A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Perceived Authenticity in Ethnic and Cultural Restaurants

Abstract

This dissertation systematically reviews and quantitatively synthesises existing research on perceived authenticity in ethnic and cultural restaurant contexts. Despite the growing emphasis on the importance of authenticity in consumer behaviour literature, existing research remains fragmented and empirical findings are contradictory. To address these gaps, this study conducted a systematic literature review of 86 academic papers, of which 44 studies were included in a psychometric meta-analysis. The meta-analysis scrutinised the relationship between perceived authenticity; its antecedents such as food quality, brand image, and ethnic décor; and outcomes including positive emotions, memorable experiences, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intentions. Further analysis revealed the significant moderating roles of culture, age, and gender on the relations of perceived authenticity with its antecedents and outcomes.

Key findings were the robust effects of tangible authenticity cues, such as brand image and food quality, on authenticity perceptions. Comparatively, individual differences, such as prior knowledge and adaptation ability, showed weaker effects. The outcomes of perceived authenticity were strongly linked to emotional and behavioural responses, significantly impacting customer satisfaction, revisit intentions, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Moderation analyses further revealed significant demographic effects, with culture, age, and gender influencing how perceived authenticity relates to emotional and behavioural outcomes. Specifically, cultural individualism enhances positive emotions derived from perceived authenticity; compared with young people, older customers value authenticity more in enjoying a memorable dining experience, and female customers show higher sensitivity to interpersonal authenticity cues (employee ethnicity).

By systematically reviewing and synthesising existing research, this meta-analysis advances both the theoretical understanding of perceived authenticity and practical options for creating these perceptions in ethnic and cultural restaurant settings. Specifically, the systematic review findings revealed how perceived authenticity has been examined to date, including its key antecedents, outcomes, research contexts, and methodological approaches. In addition, cross-tabulation analysis uncovered distinct methodological patterns in studies conducted in Eastern and Western regions. Furthermore, the meta-analytic synthesis addressed inconsistencies in previous empirical findings by clarifying robust relationships and identifying the boundary conditions that influence how the perception of authenticity relates to its antecedents and outcomes. Based on the findings, this review also highlights critical gaps and offers directions for future research, including the adoption of longitudinal design, the examination of underexplored constructs, and the application of mixed method approaches to deepen theoretical understanding. Practically, the findings offer strategic pathways for restaurant managers seeking to cultivate authenticity and enhance customer satisfaction, emotional engagement, and loyalty through targeted authenticity strategies.