Getting to Know Cultures Through the Stomach
Imphal, 4 August 2025 – Yesterday, while at Don Bosco Chingmeirong, I was pleasantly surprised to find a rather thick and colourful book lying on the dining table, titled “Bosco Food is Good”. It is truly the first of its kind from the Salesian world—a bold and creative initiative that reflects how far we have ventured into new and unexpected frontiers.
This remarkable work, prepared by the Mission Sector of our congregation, is a testimony to our global presence and intercultural richness. I commend Fr Alfred Maravilla SDB, the then General Councillor for the Missions, for his vision and leadership in bringing this unique project to life. My heartfelt congratulations to him and the entire team behind this inspiring publication.
“Bosco Food is Good” is not just another cookbook—it’s a celebration of faith, culture, and fraternity around the dinner table. Compiled and beautifully illustrated by the Salesian Mission Sector, this 331-page bilingual volume (English–Italian) is a culinary pilgrimage across 137 countries where the Salesians of Don Bosco are present.
From the spice-laden dishes of Asia to the hearty meals of Europe, from Latin American street foods to African traditional favourites—each recipe is carefully selected to represent the soul of a nation. More than just how-to cooking instructions, this cookbook offers a delightful cultural and spiritual immersion. Every recipe is accompanied by brief but meaningful insights into the country’s culture, its people, and the Salesian mission there.
What sets this cookbook apart is not only its rich variety of recipes but its unique Salesian flavour. Alongside dishes, readers will find:
- Cultural notes and traditions related to food
- Short historical reflections on the Salesian presence in each country
- Tips and interesting food facts from around the world
- Excerpts from Don Bosco’s own reflections on food and community life (taken from the Biographical Memoirs)
Food as Identity. Cuisine as Connection.
Food is more than nourishment—it is culture, memory, and identity. This cookbook recognizes that traditional cuisine is often the most authentic expression of a people’s values, beliefs, and history. As communities grow more diverse and interconnected, Bosco Food is Good becomes a bridge—helping Salesians, friends, and the wider world to appreciate this diversity through the shared experience of food.
Behind the Book
The idea began in 2021 with monthly culinary inserts distributed alongside Cagliero11, the Salesian Missions newsletter. Thanks to the enthusiastic collaboration of many around the globe—and the culinary expertise of Fr Pavel Zenisek SDB—the idea blossomed into a global cookbook celebrating 150 years of Salesian missionary outreach.
A Tool for Communities
As Fr Alfred Maravilla SDB, General Councillor for the Missions, notes:
“This book is a tool which allows every Salesian community to enjoy not only the taste of different cuisines but also to widen their awareness of the Salesian presence worldwide.”
Highlights
- Recipes from 137 Salesian countries
- Fully illustrated, with vibrant photos and visuals
- Bilingual format: English (British) and Italian
- Culturally and spiritually enriching content
- Indexes by country and dish name for easy reference
Whether you’re a Salesian, a friend of Don Bosco, a food enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, Bosco Food is Good is your invitation to journey through the Salesian world—one delicious dish at a time.
“To know a culture, sit at its table.”
Let Bosco Food is Good guide you through the flavours, stories, and spirit of 137 nations united in one Salesian family.
