The Big Breakfast Day: What Do People Eat for Breakfast Around the World?

As the sun rises on National Big Breakfast Day, we're reminded of the essential role that the first meal of the day plays in our lives. More than just a morning ritual, breakfast reflects the rich tapestry of a country's culture, traditions, and eating habits. It's a daily celebration of identity and community, offering a glimpse into the lives of people around the world. Today, let's embark on a culinary journey into the homes of diverse cultures and explore what breakfast looks like on plates across the globe.

1. Japan: Tamago Kake Gohan

A simple yet beloved dish, Tamago Kake Gohan features a raw egg mixed with soy sauce over piping hot rice, becoming a creamy, comforting bowl.

2. France: Croissant

Buttery, flaky croissants are a staple in French breakfasts, often enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.

3. Turkey: Kahvaltı

A lavish spread that includes cheeses, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, jam, honey, and Turkish tea, reflecting the country's love for fresh, varied flavors.

4. India: Masala Dosa

A crispy, rice-batter crepe filled with spiced potatoes and served with coconut chutney and sambar, it's a south Indian favorite.

5. Mexico: Chilaquiles

Corn tortillas cut in quarters, lightly fried, and topped with green or red salsa, scrambled or fried eggs, pulled chicken, cheese, and cream.

6. Italy: Cappuccino e Cornetto

A simple Italian breakfast consisting of a cappuccino and a cornetto, the Italian cousin to the croissant.

7. Australia: Vegemite on Toast

A thick, black yeast extract spread over buttered toast, often accompanied by avocado or poached eggs.

8. Egypt: Ful Medames

Mashed fava beans spiced with cumin, garlic, and lemon, served with olive oil, chopped parsley, onion, garlic, and boiled eggs.

9. USA: Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes served with syrup, butter, and sometimes bacon or blueberries, a classic American breakfast.

10. Brazil: Pão de Queijo

Cheese bread made from cassava flour and Minas cheese, these chewy, flavorful rolls are a Brazilian favorite.

11. Russia: Syrniki

Fried quark (a type of cheese) pancakes, mixed with flour, eggs, and sugar, served with sour cream, jam, or honey.

12. South Korea: Kimchi Bokkeumbap

Fried rice with kimchi, often accompanied by a fried egg and slices of meat or tofu, a spicy start to the day.

13. Vietnam: Pho

A fragrant beef or chicken noodle soup with herbs and lime, pho is a popular breakfast that's both hearty and refreshing.

14. Ethiopia: Firfir

Shredded, leftover injera bread soaked in spicy berbere sauce mixed with fresh tomatoes and onions, often served with additional injera for scooping.

15. Spain: Pan con Tomate

Simple yet delicious, it's toasted bread rubbed with garlic and ripe tomatoes, then drizzled with olive oil and salt, sometimes accompanied by ham or cheese.

16. Morocco: Bissara

A thick soup made from dried fava beans, seasoned with cumin and olive oil, served with bread for a warm, filling start to the day.

17. United Kingdom: Full English Breakfast

A hearty plate featuring eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, toast, mushrooms, and tomatoes, a true British classic.

18. Canada: Bagels with Cream Cheese and Salmon

Montreal-style bagels, smaller and denser than their New York counterparts, served with cream cheese and smoked salmon.

19. Netherlands: Hagelslag

Buttered bread sprinkled with chocolate sprinkles (hagelslag), a uniquely Dutch favorite among both children and adults.

20. Sweden: Knäckebröd

Crispy, hard rye bread often topped with cheese, ham, or boiled eggs, accompanied by a cup of strong coffee.

21. Greece: Bougatsa

Phyllo pastry filled with cream and sometimes cheese, then dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, a sweet or savory start to the day.

22. Nigeria: Akara

Deep-fried beans cakes made from black-eyed peas, onions, and spices, served with custard or porridge, a protein-packed breakfast.

23. Jamaica: Ackee and Saltfish

Jamaica's national dish, featuring salted codfish with boiled ackee, onions, and spices, usually served with breadfruit, dumplings, or fried plantain.

24. South Africa: Putu Pap with Chakalaka

A traditional breakfast of crumbly maize porridge (putu pap) served with spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka), providing a savory and spicy start to the day.

25. Germany: Brötchen

Fresh, crusty rolls served with a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, and spreads, a staple of the German breakfast table.

26. Iran: Halim

A warm, comforting porridge made from wheat, cinnamon, and shredded meat, topped with sugar, cinnamon, and butter.

27. Philippines: Silog

A term for breakfast meals that end in ‘-silog', combining garlic fried rice (sinangag) and a fried egg (itlog) with various meats like tapa (beef), tocino (sweet pork), or bangus (milkfish).

28. Indonesia: Nasi Goreng

A flavorful fried rice dish cooked with pieces of meat and vegetables, topped with a fried egg and served with fresh cucumber slices.

29. Argentina: Medialunas

Sweet, crescent-shaped pastries similar to croissants but smaller and sweeter, often enjoyed with a cup of café con leche.

30. Portugal: Pastéis de Nata

Creamy, egg custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, lightly dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, a beloved Portuguese treat.

31. Norway: Lefse

Soft, potato-based flatbread, often spread with butter and cinnamon sugar, rolled up, and enjoyed with coffee.

32. Thailand: Jok

A rice porridge similar to congee, flavored with ginger and topped with pork, eggs, and green onions, a comforting and warm breakfast option.

33. Kenya: Mandazi

East African doughnuts, light and airy, flavored with coconut milk and sometimes cardamom, perfect for dipping in tea or coffee.

34. Czech Republic: Chlebíčky

Open-faced sandwiches on sliced baguette or rye bread, topped with various ingredients like ham, cheese, eggs, and a spread.

35. Malaysia: Nasi Lemak

Coconut milk rice served with anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, cucumber, and spicy sambal, a flavorful and hearty meal.

36. Belgium: Liege Waffles

Rich, dense waffles made with a yeast dough and pearl sugar, caramelized on the outside, often eaten as a sweet breakfast treat.

37. Colombia: Arepas

Cornmeal cakes, grilled or fried, filled or topped with cheese, eggs, or chorizo, a versatile and beloved breakfast dish.

38. New Zealand: Marmite on Toast

A spread similar to Vegemite, Marmite is yeast extract that's thickly spread on buttered toast, often loved or hated for its strong flavor.