客家飲食是客家族群標誌，是社會大眾對客家族群想像的重要元素之一，尤其年輕世代更將客家飲食視為客家文化的重要特質。但是，年輕世代的客家飲食意象是什麼呢？當年輕世代在面臨飲食消費型態的改變，以及所接受到飲食訊息的差異時，他們的客家飲食意象會不會有所不同呢？所以，本研究以中壢地區6所大學校院的學生為研究對象，以問卷調查的方式，來探討年輕世代客家飲食消費的情形和客家飲食意象的認知。本研究有以下四點結論：一、年輕世代普遍都有客家飲食體驗的經驗，但客家飲食不是年輕世代的日常飲食的消費選項，且家庭是年輕世代消費客家飲食的關鍵；二、在文化消費潮流的影響下，政府、餐廳、媒體與旅遊是年輕世代客家飲食意象建構的中介者；三、傳統的客家飲食意象逐漸消逝，但新的客家飲食意象已在年輕世代中被建構出來；四、年輕世代透過飲食意象標示族群間的差異，也藉由飲食意象來表達本身的客家身分與認同。

Hakka cuisine is an embodiment of Hakka culture and a vital element that influences public perceptions of this ethnic group. In particular, young people regard Hakka cuisine as a key component of Hakka culture. However, what images does Hakka cuisine convey to young adults? Young people have been confronted with changing food consumption patterns and increased information regarding dietary consumption. Have their perceptions of Hakka cuisine remained unchanged? To explore this issue, we selected students from 6 colleges in the Jhongli region as research subjects. Questionnaire surveys were administered to explore the food consumption patterns and perceptions of young adults regarding Hakka cuisine. The 4 following results were obtained. I. Although young adults consume Hakka cuisine, they do not incorporate this cuisine in their daily diets. In addition, family is a key factor influencing the food consumption habits of young adults. II. Because of cultural consumption trends, governments, restaurants, the mass media, and the tourism industry mediate the perceptions of young adults toward Hakka cuisine. III. Traditional perceptions of Hakka cuisine have diminished; however, young people have constructed new perceptions of Hakka cuisine. 4. Young people continue to demonstrate their ethnic differences and Hakka identities through their cuisine perceptions.