Breakfast around the world is a lot more diverse—and surprising—than you might expect. How do you like your breakfast—piled high with bacon and eggs or light and sweet with fruit and pastries?
Turns out, not everyone starts their morning the same way. In fact, in some countries, breakfast might look like a bowl of spicy soup, a plate of grilled fish, or even leftovers from dinner (yep, really).
If you think breakfast is all about cereal and toast, you’re in for a tasty surprise. Today, we’re taking you on a globe-trotting journey to explore breakfast around the world—and spoiler alert: #7 might make you question everything you thought you knew about the “most important meal of the day.”
🥖 1. France – Bonjour, Butter and Bread!
The French keep breakfast light and chic. A classic French breakfast includes a croissant or baguette slices with butter and jam, often dipped into a bowl of café au lait.
Fun fact: Savory breakfast foods like eggs or sausage are rare in France—they save that for later!
🍱 2. Japan – Soup for Breakfast? Oui.
In Japan, breakfast is a complete, balanced meal. It often includes grilled fish, miso soup, rice, pickled vegetables, and even natto (fermented soybeans).
It’s warm, umami-rich, and surprisingly comforting.
🥐 3. Italy – Fast, Sweet, and Full of Coffee
Italians love a quick, sweet start to their day. Breakfast often means a cornetto (Italian croissant) and an espresso—enjoyed standing at a café bar.
🌶️ 4. Mexico – Spicy Mornings with Chilaquiles
In Mexico, breakfast brings the flavor. Chilaquiles—fried tortilla strips topped with salsa, eggs, and cheese—are a fan favorite.
It’s like nachos for breakfast (but better).
🥖 5. Egypt – Ful Medames for Fuel
Ful Medames is a humble fava bean stew, slow-cooked and served with olive oil, lemon, and pita bread. It’s been around since ancient times!
🥞 6. USA – Pancakes, Bacon, and All the Things
Breakfast in the U.S. is basically brunch every day: pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and a bottomless mug of coffee.
🍜 7. Myanmar – Mohinga (Yes, Fish Noodle Soup!)
Mohinga is a popular Burmese breakfast of rice noodles in a fish broth topped with fritters and herbs. It’s savory, hearty, and totally unique.
🥚 8. Turkey – A Little Bit of Everything
Turkish breakfasts are a full spread: cheese, olives, bread, eggs, jams, and tea. It’s more of a feast than a meal.
🍲 9. South Korea – Kimchi in the A.M.? Yes, Please
In Korea, breakfast often mirrors lunch and dinner. Expect rice, soup, kimchi, and side dishes like tofu or seaweed salad.
🍌 10. Brazil – Fruit, Bread, and Coffee with a Twist
Pão de queijo (cheesy bread), tropical fruits, and rich Brazilian coffee make for a quick but tasty breakfast in Brazil.
🥞 11. Canada – Maple Everything
While similar to the U.S., Canadian breakfasts often feature maple syrup as the star—on pancakes, French toast, or even bacon.
Bonus: In Quebec, you might find tourtière (meat pie) even in the morning!
🥖 12. Morocco – Warm, Doughy, and Delightfully Sweet
Moroccan breakfasts include msmen (flatbreads), honey, olive oil, and mint tea. It’s sweet, soft, and cozy.
🍩 13. Germany – Cheese and Cold Cuts? Guten Morgen!
German breakfasts are hearty and cold: rye bread, cold cuts, cheese, butter, and boiled eggs, often served with strong coffee or tea.
🧀 14. Venezuela – Arepas, Please!
Arepas are thick cornmeal cakes stuffed with cheese, meat, or eggs. They’re handheld, filling, and loved by Venezuelans of all ages.
🍚 15. Philippines – Rice is Life
In the Philippines, breakfast is rice-based. Dishes like tapsilog (beef, garlic rice, egg) and longsilog (sweet sausage) are incredibly popular. It’s a flavorful start to the day!
🍽️ Final Thoughts: How Do You Breakfast?
From fruit-filled spreads in Brazil to noodle soups in Myanmar, breakfast around the world is a delicious reflection of culture, history, and taste.
So tell us—would you try kimchi for breakfast? How about a cheesy arepa or a sweet mint tea and flatbread combo?
Drop your country’s go-to breakfast in the comments, and don’t forget to tag a foodie friend who would love #7!