Eva Longoria, known for her iconic role as Gabrielle Solis on Desperate Housewives, is raising her 6-year-old son, Santiago, with an appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures—and its cuisines. The actress and philanthropist, 49, shared details about their international lifestyle during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, discussing how living between Spain and Mexico has influenced her family’s palate.

Longoria, who shares Santiago with her husband, Mexican businessman José Bastón, has spent the past few years embracing a global lifestyle. “I think the easiest way to get to know a culture is through food, and I love food,” she explained. “For me, my lifestyle is about being a citizen of the world and showing my son the world. I think he’s so smart and bright.”

Santiago, she revealed, “eats everything” and already connects food to the places they visit. “I’m going to Paris, and he goes, ‘Bring me back some macarons.’ He knows they’re from Paris,” Longoria said. “Or I’ll tell him we’re going to Spain, and he’ll ask, ‘Oh my God, are we going to have paella?’ It’s so sweet to see him growing up with this appreciation of worldly cultures.”

Longoria herself is no stranger to embracing food as a cornerstone of life. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, to a Mexican-American family, she grew up immersed in Mexican traditions, something she continues to share with Santiago. “Mexico has the best breakfasts in the world,” she said, listing off favorites like chilaquiles, molletes, and huevos rancheros. “The rest of the world is so boring with breakfast. France is croissant and coffee. Spain is toast and coffee. But in Mexico, you have endless options.”

When it comes to Spain, where her husband has roots, Longoria adores the local, farm-to-table approach. “You go to the market and get what you’re cooking that night. It’s fresh, healthy, and clean,” she said. “That tomato is literally from the farm right there. It’s such clean eating, and that’s why when I eat dinner at 10 p.m. in Spain, I don’t feel stuffed. But in the U.S., I could never do that.”

Longoria’s passion for food and culture extends into her work, as evidenced by her recent collaboration with Nespresso. She spent three days in Rome filming a new ad with George Clooney, whom she described as “the kindest human being.” While Clooney is known for his pranks, Longoria said he was “well-behaved” during the shoot. “We were laughing and laughing. His energy is contagious,” she shared.

Married to Bastón since 2016, Longoria has often credited her husband for his support in balancing her acting career, directing projects, and advocacy work. Together, they’ve built a family rooted in love, exploration, and curiosity. “It’s special to see Santiago grow up appreciating different cultures,” Longoria said. “And for me, food is the gateway to experiencing the beauty of the world.”