Breakfast Around the World

How People in Different Countries Start Their Day

Sydney, Australia

Here, “Brekkie” is heaven for the health-conscious. Avocado toast is a favorite—and sources claim it was created in Sydney. It features homemade bread topped with fresh avocado, lime and a poached egg.

Montreal, Canada

Fun Fact: Canada has the most doughnut shops compared to any other country in the world. Aside from their American-like breakfast, doughnuts are their thing. What’s more Canadian than a maple bacon doughnut?

Brazil

Brazilians enjoy a light breakfast: coffee, tropical fruit, breads and cheeses. In Brazil, coffee—not the food—is the real morning essential, so much so that their word for breakfast—café de manha—actually translates to “morning coffee.”

Israel

Israelis prepare big, delicious breakfasts which include: salads, feta, pickles, olives, pudding and in particular, their bourekas. This comforting dish is a pastry made of phyllo dough, usually filled with cheese or vegetables.

Andhra Pradesh, India

Pesarattu upma—green lentils mixed with rice and other spices formed into a tortilla shape, then filled with upma, a form of wheat—is traditional to Indian breakfast. Upma curbs cravings as it is low in fat and high in protein.

Sweden

Traditional Swedish pancakes with lingonberry preserve may be the best-kept secret of all pancakes. Swedish chefs whip egg whites and sugar to make their hot cakes extra fluffy and melt in your mouth.

Spain

Worshipped by locals, jamon-iberico –Spanish cured ham– is often used for breakfast. This flavorful Iberian ham comes from pigs that are strictly acorn-fed. Thinly sliced jamon on top of a toasted baguette drizzled with homemade olive oil (Spain is a hub for olive farms) and pepper is worth travelling for.

South Africa

Putu pap, sometimes called “putu porridge,” is a cornmeal porridge that is traditionally served with milk and sugar for breakfast. Simply mix maize meal and boiling water to make this satisfying breakfast.

By Lindsey Rosenblatt / Design by Katie Hong / Photo Vanya Kohlweg Benavente