Time To Broaden Your Horizons
Mornings might not be everyone's favorite, but a great breakfast can turn things around fast. Some countries go big with hearty, savory dishes, while others keep it light and sweet. So, if you've ever wondered what mornings taste like outside your kitchen, let’s go through 20 breakfast options that prove that people the world over have taken the time and effort to learn how to do mornings right.
1. Full English Breakfast (England)
A plate overflowing with eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and black pudding defines a Full English breakfast. Dating back to the 13th century, it became a staple during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it’s a weekend staple across Britain, often enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea.
2. Croissant With Café au Lait (France)
The croissant, despite its French fame, actually has Austrian origins, inspired by the kipferl before Parisian bakers perfected its buttery, flaky layers. Meanwhile, café au lait—literally "coffee with milk"—has been a morning ritual in France for centuries, typically served in a wide bowl for easy dunking.
3. Churros con Chocolate (Spain)
Morning in Spain often begins with churros—crunchy, golden sticks of fried dough dusted in sugar. The magic happens when they’re dipped in thick, molten chocolate. Originating from Spanish shepherds, these treats gained popularity in Madrid, where locals crowd churrerías for an early dose of sweetness.
4. Dim Sum (China)
Dim sum is basically the original brunch but with way more variety and way better flavors! This Cantonese tradition started centuries ago in teahouses along the Silk Road, where travelers and traders would stop for a bite with their yum cha (tea drinking). Fast forward to today, and dim sum is a full-blown feast.
5. Miso Soup With Rice And Grilled Fish (Japan)
Samurai once started their day with this simple yet nutritious meal. Miso soup, made from fermented soybeans, pairs with rice and grilled fish for a breakfast packed with umami. Pickles and seaweed add depth, making this an ideal blend of warmth, tradition, and nourishment.
How to: Japanese Breakfast Dishes! by Future Neighbor
6. Idli And Sambar (India)
South India’s iconic breakfast, idli and sambar, has stood the test of time for over a thousand years. These steamed, fermented rice cakes feature a spongy texture, soaking up the bold flavors of lentil-based sambar. Packed with probiotics and protein, it is commonly served with coconut chutney and strong-filter coffee.
7. Shakshuka (Israel)
Shakshuka is a savory dish featuring eggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. With its bold North African origins, it was brought to Israel by Jewish migrants and has since become a beloved breakfast staple. Served with pita for dipping, this one-pan delight offers both comfort and incredible flavor in every bite.
8. Ful Medames (Egypt)
Crushed fava beans slow-cooked with garlic, lemon, and olive oil define ful medames. Dating back to ancient Egypt, this protein-rich breakfast sustained laborers for centuries. Traditionally eaten with pita and pickled vegetables, it’s a flavorful, fiber-packed dish that keeps hunger at bay.
Palestinian Ful Mudammas (plant based!) | Sahtein! by Nadia Gilbert
9. Arepas (Venezuela)
Cornmeal cakes have a history dating back 3,000 years, and arepas are a Venezuelan breakfast essential. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they're filled with cheese, eggs, or meats. Indigenous tribes first crafted them, and today, they remain a cherished staple enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.
10. Gallo Pinto (Costa Rica)
A colorful mix of rice and black beans, gallo pinto fuels Costa Ricans daily. With roots in Afro-Caribbean cuisine, this dish often includes cilantro, bell peppers, and a splash of Lizano sauce. Served with eggs and plantains, it’s a flavorful, nutrient-packed morning staple.
Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) on Wikimedia
11. Bagel With Lox And Cream Cheese (USA)
The bagel’s journey from Eastern Europe to New York resulted in a breakfast masterpiece. Chewy yet crisp, it’s the ideal base for silky smoked salmon, tangy cream cheese, and briny capers. Paired with briny smoked salmon and tangy cream cheese, it delivers a perfect balance of texture and taste.
12. Huevos Rancheros (Mexico)
Corn tortillas topped with sunny-side-up eggs, zesty salsa, and refried beans create the bold flavors of huevos rancheros. Once a farmer’s breakfast, it’s now beloved across Mexico. Avocado, queso fresco, and hot sauce add extra depth to this vibrant, energy-packed dish.
13. Smørrebrød (Denmark)
Danish breakfast is all about balance, and smørrebrød delivers. This open-faced sandwich layers buttered rye bread with smoked fish, cured meats, or tangy pickled herring. Fresh herbs and crisp radishes enhance the flavors, which proves that simplicity can be utterly delicious.
14. Kaya Toast With Soft-Boiled Eggs (Singapore)
Toasted bread slathered with kaya, a coconut, and egg jam forms Singapore's beloved breakfast. Paired with soft-boiled eggs drizzled in soy sauce, it dates back to Hainanese immigrants in the 1920s. Plus, it is best enjoyed with a cup of thick, sweet Kopi coffee.
15. Nasi Lemak (Malaysia)
Originally a farmer’s meal, nasi lemak is now Malaysia’s national breakfast. Fragrant coconut rice is served with spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts, and a boiled egg. Lastly, wrapped in banana leaves, it’s a sensory delight—rich, spicy, crunchy, and creamy all in one bite.
16. Mohinga (Myanmar)
A rich fish broth infused with lemongrass, noodles, and crunchy fritters creates mohinga, Myanmar’s staple breakfast. Its deep flavors reflect centuries-old Burmese culinary traditions. Street vendors serve this comforting dish early in the morning, as it offers a warm, savory start to the day.
17. Ackee And Saltfish (Jamaica)
Ackee, Jamaica’s national fruit, resembles scrambled eggs when cooked. Combined with salted cod, onions, and spices, it creates a uniquely savory breakfast. Introduced by West African slaves, ackee and saltfish remain a Sunday morning favorite, often served with fried dumplings or bammy.
18. Burek (Bosnia And Herzegovina)
Layers of crispy phyllo pastry filled with minced meat, cheese, or spinach make burek a Balkan breakfast staple. Ottoman influence brought this savory pie to the region centuries ago. It can easily be paired with yogurt. That way, it provides a rich, satisfying start to the day.
19. Cachapas (Venezuela)
A delightful cousin to pancakes, cachapas are made from fresh ground corn, creating a naturally sweet and fluffy texture. Traditionally stuffed with gooey queso de mano, these golden treats are pan-fried until crispy on the edges and soft inside, making for a handheld breakfast favorite.
20. Pão de Queijo (Brazil)
Back in the 18th century, when wheat flour was scarce, resourceful cooks turned to tapioca flour from cassava, mixing it with cheese and eggs to create these irresistible puffs. The result? A naturally gluten-free, delightfully chewy treat that’s been a staple ever since.
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