In honour of National Breakfast Day, we wanted to take a look at the most popular breakfasts from around the world.

 

Breakfast items vary greatly based on cultural and regional preferences. That said, some items are commonly consumed in many parts of the world. Here are a few popular breakfast items from different regions:

  1. United States and Canada:
    • Pancakes or waffles with maple syrup
    • Bacon and eggs
    • Cereal with milk
    • Toast with butter and/or jam
    • Omelettes or scrambled eggs
    • Bagels with cream cheese
  2. United Kingdom:
    • Full English breakfast: bacon, sausages, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and toast
    • Porridge
    • Crumpets
  3. Continental Europe:
    • Pastries such as croissants (France), pain au chocolat, or danishes
    • Breads with cheese and cold cuts (Germany)
    • Yogurt with fruit and granola
  4. India:
    • Paratha with butter or yogurt
    • Idli and sambar
    • Dosa with coconut chutney
    • Poha (flattened rice)
    • Upma (savoury semolina dish)
  5. China:
    • Congee (rice porridge) with various toppings
    • Baozi (steamed buns)
    • Youtiao (fried dough sticks)
  6. Japan:
    • Miso soup
    • Rice
    • Grilled fish
    • Natto (fermented soybeans)
    • Tamago (sweet omelette)
  7. Mexico:
    • Chilaquiles or enchiladas
    • Tamales
    • Huevos rancheros (fried eggs on tortillas with tomato-chili sauce)
    • Molletes (bread topped with beans and cheese)
  8. Australia/New Zealand:
    • Vegemite or Marmite on toast
    • Avocado toast
    • Baked beans on toast
  9. Middle East:
    • Labneh (thick yogurt) with olive oil
    • Foul muddamas (fava bean stew)
    • Hummus with bread
    • Olives, cheese, and cucumber-tomato salad
  10. Africa (varies greatly by region):
  • Mandazi (East African doughnuts)
  • Akara (bean cakes) in West Africa

It’s important to note that breakfast preferences and habits have been evolving over time, influenced by factors like globalization, health trends, and changing lifestyles. In many urban settings around the world, for instance, smoothie bowls, overnight oats, and avocado toasts have become popular. This is just a brief overview and isn’t exhaustive, but it gives a glimpse into the rich variety of breakfasts enjoyed worldwide.