Breakfast, they say, is the most important meal of the day, and it seems every corner of the globe has its unique way of doing it right. From the hearty plates of England to the delicate simplicity of a Japanese morning, breakfast foods are as diverse as the cultures they come from. Let’s take a gastronomic tour of breakfast around the world and see how different countries start their day.
The Classic American Breakfast
In the United States, breakfast is a generous affair. Picture plates loaded with eggs, bacon, pancakes drenched in syrup, or a simple bowl of cereal and milk. Accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of orange juice, this is the American way to kickstart the day.
A Full English Breakfast
Cross the Atlantic to England, and you’ll find the “Full English” waiting for you. This filling meal typically includes eggs, sausages, bacon, mushrooms, baked beans, toast, and sometimes black pudding. It’s a robust way to begin the morning, often enjoyed with a cup of strong tea.
The French Touch to Morning Meals
France gives us a breakfast that is the essence of elegance and simplicity. Freshly-baked croissants and crusty baguettes paired with butter, jam, or perhaps a chocolate-filled pain au chocolat. Washed down with a chicory-laced café au lait, it’s a breakfast that delights in its lightness.
A Vibrant Mexican Wake-up Call
In Mexico, breakfast is a colorful and spicy affair. Dishes like chilaquiles — tortillas smothered in red or green salsa and sprinkled with cheese, onions, and cream — are sure to awaken the senses. And of course, no Mexican breakfast would be complete without some freshly brewed café de olla, a traditional Mexican coffee.
The Zen of Japanese Breakfast
Japan takes a more minimalist approach with a breakfast that reflects the country’s Zen spirit. It often consists of a bowl of miso soup, pickled vegetables, rice, and grilled fish. It’s a light, balanced start to the day, embodying the Japanese pursuit of harmony.
Down Under’s Breakfast Scene
In Australia, breakfast is a laid-back yet diverse meal. Australians might enjoy smashed avocado on toast, Vegemite with butter on a crusty slice, or a hearty “brekkie” bowl full of healthy grains and fruits. And, of course, a flat white coffee is a must.
Israeli Breakfast: A Medley of Flavors
Israeli breakfast is a smorgasbord of flavors, often including dishes like shakshuka — eggs poached in a tomato and vegetable sauce — along with a variety of cheeses, bread, olives, and fresh salad. It’s a communal meal, reflecting the country’s social and sharing culture.
Turkish Delights in the Morning
Turkey offers a breakfast that is truly a feast for the senses. A traditional Turkish breakfast might include cheeses, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, honey, and spicy meats, all shared at the table. It is often accompanied by strong black tea served in tulip-shaped glasses.
Chinese Morning Bites
Finally, China offers a vast array of breakfast options, but one beloved staple is dim sum. These small bite-sized portions of food, such as dumplings and rolls, are usually served in small steamer baskets or on small plates and are perfect for a morning meal. Often enjoyed with tea, it makes for a leisurely and satisfying start to the day.
Breakfast around the world is as varied as the global tapestry of cultures. Whether it’s a light, sweet bite, a spicy kick, or a hearty plate, the first meal of the day sets the tone for what’s to come. So, why not take inspiration from these international morning traditions and spice up your own breakfast routine?
