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The Popular Mexican Staple Lidia Bastianich Refuses To Cook With By Erica Martinez Dec. 14, 2025 6:00 am EST

Lidia Bastianich is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of Italian American cuisine. Not only is she a professional chef, but she has written numerous cookbooks, hosted television shows, and is a partner at New York City's Eataly, an absolute wonderland of Italian goods, foods, and ingredients. But Bastianich doesn't limit her palate or inspiration to Italy alone; she has traveled all over the world and found great joy in the foods from places like Asia and Mexico. However, as much as she may crave Mexican street tacos or the country's moles, she cannot stand to eat anything with cilantro.

When speaking to In Kansas City , Bastianich admitted, "

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