Breakfast Around the World
Breakfast…the most important meal of the day. In the United States, a typical breakfast consists of eggs, bacon or sausage, hash brown potatoes, toast or bagel and pancakes or waffles. However, different countries around the world approach the first meal of the day using some unique flavor combinations. From savory dishes to sweet treats, here are some popular breakfasts that are served around the world.
China
Breakfast can vary by region in China, but it typically consists of dim sum, or small dishes of hot soups and dumplings. Congee, which is a savory rice porridge, is also a popular Chinese breakfast dish. Soft sponge cake, steamed buns, and fried dough sticks called youtiao are also common breakfast dishes in China. Click for a recipe for basic Chinese Congee.
Turkey
Turkish breakfast usually includes plenty of olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese, served on toast with jam and honey. Spicy sausage, an omelette, and fruit, as well as Turkish tea round-out this large breakfast spread.
Brazil
A popular quick Brazilian breakfast is Pão de queijo, which is a cheesy, savory bread roll. Feijoada, a hearty soup of Portuguese origin, made with black beans and a mixture of meats, is also commonly served for breakfast in Brazil. It’s odd to think of beans for breakfast! Want to try making your own cheese bread…try this recipe for sausage-stuffed Brazilian cheese bread.
France
French breakfast typically favors sweet foods over savory dishes. Fresh baked product including baguettes, pastries & croissants are the most popular served with butter or jam. In most French bakeries you will find pain au chocolat which is a chocolate croissant. Popular morning drinks include coffee, tea or juice.
Japan
Japanese breakfast can be classified into two categories: traditional-style Japanese breakfast, called wafuu, and Western-style breakfast termed youfuu. A wafuu breakfast in Japan consists of steamed rice, boiled fish, miso soup, nattō, which are sticky fermented soybeans, and nori seaweed. Youfuu style breakfast in Japan includes eggs, toast and coffee.
Nigeria
A common breakfast in Nigeria consists of fried bean cakes called akara, and is typically served with a starchy cornmeal, called ogi or pap. Boiled plantains & Moimoi, a steamed bean pudding made from black eyed peas, onions & ground peppers are also popular.
India
Breakfasts vary by region in the Indian subcontinent, but a common South Indian breakfast dish is a vegetable stew called sambar, served with steamed rice and lentil cakes called idli. In central India, uttapam is a common breakfast that is similar to a thick pancake filled with savory vegetables and topped with chutney.
Philippines
A popular breakfast in the Philippines is a fried rice dish called silog that can be made in many different variations. Tapsilog is made with fried rice and dried meat, and served with a fried egg. Spamsilog is another popular variation, that consists of savory fried rice with salty spam meat mixed in.
Venezuela
A common Venezuelan breakfast dish is arepas, which are fried cornmeal cakes filled with cheese and/or meats. Arepas are typically served with beans, scrambled eggs and avocado.
Switzerland
A typical Swiss breakfast includes plenty of deli meats, cheese, fruits, and soft boiled eggs, served with bread rolls called Bürli. Muesli, a granola-like mixture consisting of raw oats and fruits and nuts, is also a popular breakfast in Switzerland.
Lebanon
Manakish, flatbread seasoned with za’atar herbs and cheese and served with tomatoes, is a popular breakfast in Lebanon.
England
A traditional “Full English” breakfast consists of fried eggs, sausage, hash browns, fried mushrooms, grilled tomato, baked beans and fried bread. You may also find smoked herring, potatoes & black pudding.
Mexico
A popular breakfast dish in Mexico is Chilaquiles, which is made with fried tortilla strips served with eggs, cheese and vegetables. Huevos rancheros is another common Mexican breakfast dish that consists of tortillas, eggs, rice, refried beans, and avocado served with a red chili sauce.
