The Celebrated Writer and Culinary Storyteller Brings Global Flavors, Food Heritage, and Student Voices to Aramark Collegiate Hospitality
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality has launched an immersive culinary and storytelling program, featuring award-winning author and cultural food advocate Monica Saigal. The multi-campus program blends global cuisine, food heritage, and student narratives to create dining experiences that foster community and cross-cultural understanding.
The pilot event, “Flavors Without Borders”, debuted at William & Mary and received the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) Edwin R. Golden Award for Inclusive Excellence. Building on that success, the program has expanded into a curated series of multicultural dining events, hands-on spice workshops, and culinary storytelling activations at partner campuses in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina, including Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), the University of Virginia (UVA), and Georgetown University.
Each program is designed to use food as a gateway to learning and community building, inviting students to explore global traditions, share personal stories, and find belonging at the table.
The most recent Flavors Without Borders demonstration, which featured recipes from a guest chef, happened at William & Mary for a "Taste of Korea", with over 90 students in attendance. During the workshop, students were invited to dive into the bold world of Korean flavors where Monica and a guest chef talked about their travels, tasted traditions, and learned the secrets to making kimchi.
After a previous Flavors Without Borders demonstration, William & Mary MBA student Akhil Kumar Ravva shared that one of the featured dishes during an event, Gulab Jamun, holds deep personal significance for him. “I still remember watching my mom make Gulab Jamun on a happy Sunday,” he recalled. “My sister and I could never wait for it to cool and would try it even when it was still hot. I eventually made the dish myself and served it to my MBA team and executive partners—they loved it.”
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This immersive experience features not only regional recipes but also the deep cultural roots and personal stories behind them. Saigal collaborates closely with acclaimed chefs to craft each campus activation, ensuring it elevates global cuisines, lived experiences, and student voices.
“This isn’t just about dining, it’s about connection,” said Saigal. “Each plate becomes a portal into someone’s lived experience. With Aramark, we’re creating spaces for joy, remembrance, and pride at the table.”
Saigal has continued to expand the program through signature events such as The Art of Spice, Taste of Venezuela, and Taste of Ethiopia, each one showcasing her gift for blending cultural storytelling with collaborative food experiences. She is continuing her mission this semester through an upcoming lineup of culinary events—including a Taste of Poland and a Mindful Chocolate Tasting—that will continue expanding the campus palate while highlighting the shared traditions, techniques, and human stories behind each dish.
“Hospitality is a core value that shapes the culture at William & Mary. This program is a meaningful way to reflect that value within the dining program, bringing students from across the campus community together,” said Adam Poling, Executive Director of Hospitality for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality at William & Mary.
Monica Saigal (Bhide) is an award-winning writer, accomplished literary coach, gifted poet, storyteller, keynote speaker, and educator with a lyrical voice and universal appeal. As a bestselling fiction and internationally renowned cookbook author, Monica is known for sharing food, culture, mystery, and love in her writing.
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is committed to partnering with culinary experts, like Saigal, to inspire and engage our students.
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