10 Breakfasts from Around the World
By Kristen Evans
When it comes to breakfast foods, Americans are plain and predictable. If we don’t reach for carbs — think bagels, toast, and muffins — we pour a bowl of cereal or dish out a little yogurt. And when we spring for scrambled eggs, hash browns, or home fries, you know it’s officially an occasion.
But breakfasts from around the world are more adventurous — even if their ingredients are simple. From sweet pastries sold on the streets of Mexico City to the spicy noodle soups of the Yunnan Province in China, there’s far more to breakfast than toast.
We tracked down 10 traditional breakfasts from around the world to serve as inspiration for the next time you have to plan an early morning meeting. These dishes are guaranteed to jolt your coworkers awake more effectively than a second cup of coffee.
1. São Paulo, Brazil
When it comes to mastering Brazilian foods for breakfast, start with bread. Portuguese French rolls are served with hefty helpings of papaya and soft, fresh cheese. Want to make breakfast an occasion? Serve an orange or banana cake, along with strong coffee.
2. Mexico City, Mexico
Before it gets too hot, Mexico City residents reach for licuado, a milk and fruit smoothie, or hunt down a sweet, yeasted pastry called conchas. But they’re on the go until lunch, which is the bigger meal of the day. Out partying? Recuperate with seafood soup, black beans and eggs, or even a barbacoa taco. A cup of cafe de olla, black coffee brewed with cinnamon, will chase down these savory breakfast dishes.
3. Paris, France
Parisians aren’t big on breakfast foods. They’ll put a little butter and jam on the flaky dough of a torn croissant and call it bon. If there’s time, a soft-boiled egg might provide a bit of extra energy. Perhaps a Parisian might pour a dish of granola and fromage blanc — similar to our cottage cheese — but that’s rare. No matter how busy they might be, however, there’s always, always time for espresso.
4. Berlin, Germany
As in France, the cornerstone of good German breakfast food is bread — usually a sourdough, rye, or poppyseed roll. On the table, you’ll also find plenty of Nutella, for spreading, and creamy cheeses like gouda or emmental to pair with salami, ham, sausage, or smoked salmon. And don’t forget the soft-boiled eggs! Germans wash this heftiest of breakfasts from around the world down with a strong cup of coffee.
5. Stockholm, Sweden
Breakfast foods in Scandinavia feature plenty of bread and coffee, too. But Scandinavian “crisp breads” are the perfect vehicles for cheese and smoked fish. You’ll also find that the Swedes have elevated porridge far beyond American oatmeal — think sprouted oats, wild blueberries, and cinnamon for plenty of texture and flavor.
6. Tel Aviv, Israel
As with other countries in the Middle East, Israelis have to contend with scorching temperatures, even early in the morning. So savory foods for breakfast often include an array of vegetable salads, like chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley, as well as soft white cheeses. A special occasion might call for shakshuka, a pan of simmering tomato sauce with cumin and harissa, bearing three or four perfectly poached eggs. Still hungry? Try bourekas, a puffed pastry stuffed with cheese or spinach or eggplant. And forget espresso. Most Israelis are jolted awake by strong, black, Turkish coffee.
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