Breakfast Across the Five Continents
Breakfast is the moment that gives energy and motivation to face the day. Every culture in every country offers a variety of traditional dishes that tell stories of local customs, flavours, and ingredients. Some countries favour sweet breakfasts, others prefer savoury ones; in some places breakfast is rich and gourmet, in others it’s more modest — but let’s discover together what people eat for breakfast across the five continents!
Europe: Tradition and Variety
In Europe, breakfast habits vary greatly from country to country. In Italy, breakfast is often sweet, with coffee or cappuccino accompanied by a croissant, cookies, or a slice of homemade cake. In France, the undisputed king of this meal is the croissant, sometimes filled with jam or chocolate (pain au chocolat), served with a café au lait. Moving north to the Scandinavian countries, breakfasts become more substantial and mainly savoury, with rye bread, cheese, smoked salmon, herring, and eggs. One of the most famous breakfasts in the northern parts of our continent is surely the Anglo-Saxon one, with scrambled eggs and bacon, often served in major hotels.
Asia: Energy and Spices
In Asia, breakfast is often a savoury and flavourful meal. In China, one can enjoy the famous baozi, soft steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables, or congee, a rice porridge seasoned with spices and various condiments. Among beverages, the most appreciated to accompany Chinese breakfasts is definitely high-quality white tea. In Japan, a traditional breakfast includes rice, grilled fish, miso soup, and tsukemono (pickled vegetables), along with various types of green tea. In India, breakfast can be spicy and protein-rich, with dishes like dosa, rice and lentil crepes, served with chutney and sambar. In the Philippines and Southeast Asia, rice and fish are often accompanied by milk and coconut for breakfast.
Africa: Simplicity and Tradition
In Africa, breakfast is often simple but nutritious. In Ethiopia, injera is enjoyed — a fermented flatbread similar to a crêpe, served with sauces or legumes, and paired with local coffee. In Morocco, baghrir is served — small, spongy pancakes topped with honey and butter — and mint tea is commonly drunk, very popular throughout the Maghreb. In Senegal and The Gambia, breakfast often consists of peanuts accompanied by a millet paste, vegetables, and tomatoes.
America: Sweet and Savoury for All Tastes
The American continent offers breakfasts that range from sweet to savoury. In the United States, pancakes with maple syrup are a timeless classic, also made famous by many movies, often served with bacon and eggs. In Mexico, breakfast might include chilaquiles, fried tortillas covered in sauce, cheese, and eggs. In Brazil, breakfast often includes bread with local cheese, fresh fruit, and tropical juices.
Oceania: Freshness and Simplicity
In Oceania, breakfast reflects the relaxed lifestyle of the region. In Australia, avocado toast has become an iconic symbol, often served with poached eggs, while in New Zealand, yogurt, cereal, and fresh fruit are preferred, taking advantage of the abundance of local produce.
No matter the continent, one thing is certain: breakfast is a special moment that unites flavours and traditions. Which of these breakfasts inspires you the most?