Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day and is deeply connected to a country’s traditions, revealing much about that country’s culture. Traditional breakfasts around the world reflect regional variations and customs. Starting the day right depends on where you are. In some parts of the world, breakfast may be a hot soup or cold cuts, while in others, it may be a simple pastry or porridge. Some cultures place great importance on breakfast, while others consider it optional.
Here’s how 10 different countries start their day:
1. Brazil
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Coffee is an essential part of breakfast in Brazil. Pingado is made from steamed milk and a splash of coffee, usually sweetened with sugar. It is usually accompanied by fruit juice, chocolate milk, pão frances (French bread) spread with butter, cheese or ham, and sometimes pão de queijo (cheese bread) or granola.
2. Türkiye
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The traditional Turkish breakfast of kahvalti includes bread, creamy cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, spicy Turkish sausages and a variety of jams, marmalades and honeys. Menemen, fried eggs and the country’s famous tea and coffee
Also read: 15 Best Healthy Breakfast Recipes | Popular Breakfast Recipes
3. Germany
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A typical German breakfast includes bread, rolls, sliced meats, cheese and sometimes leberwurst (liver sausage). Bread is often eaten with butter, jam or honey. Options such as apple pancakes, potato omelets, German Bauernfrühstück (a savory dish made of potatoes, eggs and cheese) or muesli are also popular.
4. Switzerland
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Weekday Swiss breakfasts often include Birchermuesli, a mixture of oats, fruit and nuts served with thick yogurt. Weekend breakfasts include Rösti (potato pancakes), cheese, cold cuts and Zopf, which is braided egg bread served with honey, butter and jam.
5. Japan
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Japanese breakfasts usually consist of savory dishes and include small plates with traditional dishes. Fish such as salmon or mackerel, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and rice are common. Tamagoyaki, a lightly sweet rolled omelet, is also a popular choice.
Also read: 6 delicious breakfast ideas for busy mornings
6. Bulgaria
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Popara, a childhood favorite, uses leftover bread to create a warm and comforting breakfast. Sliced bread, crumbled Bulgarian Sirene cheese, butter, and sugar are topped with hot milk or tea, creating a dish that is half porridge and half bread pudding.
7. Jamaica
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Ackee and saltfish is Jamaica’s national dish and a popular snack. Ackee, a sweet, pear-shaped fruit, is sautéed with salted cod, tomatoes, garlic, peppers and onions, creating a mixture that is sweet, salty and spicy.
8. Cambodia
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Kuy teav, a rice noodle soup influenced by Chinese cuisine, is a popular Cambodian breakfast. Made from pork or beef broth, onions, garlic, herbs and various vegetables, this soup is served with pork or fish balls, chili paste, soy sauce and half a lemon.
9. Costa Rica
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In Costa Rica, breakfast is the main meal of the day, often including gallo pinto, which is leftover rice sautéed with black lentils, red peppers and onions, topped with salsa and sour cream, and served with eggs, avocado, cheese, sausage or tortillas.
10. Greece
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The Greek breakfast includes dishes such as spanakopita (savory pie) or kagiana (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and feta), accompanied by yogurt with honey and walnuts, pastries, bread and cold cuts. In Crete, breakfast often includes olives, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, yogurt, bread, paximadia, honey, boiled eggs, orange juice and coffee or tea, providing a nutritious and energizing start to the day.
