrelationships between authenticity, tourist experiences, and sustainability. Methods A total of 15 core papers were analyzed, including publications from 2004 to 2021 retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus databases, as well as seminal works published after 2004 with more than 100 citations. The selection process followed rigorous inclusion criteria focusing on theoretical significance and contribution to the conceptual understanding of food tourism. Results The analysis identified five key thematic areas within theoretical discussions on food tourism: the conceptual development of food tourism, the reconceptualization of authenticity, tourist narratives and meaning-making, sustainable food tourism, and food tourism in the digital age. The findings revealed that food tourism functions beyond mere culinary indulgence as a medium for cultural immersion and identity formation. Conclusion This study deepens the understanding of food tourism by systematically tracing the evolution of theoretical perspectives over time. The synthesis of key thematic developments offers a framework for understanding food tourism as a multidimensional phenomenon with significant implications for cultural exchange, identity formation, and sustainable development.