TRADITIONAL SNACKS AS CULTURAL TOURISM ASSETS IN STRENGTHENING LOCAL GASTRONOMIC IDENTITY

Abstract

Traditional market snacks are part of a gastronomic heritage that not only serves as a food product, but also as a representation of the cultural identity, local knowledge, and food system of the Javanese people. This research aims to examine the role of traditional market snacks as cultural tourism assets in strengthening local gastronomic identity and its contribution to the resilience and sovereignty of local food-based food in the Solo Raya region. The research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with an exploratory design. Data collection was carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation of 24 informants consisting of market snack producers/traders, cross-generational consumers, as well as academics and tourism actors. Data analysis was carried out using the interactive model Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña with the help of thematic analysis. The results of the study show that market snacks still have high relevance in the lives of contemporary people because of the value of nostalgia, simplicity, and authenticity of taste. All producers use local non-wheat foods such as glutinous rice, cassava, coconut, corn, and coconut sugar, which contribute to strengthening food sovereignty and reducing dependence on imported materials. Market snacks also have cultural meaning, social functions, and strong potential as an experiential-based tourism attraction through storytelling, production processes, and interactions in traditional markets. However, this study identifies the main challenges in the form of generation gaps, promotion limitations, and regeneration of business actors. This research confirms that traditional market snacks are a strategic sustainability-based cultural tourism asset to strengthen the identity of local gastronomy in Central Java.