Not Dominican nor Italian

Zoe Saldaña’s mom insists on one unexpected cuisine while traveling

They could be anywhere in the world, but the priority is always the same

Senior Writer

JULY 14, 2025 4:35 PM EDTJUL 14, 2025, 4:35 PM EDT

When it comes to heartwarming celebrity moments, few things are more relatable than a star gushing over their mom, and Zoe Saldaña does it while sharing a love for culture and food. The "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Avatar" star may travel the world for premieres and filming, but at her core, she's just a Dominican daughter with a deep love for her mom and for red beans.

For Zoe Saldaña, love is more than a feeling, it’s something you serve. “Rice with beans,” she said in an interview at the Grey Goose Hotel, a fictional setting created as part of a campaign. “And not just any bean. For us Dominicans, red beans are the beans.”

Zoe Saldana and mother arrive at the 2010 Crystal + Lucy Awards A New Era at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel on June 1, 2010 in Century City, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)

Every Trip Turns Into a Food Tour with Mom

Zoe Saldaña lights up when discussing time spent with her mom, Asalia Nazario, especially when it involves travel. For them, vacation is less about sightseeing and more about the table they're sitting at.

"With my mom, everything revolves around what we're going to eat and what we're going to talk about," Zoe shared with the hotel. "So it doesn't even have to be a vacation — my mom always finds a way, and even if we're in Italy, she'll look for the best Asian restaurants. Whether it's shabu-shabu, Korean barbecue, sushi, hot pot — anything with my mom."

Asalia Saldana (Mother) and Zoe Saldana during Television Dominicana Presents La Maldicion Del Padre Cardona - April 5, 2006 at Lehman College Center in New York, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

They could be anywhere in the world, but the priority is always the same: good food that's soulful, rich with culture, and served with stories and laughter.

Zoe Saldaña's mom's favorite food is not Dominican

Culture, Connection, and a Table Full of Flavor

Zoe's relationship with her mother goes beyond just shared meals. It's about the ritual of connecting and slowing down in a fast-paced world to savor the moment.

With Her Mom by Her Side

In March 2025, Zoe Saldaña, who is no stranger to accolades, received the Gran Soberano at the 2025 Premios Soberano, the Dominican Republic's most prestigious artistic award, with her husband, dad, and mom by her side.

Upon accepting the award, Zoe got emotional, telling the audience: "Although life has physically taken me far away, I have never felt far from here. My heart is and will always be Dominican." Born in New Jersey but deeply connected to her family's homeland, Zoe took time to acknowledge her parents. "To my parents, Azalia and Dagoberto, thank you for being an example, for teaching me with love what honest work, humility, and integrity mean. You are my roots, my refuge, and my foundation."

Mariel Saldaña Nazario, Dagoberto Galán, Zoe Saldaña, winner of the Groundbreaker Award, Asalia Nazario and Cisely Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña might be Latina, but she has also conquered Hollywood, after starring in some of the biggest films of all time, including "Avatar," "Guardians of the Galaxy," and "Avengers: Endgame," to name a few. She even picked up multiple awards in 2025 for her performance in "Emilia Pérez," proving yet again that she's a force to be reckoned with.