Breakfast Around the World Part I
Breakfast. For some of us, it’s the most important meal of the day. For others, not much more than a side note. I was inspired to write this piece when my husband, a first generation American, explained what a typical breakfast was for him when he was a child living in his original country. I myself come from a mix of ethnic origin and grew up split between two distinctly different worlds, where some of the biggest differences were laid out on the table every morning.
Looking at (and celebrating) the differences in our food and culture from around the world is extremely important because each culture’s cuisine tells a different story. History is a very central part of every dish: war, weddings, victory and loss, birth and death, holiday celebrations, these are all present in the stories of each dish passed down from generation to generation.
One thing that I found interesting during the research process of this article was that while I studied the ingredients and makings of varying breakfast meals, a pattern started to show up. I realized that, to some degree, the majority of the cultures I looked at placed a heavy importance on starting their day out with carbs and meat. My own hypothesis about this is pretty simple: all of our ancestors needed a way to start their days with a burst of energy, and carbs and meat have been, for a very long time, a readily available source of energy. We are, all of us, not quite so different as we think.
So, in celebration of the diversity/sameness (confusing, I know) around the world, I present to you 20 dishes:
Armenia: Beef Soujuk and Eggs
Img Source: http://www.eurekasausage.com/
Beef soujuk and eggs is a classic breakfast meal that is enjoyed in multiple countries, such as Greece, Turkey, Romania, the Balkans, Russia and Bulgaria. Similar to Chorizo, beef soujuk is a spicy sausage that can be paired with almost anything from pasta, to pies, to breads and more. It’s pretty simple and easy to make. Here is a recipe for you to play with!
Eastern China: Congee or Rice Porridge
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/victorianfood/congee-for-breakfast/
This rice porridge is mild in flavor and often comes paired with different toppings depending on the region it’s served in. Commonly it’s paired with toppings like eggs, meat, tofu, or pickled vegetables. The above picture shows bacon although I highly doubt that is common. Pork belly is fantastic with congee, and it often paired with it as well. Here is a recipe for congee and pork belly! Enjoy!
Southern China: Dim Sum
Image Source: http://www.recipeshubs.com/dim-sum/5631
In parts of Southern China, such as Hong Kong (although locals prefer Hong Kong not to be considered part of China) Dim Sum is a traditional breakfast or brunch meal that consists of many small dishes. Dim sum restaurants traditionally had small electric carts that were pushed around with small, readily made dishes that customers could choose. This happens to be a favorite of ours! Look out for steamed spare ribs, shrimp har gow, semi spicy chicken feet, steamed taro cake with dried pork and much more. It’s really hard to go wrong with anything on a good dim sum restaurant menu.
France: Croissant and Coffee
Image Source: http://thebaguettediet.com/what-french-people-eat-for-breakfast/
Croissant and coffee may sound like a stereotype, but it is actually a traditional French breakfast. Usually a croissant or tartine paired with coffee or juice. It’s a simple meal, and probably one of the lightest breakfast traditions in Europe lacking in meat, eggs, or excessive dairy.
Japan: Steamed Rice, Miso Soup, Grilled Fish or Rolled Egg Omelette
Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/impathy/3351561268
The Japanese have (in my opinion) one of the most beautiful and nutritious traditional breakfasts in the world. They often come with steamed rice, miso soup, some sort of protein or rolled egg omelette and various side dishes. The awesome thing about this is that you can be creative to no end!
Ethiopia: Ful
Image Source:https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-cafe-and-bakery-dallas?select=3L98S8gU3-w10mFmBdbEUg
Ful is a traditional breakfast made from mashed fava beans. It is often paired with eggs, feta and warm bread rolls. This wonderful dish is packed full of spice, so be prepared for a kick to your taste buds if you aren’t used to spice. Click here for a recipe!
There is one more part to this series! Please comment if you have a favorite cultural dish that you would like featured in part II of this breakfast series.