Like many countries worldwide, Turkey hosts a vast number of international students each year who undergo a temporary migration experience during their educational journeys, Through the case of Gaziantep, a city recognized by UNESCO for its gastronomy this study aims to examine the changes in the eating habits of international students and the social, cultural, and identity-related dimensions of this process. Drawing upon the strategic role of food in identity construction, the research explores students’ adaptation to Turkish cuisine, the challenges they encounter, and the coping mechanisms they develop, such as bringing food from their home countries, within the framework of cultural orientation. The findings, based on qualitative interviews with students from various countries, reveal that perceptions of culinary culture are shaped not only by cultural background but also by physical factors, such as limited cooking facilities in dormitories and perceptions of portion sizes. Consequently, it has been determined that the bond students establish through culinary culture during their temporary migration transcends mere taste preferences, contributing fundamentally to their social participation and sense of belonging.