What is eaten for breakfast around the world?

Breakfast is the first meal after a night’s sleep and, according to many experts, one of the most important meals of the day. It helps jumpstart metabolism, provides the body with energy, and supplies essential nutrients for morning activities and concentration. In different countries, breakfast traditions and features can vary greatly. How is breakfast handled in other parts of the world? What do people traditionally eat in France, Türkiye, Japan, or India?

France

For the French, breakfast is the least important meal of the day, and there are numerous regional and cultural differences in what is eaten.

Typically, it consists of half or a quarter of a baguette, sliced horizontally, with butter and jam. Sometimes it is cut into small round pieces, but round slices are mostly used for lunch or dinner.

The French have a tradition of dipping a piece of freshly baked pastry into a coffee with milk. Croissants are not an everyday breakfast item but are highly appreciated when available. A common misconception is that the French eat croissants every morning, but in reality, they are considered too caloric and are usually enjoyed a few times a week, often on weekends.

Even on weekends, breakfast plays a secondary role to lunch. In other words, a typical breakfast might include a hot beverage like coffee or tea, a slice of baguette with butter and jam, possibly some pastry (or not), and maybe fruit juice.

Photo: Pixabay

Türkiye

In Türkiye breakfast is a significant ritual. Called “kahvaltı,” which means “before coffee,” Turkish breakfasts are diverse and feature many items that can be eaten and accompanied by tea in traditional tulip-shaped glasses. Turkish breakfast is the most important meal of the day and can last several hours, especially on weekends, filled with long family conversations and delicious dishes, ending with a cup of strong Turkish coffee.

The main ingredient is bread and other baked goods. Turkish breakfasts typically include simit (Turkish bagel), açma (soft bun), pişi (small fried dough pieces), and sigara börek (fried pastry rolls with cheese). Simit is the star among them, perfect for dipping in jam and honey. It is commonly sold on street corners, metro stations, and nearly every bakery in Türkiye.

The famous breakfast with many small dishes is called “serpme kahvaltı,” where the table is literally covered with numerous small plates of delicious dishes and appetizers.

Turkish breakfast items and traditions vary across the country, but several staples remain constant: tea, bread, white cheese or feta, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, butter or cream (kaymak), honey, and a variety of jams.

Photo: Pexels

Japan

Japanese breakfast is a healthy way to start the day, featuring warm rice, soothing miso soup, and a variety of side dishes.

The main idea is balance, proper nutrition, and respect for Japanese cultural traditions.

Traditional miso soup is made with miso paste and usually includes pieces of tofu, various vegetables, and nori seaweed. It is considered very beneficial for the body and a good source of protein.

The cornerstone of Japanese breakfast is white rice, serving as the base for other dishes and is one of the most important elements of Japanese cuisine.

Fermented soybeans, which have a unique taste and aroma, are also a common breakfast item, typically served with rice and soy sauce. Seafood is also a breakfast staple, including grilled fish, seaweed, shrimp, and others.

Photo: Pixabay

India

India is an extremely diverse country with regional differences in language, culture, cuisine, religion, and more, woven like a tapestry across the nation. People often live in large families with parents and children. Food plays a huge role in Indian family life, uniting generations.

A classic Indian breakfast typically includes a vegetable dish with tea or coffee, wheat, rice, or lentil flatbreads (roti), rice pancakes (dosa), toasted bread, sweet and savory porridge, and possibly potatoes with lentils.

Many agree that dosa represents the pinnacle of classic Indian cuisine. Dosa, usually eaten for breakfast, is a type of pancake made from fermented lentil and rice batter, often stuffed with spicy potatoes. These pancakes are served with mint or coconut chutney (traditional Indian sauce) and sambar (a vegetable soup with curry leaves). 

Photo: Freepek

Traditional breakfasts from different countries can be a real gastronomic adventure. Everyone can find a breakfast to suit their taste and interests, whether it’s the simplicity of a French baguette or the elaborate spread of a Turkish kahvaltı. Spice up your morning routine and start your day by expanding your culinary geography!