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23 Types of Breakfasts From Around the World

Traditional nasi lemak makers in Penang, Malaysia
Traditional nasi lemak makers in Penang, Malaysia | © Julio Etchart / Alamy Stock Photo

Did you know that people from the Netherlands top their toast with sprinkles? Or that the Vietnamese eat “broken rice”?

The Philippines

A typical Filipino breakfast can range from pandesal (bread rolls), champorado (chocolate rice porridge), garlic fried rice, and meat—such as tapa (dried or cured beef), longganisa (Spanish sausage), tocino (sweet pork belly), corned beef, or fish such as daing na bangus (salted and dried milkfish), or itlog na pula (salted duck eggs).

Japan

In any traditional Japanese household, you’ll find them serving steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish and various side dishes for their breakfast. Side dishes may include tsukemono (Japanese pickles), nori (dried seasoned seaweed), natto (fermented soy beans), kobachi (small side dishes which usually consist of vegetables), and green salad.

Japanese traditional breakfast

China

The Chinese have a special version of a doughnut, which is called youtiao (long, golden-brown, deep-fried strip of dough). They’re best served dipped or soaked in soy milk.

Malaysia

For the Malaysians, they have nasi lemak, which is a rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with a bunch of different garnishes.

Nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaf for breakfast

Vietnam

The Vietnamese have for their breakfast. It’s basically shredded pork mixed with pork skin, eaten with “broken rice”: rice made from fractured and broken grains.

Singapore

Congee is the breakfast go-to dish for Singaporeans. They usually flavour it with cuttle fish, pork, or eggs.

A bowl of Congee, with slices of fresh fish, cuttlefish, peanuts, green onion, ginger and deep-fried youtiao

Korea

Koreans are all about their tofu or cabbage soup, rice, pickled veggies, kimchi (of course), and soy-marinated beef.

Southern India

Southern Indians feast on idli for their breakfast. It’s basically a savoury cake made of black lentils and fermented rice.

South Indian food Idli Sambar and Chutney

Northern India

Families in the north of India feast on poori masala, a delicious dish made of mashed potatoes, veggies, and spices, served with a side of fried bread.

Israel

If you’ve ever been to Israel, shakshuka is always on the menu. It’s composed of onions, peppers, tomato paste, and eggs.

Shakshuka breakfast of baked eggs and tomato

Egypt

Ful medames is what you will find any Egyptian eating in the morning. It is a dish made from cooked fava beans, parsley, and olive oil, topped with tomatoes and onions. They often pair it with a side of falafels.

Kenya

People from Kenya and East Africa indulge in their a delicious cardamom-flavoured doughnut, mandazi.

Mandazi is a slightly sweet East African food

Costa Rica

Costa Ricans feast on gallo pinto, a traditional dish made out of rice and beans. Simple.

Mexico

Yes, Mexicans practically eat nachos for breakfast (the dream). Chilaquiles is what they call it—tortilla chips smothered in green or red sauce and topped with cheese and egg.

Chilaquiles with fried eggs

Peru

Tacacho con cecina are a Peruvian’s favourite breakfast street food.What are they? Roast plantain fritters served with a dollop of pork on top.

Venezuela

The Venezuelans love having cachapas first thing in the morning. Cachapas are corn pancakes filled with cheese and occasionally meat.

Cachapa, typical Venezuelan dish made with corn and stuffed with white cheese and pork

Colombia

Pandebono is a type of cheese bread Colombians pair with their morning coffee.

Brazil

Brazilians keep it light and simple. They enjoy French bread, coffee, and a bit of fresh fruit (both papaya and cassava are Brazilian’s favourites).

Bbreakfast plate in Brazil

America

Your typical all-American breakfast can include the following: eggs (scrambled, sunny side up, over easy, poached or an omelette), meat (bacon or sausages), toast with jam, jelly or butter, hash browns, pancakes, cereal, coffee, tea, orange juice or grapefruit juice.

England

A full English breakfast consists of eggs, toast, beans, sausages, and black pudding.

English breakfast

Netherlands

Hagelslag might be the most colourful and eccentric breakfast dish out of all. People from the Netherlands smother their toast with butter, speculoos, Nutella, or peanut butter topped with… sprinkles!

France

The French are known for their delightful pastries. So, unlike the Americans or the Filipinos, the French stick to their small portions and go for a cup of coffee and a croissant at home or on the way to work.

Cup of coffee and croissant

Italy

The Italians keep it classy with a fresh cup of cappuccino and cornetto. A cornetto is similar to a croissant, but less buttery, and is filled with sweet cream.

About the author

Filipino at heart, but born and raised in the bustling city of Hong Kong. Pauline has always had the passion for writing, photography and once in a while - videography. Learn more about her on https://itspaueslife.wordpress.com/ or visit her Instagram @pauemae.

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