Please make fresh coriander optional, possibly use parsley as an alternative.

[captainoctopus]

I am one of the people who finds food with fresh coriander tastes as though it has got soap grated into it. I am not alone.
"The prevalence of dislike ranged from 3 to 21%. The proportion of subjects classified as disliking cilantro was 21% for East Asians, 17% for Caucasians, 14% for those of African descent, 7% for South Asians, 4% for Hispanics, and 3% for Middle Eastern subjects."
This is a 2012 study amongst 1500 people.
It's a genetic thing, not just a fancy.
Ground coriander seed is OK, for me at least.
Would be lovely if it were optional - on the side maybe?
Anyone feel the same?

I dislike coriander, but I don't think it taste like soap; it simply tastes overpoweringly bitter.

Of course it isn't to make it look posh.
You can't put parsley in Indian food, for one.

Please don't use parsley instead! It smells like rotten fish to me. I have no idea if this is just me or actually a thing.

I hate it, it's so strong tasting and takes over the taste of everything else. I do feel I might come across as a bit dramatic with my dislike of it but it offends my taste buds.
I fully agree with you op, if you get a petition going I will sign it.

Am one of those who find it tastes of soap. Happily will take it out or ignore it if I can but so many items seem to have corriander as an integral ingredient. That can make avoiding it on menus etc difficult. One of my favourite soups, carrot , is often ruined by this soapy addition and rendered uneatable so always have to check. Did take years for me to realise that certain foods didn't have to taste of soap.

I once heard that if you eat something 9 times within a short period, you will accept it. I’m not saying you should! I didn’t like it but after eating it so many times I don’t love it but accept It in small amounts.

I found fresh coriander strange and not entirely pleasant when I first tried it, many years ago.

But I persevered and soon not only became accustomed to the taste but started enjoying it as a fresh and vibrant flavour that it is definitely needed in many Asian and Latin American dishes.

I think many people give up too easily on strong, unfamiliar tastes, when a little more exposure will reveal the charms so evident to the more experienced.

Coriander has been common place in restaurants for at least around 20ish years, moreso depending on what sort of places you go, its not new in my eyes in that way. I also cook with it a lot and have done for decades

However its not just some sort of garnish, it has a distinct taste, so its what the dish needs or wants. So to remove it or change it to another herb or not herb, changes the dish substantially.

I so agree with you!

Love coriander, but have to agree with the pp that said truffles taste utterly vile, and seem to creep their way into a ridiculous number of dishes.

Tastes like soap but I like it.

I can’t stand coriander, such an awful soapy flavour. It ruins any meal. Fresh coriander is the worst. I hate it when you get a bit in a salad. It’s so overpowering 🤮

I have this, it tastes like perfume in my mouth. So does parsley. They ruin so many good meals for me. Although when eating out I always ask for no garnish just incase.

My DH didn’t believe it was true that it tastes so repulsive for some people. Now I’m feeling very smug that I can show him this!

It's usually an integral element of the dish, a vital part of the flavour.

You couldn't substitute any other green element.

Coriander isn’t a garnish, it’s a part of the dish and provides flavour. It can’t really be used interchangeably with things like cress! In what restaurants have you seen it used as a garnish and on what sort of dishes?

It’s not a garnish, it’s an ingredient specifically added for flavour. It’s not to ‘look posh’

I feel like that about rocket. Hate the stuff. And they never mention it on a menu, just bring food out covered in it.

Love rocket, me. Refreshing tangy leaves and it's easy to grow.

I hate parsley just as much. Both are revolting.

It's something genetic. I love it and it doesn't taste like soap to me. But yeah I read some years ago it tastes like soap to others.

The first time I had some in a salad, I thought someone had dropped something in by mistake - it tasted disgusting to me. But ever since then, I've loved it. I can't explain the change.

Love parsley, me. Delightful in a home-made tabbouleh.

The first few times I tried it, it tasted like washing up liquid. Now I adore it. Worth persevering.

I don't dislike it but it does taste like soap.

I love a bit of coriander, especially on Mexican food. Our local mexican puts it on their burritos/quesadillas. Never thought of it tasting like soap tbh. You could ask for it on the side maybe