Gastronomy as a Strenghener of Local Cultural Tourism Identity in Bonjeruk Tourism Village in Central

This study aims to explore how the community of Bonjeruk Tourism Village preserves the authenticity of traditional Sasak gastronomy amid modernization and tourism commercialization, while simultaneously strengthening its cultural tourism identity. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through observations, interviews with 15 local culinary actors, and documentation between July and August 2025. The findings reveal that authenticity is preserved through intergenerational transmission of recipes, consistent use of locally sourced ingredients, and reinforcement of cultural storytelling surrounding each dish. Thus, gastronomy functions not only as a culinary practice but also as a medium for expressing and sustaining cultural identity. Furthermore, community-based training programs in hospitality, hygiene, and culinary storytellingattended by more than 40 participants improved local human resource capacity and service standards. The integration of gastronomy into tourism activities, such as homestays, cooking classes, and souvenir production, has created a cohesive and sustainable tourism ecosystem. Theoretically, the findings support the concept of gastronomy as cultural heritage, emphasizing its role in strengthening place identity and community-based tourism.