Gigi Hadid is a global fashion icon, a mother, and a household name synonymous with the high-fashion runways of Milan and Paris. However, beyond the flashbulbs and the designer couture, Hadid has cultivated a secondary reputation as a genuine, self-taught foodie. Unlike the antiquated stereotype of the “non-eating model,” Gigi has consistently used her platform to celebrate her love for cooking, her Palestinian and Dutch heritage, and her unabashed passion for comfort food.
From viral pasta recipes to her deep-seated love for local New York City staples, Gigi’s palate is a mix of high-low gastronomy. To follow Gigi Hadid’s favorite foods is to embark on a journey that balances nutritious, wholesome ingredients with the occasional, necessary indulgence.
The Spicy Vodka Pasta: A Global Phenomenon
One cannot discuss Gigi Hadid’s culinary influence without mentioning the “Gigi Hadid Pasta.” During the lockdowns of 2020, Gigi shared a step-by-step tutorial of her spicy vodka sauce (minus the vodka on that particular day) on Instagram. Within weeks, the recipe became a global sensation, trending on every social media platform.
The dish is a testament to Gigi’s cooking philosophy: it is straightforward, bold in flavor, and deeply comforting. The sauce relies on a base of heavy cream, tomato paste, and a generous amount of red chili flakes for that signature kick. Garnished with basil and plenty of Parmesan cheese, this dish remains her go-to meal when she wants something hearty and homemade. It solidified her status not just as a consumer of fine food, but as a creator of it.
The Burger Queen of New York City
Gigi Hadid famously once said, “Eat clean to stay fit, have a burger to stay sane.” This mantra has become a rallying cry for balanced living. Gigi is a self-proclaimed burger connoisseur, and her search for the perfect patty in New York City is well-documented.
Her absolute favorite? The “Cadillac” burger from PJ Clarke’s. She has cited this iconic NYC establishment as her top pick for a classic, no-frills American burger. For Gigi, the perfect burger isn’t about gold leaves or truffle oil; it is about the quality of the beef, the melt of the cheese, and the nostalgia of a traditional tavern setting. Her love for burgers is so well-known that she famously won “MasterChef Celebrity Showdown” with her “Very Important Burger” (VIB) creation, featuring pickled jalapeños and a spiced nest of fried onions.
Honoring Her Roots: Middle Eastern Flavors
Gigi’s Palestinian heritage plays a massive role in her culinary identity. She often speaks fondly of the traditional dishes she grew up eating, many of which are prepared by her father, Mohamed Hadid, or her grandmother.
- Hummus and Tabbouleh: These are staples in the Hadid household. Gigi often opts for fresh, herb-heavy salads and protein-rich dips that provide sustained energy for her busy lifestyle.
- Mansaf and Labneh: She has frequently shared images of traditional Middle Eastern breakfasts featuring labneh (strained yogurt), olives, and za’atar.
- The “Hadid Salad”: A frequent flyer in her kitchen is a chopped salad inspired by the flavors of the Levant—crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a sharp lemon-tahini dressing.
By highlighting these dishes, Gigi brings Middle Eastern flavors to a mainstream audience, showcasing the healthy, vegetable-forward nature of the cuisine.
The Morning Ritual: Coffee and Breakfast
Like a true New Yorker, Gigi’s day often begins with a caffeine fix. She is frequently spotted with a cold brew or a latte in hand. When she is at her farm in Pennsylvania, her breakfast tends to be more rustic and farm-to-table.
She has mentioned a love for Everything Bagels with extra cream cheese—a classic New York staple that she finds hard to resist. On days when she is leaning toward a lighter start, she favors scrambled eggs and toast or a simple bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh berries. For Gigi, breakfast is about fueling up for a 12-hour shoot day or a morning spent chasing her daughter, Khai.
Sweet Indulgences and Snacks
While she maintains a rigorous fitness routine, Gigi does not believe in depriving herself of sweets. Her social media often features her baking experiments, ranging from banana bread to intricately decorated cupcakes.
- Sprinkles Cupcakes: Gigi has a well-documented affinity for the red velvet cupcakes from Sprinkles.
- Ice Cream: She is a fan of Emack & Bolio’s in New York, often choosing multi-stacked cones with creative toppings.
- Snacks: Her “must-have” snack in her pantry is reportedly salami and cheese, along with various types of chips. She enjoys the saltier side of life just as much as the sweet.
The Farm-to-Table Lifestyle
In recent years, Gigi has spent significant time at her family’s farm in Pennsylvania. This has shifted her diet toward a more seasonal, “slow food” approach. She enjoys harvesting fresh produce from the garden and cooking meals that are dictated by what is currently in bloom. This connection to the land provides a grounding contrast to the fast-paced, often artificial world of the fashion industry.
Conclusion
Gigi Hadid’s culinary journey is a refreshing departure from the restrictive diets often associated with the modeling world. Her favorite foods paint a picture of a woman who genuinely enjoys the act of eating and the community that food creates. Whether she is cooking a Palestinian feast for her family, grabbing a greasy burger after a runway show, or sharing a simple pasta recipe with millions of fans, Gigi approaches food with curiosity and joy.
Her “eat clean to stay fit, have a burger to stay sane” philosophy is more than just a quote; it is a sustainable lifestyle that encourages balance, cultural appreciation, and the simple pleasure of a well-cooked meal.
Would you like me to find the exact recipe for Gigi’s viral spicy pasta so you can try making it at home?
