Exploring Iconic Breakfast Meals from Around the World

Breakfast, often dubbed the most important meal of the day, varies greatly across different cultures. 

From hearty plates to light bites, the morning meal offers a glimpse into the culinary traditions and daily rhythms of a country. Join me as we explore some iconic breakfasts from around the world, using British spelling and measurements.

Full English Breakfast - United Kingdom

Let's start with the classic Full English Breakfast, a hearty and indulgent affair. This traditional meal typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs (fried or scrambled), baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and black pudding. Served with toast or fried bread and a cup of strong tea, it's a breakfast that sets you up for the day ahead.

Ingredients:

2 rashers of bacon

2 sausages

2 eggs

100g baked beans

1 tomato, halved and grilled

100g mushrooms, sautéed

1 slice of black pudding

2 slices of toast or fried bread

Croissant and Coffee - France

In France, breakfast is typically a lighter affair, focusing on simplicity and elegance. The quintessential French breakfast features a buttery, flaky croissant paired with a cup of strong, aromatic coffee. Sometimes, a tartine (a sliced baguette with butter and jam) is enjoyed instead of or alongside the croissant.

Ingredients:

1 croissant

1 cup of coffee (200ml)

Optional: 1 tartine with butter and jam

Churros and Hot Chocolate - Spain

Spanish breakfasts are known for their delicious sweetness. One iconic option is churros con chocolate, deep-fried dough pastries dusted with sugar and served with thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping. This indulgent treat is perfect for a leisurely morning or a festive occasion.

Ingredients:

6 churros

200ml hot chocolate (thick and rich)

Açaí Bowl - Brazil

For a refreshing and healthy start to the day, Brazilians often enjoy an açaí bowl. This vibrant breakfast consists of frozen açaí berry pulp blended with banana and topped with granola, fresh fruits, and a drizzle of honey. It's a nutritious and energising way to begin the day.

Ingredients:

200g açaí pulp (frozen)

1 banana

50g granola

Fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries)

1 tablespoon honey

Idli and Sambar - India

In southern India, breakfast often features idli and sambar. Idli are steamed rice cakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter, served with sambar, a spicy lentil soup with vegetables. Accompanied by coconut chutney, this breakfast is both satisfying and packed with flavour.

Ingredients:

4 idlis

250ml sambar

50g coconut chutney

Shakshuka - Middle East

Shakshuka is a popular breakfast dish across the Middle East and North Africa. It consists of eggs poached in a spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce, flavoured with cumin, paprika, and other spices. Often served with crusty bread for dipping, it's a flavourful and hearty way to start the day.

Ingredients:

4 eggs

400g tomatoes (diced)

1 bell pepper (diced)

1 onion (chopped)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

Crusty bread (for serving)

Congee - China

Congee is a comforting rice porridge commonly eaten in China for breakfast. This versatile dish can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings such as pickled vegetables, century eggs, or shredded chicken. It’s a warm, nourishing start to the day, especially during colder months.

Ingredients:

100g rice

1 litre water

Toppings: pickled vegetables, century eggs, shredded chicken

Vegemite on Toast - Australia

Australians have a unique breakfast staple: Vegemite on toast. This simple yet distinctive meal involves spreading a thin layer of Vegemite, a yeast extract spread, on buttered toast. Its salty and slightly bitter taste is beloved by many Aussies and is often paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients:

2 slices of toast

Butter

Vegemite (to taste)

Each of these breakfasts offers a delightful snapshot of the culture and culinary traditions of its country. Whether you prefer something sweet, savoury, light, or hearty, there's a world of morning meals to explore. So why not start your day with an international twist and try one of these iconic breakfasts? Bon appétit!