What people eat for breakfast worldwide: 10 dishes that may surprise you
British breakfast (photo: Magnific)
Breakfast can vary dramatically from one country to another. For some, the morning starts with a light coffee and pastries, while for others, it means hot soup, rice, fish, or eggs with vegetables.
RBC-Ukraine explores what people traditionally eat for breakfast in different parts of the world.
Japan – Rice, fish, and miso soup
A traditional Japanese breakfast is very different from the typical European morning meal. It often consists of rice served with miso soup, grilled or fried fish, pickled vegetables, and other small side dishes.
Miso soup (photo: pinterest.com)
A popular breakfast food is natto — fermented soybeans with a distinctive texture and flavor. They are often served with rice.
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Natto (photo: wikipedia.org)
Such a breakfast can consist of several small portions, so different flavors appear on the table at the same time — salty, sour, fermented, and umami.
South Korea – Rice and lots of small side dishes
A Korean breakfast is not necessarily different from other meals. The table may feature rice, soup or a stew, kimchi, and a variety of banchan — small side dishes.
Banchan (photo: wikipedia.org)
Kimchi, fermented vegetables seasoned with spicy spices, is one of the most famous elements of Korean cuisine.
Kimchi (photo: pinterest.com)
The main feature of this breakfast is variety. Instead of one large dish, a person may be served several small portions at once.
United Kingdom – Full English breakfast
A traditional Full English breakfast can include fried eggs, bacon, sausages, grilled or stewed tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, and toast.
This meal is usually not eaten every day, but rather as a hearty breakfast on the weekend.
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English breakfast (photo: wikipedia.org)
France – Croissant and coffee
A French breakfast is often associated with a croissant, baguette, butter, jam, and a cup of coffee.
Unlike the British version, a traditional French petit déjeuner is usually quite light. Large amounts of meat, eggs, and other filling foods are not essential parts of the morning menu.
The croissant has become one of France’s culinary symbols, although a modern French breakfast can be much simpler — for example, bread with butter and coffee.
Coffee and croissants (photo: pinterest.com)
Italy – Coffee and sweet pastries
In Italy, breakfast often starts with espresso or cappuccino accompanied by a sweet pastry.
One popular option is cornetto, an Italian pastry similar to a croissant. It can be plain or filled with cream, chocolate, or jam.
Turkey – Breakfast as a separate ritual
Turkish kahvaltı can turn into a real feast. The table usually features cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs, butter, honey, jam, bread, and various spreads.
A popular component is menemen — a dish made with eggs, tomatoes, and peppers. It is often cooked directly in a small pan and served with bread.
Turkish breakfast is not just about food, but also an opportunity to spend more time at the table with family or friends.
Turkish breakfast (photo: pinterest.com)
Spain – Toast with tomatoes
In Spain, one of the simplest breakfast options is pan con tomate, which means bread topped with tomatoes.
Pan con tomate (photo: wikipedia.org)
Ripe tomato is grated onto toasted bread, then olive oil and salt are added. In some regions, this breakfast may also be served with jamón.
Sweet pastries and coffee are also popular.
Sweden – Bread, cheese, and light snacks
In Sweden, breakfast often consists of bread, cheese, ham, vegetables, yogurt, or cereal.
A popular option is knäckebröd — a thin, crispbread that is eaten with cheese, fish, or other toppings.
Knäckebröd (photo: wikipedia.org)
Breakfast in Scandinavian countries is usually simple but nutritious and well suited to the cool climate.
Ukraine – Porridge, syrnyky, and eggs
Ukrainian breakfast also comes in wide varieties. Traditionally, people might prepare porridge, eggs, cottage cheese, pancakes, filled crepes, and homemade pastries in the morning.
Syrnyky, omelets, oatmeal, buckwheat, sandwiches, and toast with various toppings remain popular breakfast choices.
Syrnyky and oatmeal for breakfast (photo: pinterest.com)
At the same time, the modern Ukrainian breakfast is increasingly combining traditional foods with culinary habits from other countries, such as avocado, granola, hummus, or shakshuka.
