UVA Dine hosts “Flavors Without Borders: Festive Tables, Shared Stories” event featuring author Monica Saigal

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. UVA Dine hosted “Flavors Without Borders: Festive Tables, Shared Stories” on Nov. 4, 2025. at Fresh Food Company, Newcomb Hall. The event welcomed 30 University of Virginia students for a communal dining experience featuring cookbook author Monica Saigal, who led an evening of storytelling and cross-cultural engagement through shared meals and traditions.

The buffet-style dining experience featured traditional dishes from a variety of cultures, including beet salad, spiced Thanksgiving turkey kebabs, brown sugar-crusted smoked ham, party potatoes, and a selection of beverages such as classic horchata and mango lassi.

Students concluded the night with alfajores and a sundae bar inspired by a cherished tradition from Saigal’s family in India. Each attendee crafted a personalized sundae and then handed it to someone they didn’t know, sparking conversation and encouraging connection across backgrounds. This simple act of sharing turned dessert into a meaningful moment of community, laughter, and new friendships.

“This event was all about bringing people together over food and stories,” Saigal said. “When we share a meal, we share a part of who we are, and that creates connection.”

Students reflected positively on the opportunity to experience diverse flavors and shared stories in a welcoming space.

“I truly enjoyed it,” said Vedansh Garg, a first-year student at UVA. “I enjoyed hearing the stories from Saigal and others, and I loved the food. Even though I didn’t really know what to expect going in, I’m really glad I went.”

Flavors Without Borders is part of UVA Dine’s ongoing initiative to foster community engagement through shared dining experiences.