Gastronomic Representations in Michelin-Starred Restaurants of Istanbul: A Thematic Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

Purpose – This study examines the gastronomic representations of Michelin-starred restaurants in Istanbul, focusing on how these representations are constructed through the themes of luxury, locality, globality, innovation, and sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach – Employing Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of critical discourse analysis, the research analyzed textual and visual content from the official websites of seven Michelin-starred restaurants, including one with two stars. Discourse analysis was first applied to identify recurring patterns, followed by thematic coding based on the five identified themes. Comparative discourse graphs were generated to illustrate thematic interplay. Validity and reliability were ensured through inter-coder agreement and consistency with established literature.
Results – Luxury and innovation emerged as the dominant discursive themes, while locality and globality frequently coexisted within a “glocal” framework. Sustainability was less prominent, but notable emphasis was placed on environmental responsibility and local producer engagement in supply chains. Visual content reinforced textual messages, emphasizing aesthetics, quality, and originality.
Discussion – The findings suggest that Michelin-starred restaurants in Istanbul function as more than culinary establishments; they are active agents in shaping cultural capital, brand prestige, and destination identity. This research offers insights for gastronomic tourism, brand management, and cultural representation studies.