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Breakfast is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of diverse cultures and flavours. It is the first meal we have in the day; it is the most important part of our mornings, and breakfast is also an opportunity to eat, try different dishes, and get a glimpse of the food culture of any place we are travelling to. From India’s parathe to idli to dhokla to ghugni, our country has unique and diverse breakfast options. Similarly, the world eats much more than toast and butter. In fact, you will be surprised at the breakfast tradition in some places!
So, if you are a foodie who wants to expand your horizons on what breakfast means to you or you are simply a globe-trotter looking to know what people eat in the countries on your bucket list, let's get started with a list of the most unique breakfast foods from around the world. From the spicy streets of Mexico to the cosy cafes of Denmark, we will talk about it all!
Chilaquiles, Mexico:
Starting our global breakfast tour in Mexico, we have chilaquiles. This dish combines crispy tortilla chips smothered in rich red or green salsa, topped with queso fresco, crema, and a sprinkle of onions and cilantro. Sometimes, a fried egg or grilled chicken is added for an extra protein boost. The contrasting textures of crunchy chips and creamy toppings create a fiesta of flavours in every bite. Imagine having a dish full of tortilla chips for breakfast in India—the nightmare of every parent. Just goes on to show how different cultures define foods differently.
Congee, China:
Recipe - Chinese Recipes For All
Next stop, China! Congee is a rice porridge made by simmering rice in water or broth until it's soft and creamy. Toppings vary widely from savoury options like pickled vegetables, fried dough sticks (youtiao), and preserved eggs to sweet choices like red bean paste or fruit. Congee is comfort food at its best, often enjoyed with a side of soy sauce or chilli paste for extra flavour. This healthy and comforting breakfast option is one of a kind.
Full English Breakfast:
Coming to the UK, we find a hearty, full English breakfast. This iconic meal includes bacon, sausages, eggs (usually fried or scrambled), grilled tomatoes, baked beans, and black pudding, all served with toast or fried bread. It's a filling and indulgent way to start the day, and variations exist across the British Isles. The combination of savoury, salty, and slightly tangy flavours is a true breakfast classic. Found in many eateries in India as well, you can try the full English breakfast for a full English feel.
Shakshuka, Middle East/North Africa:
In the Middle East and North Africa, Shakshuka takes centre stage. This dish consists of poached eggs nestled in a fragrant tomato and chilli pepper sauce spiced with cumin, paprika, onion, and garlic powder. It's often served with warm pita bread for scooping up every bit of the spicy, tangy, savoury goodness. Shakshuka is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it a favourite brunch option in many places outside of Africa too.
Kedgeree, Scotland:
A fusion of British and Indian influences, Kedgeree is a delightful breakfast dish that hails from Scotland. It features smoked haddock or other fish, rice, hard-boiled eggs, and spices like garlic, onion, pepper, and red chilli powder or paprika. The comforting and exotic dish leaves you with a subtle smokiness and a touch of heat. So, if you think fish for breakfast is an outrageous idea, visit Scotland and change your mind.
Menemen, Turkey:
Recipe - Turkish Food Travel
In Turkey, breakfast is a leisurely affair, and Menemen exemplifies this tradition. This hearty dish features scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, and a blend of spices like red pepper flakes and Turkish sausage, sucuk. Served with crusty bread, it's a heavy and fully satisfying morning meal that fuels you for the day ahead. Doesn’t this remind you of the heavy breakfast meals in India?
Kaya Toast, Singapore:
Travelling to Singapore, we find Kaya Toast, a beloved local breakfast item. Thin slices of toasted bread are spread with kaya, a sweet and creamy coconut jam, and paired with soft-boiled eggs. The contrast of warm, crispy toast and the rich, custardy eggs is a delightful start to the day. Dip the toast into a cup of kopi (coffee) or teh (tea) for the full experience.
Smorrebrod, Denmark:
Our culinary adventure concludes in Denmark with smorrebrod. These open-faced sandwiches showcase a variety of toppings, including herring, liver pâté, cold cuts, cheese, and pickled vegetables, all arranged artfully on dense rye bread. Smorrebrod is all about balance and precision, with each ingredient merging to create a delicious combination. It's a perfect example of the Scandinavian philosophy of hygge, where food is about comfort and togetherness.
