It is fascinating what is eaten for breakfast the world over. The international breakfast plate is, in many cases, so different from our own. Part of innovating is getting a new perspective and international breakfasts are a great place to find stimulus when we want to create or experience some new WOW moments. It is unfortunate that we rarely experience these breakfast foods unless we travel to different parts of the world. It is probably because most restaurants that feature foods from different regions of the world are not open for breakfast. We enjoy Indian food for dinner, but our Indian restaurant is closed for breakfast, too bad! And, since IHOP doesn’t really count as a window into the breakfast happenings around the world, dinner time is likely when our home based, international experiences take place.
So, lets get off the eaten path and let’s make National Breakfast Month into International Breakfast Month. Let’s explore the unexplored. Here is what is for breakfast in a few places around the world.
Libya
The traditional breakfast meal is called shakshouka and consists of eggs poached in spiced onions, tomatoes and peppers typically prepared using old mutton or jerky. Another popular breakfast dish is asida, a dough served with date syrup and eaten with the fingers.Egypt
Considered the national dish of Egypt, ful, made of fava beans with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice is most popular at breakfast. Tea takes precedence over coffee in Egypt and comes as either saiidi tea or koshary tea. Saiidi tea is served black, and despite being heavily sweetened, remains strong and bitter. Koshary is light by comparison and may have sugar, mint and milk accompanying it.Madagascar
A rice porridge is consumed in the early hours called vary sosoa. This dish may also be consumed alongside meat and greens. Coffee is the standard morning beverage and is consumed along with mofo gasy, a bread made of sweetened rice flour and cooked with charcoal for a sweet and smoky flavor.Japan
Green tea is a must. Common to traditional Japanese breakfast are miso soup, rice or rice porrige, and nori seaweed. Also included are Natto (fermented soybeans), broiled fish and Japanese omelet. Pickles and pickled plums are also served.Nepal
The two staples of breakfast in Nepal are roti -fried bread- and milk tea. The high altitude and cold weather calls for hearty breakfasts of potato and vegetable soup or rich omelets made with mushrooms, potatoes, herbs, and butter.Switzerland
The Swiss like continental breakfasts, consisting of breads, pastries, jams, juices, and hot beverages. More traditional Swiss breakfast food includes the famous muesli, a cold or hot cereal served with nuts, fruits, and yogurt. Sweet or salty breads and pastries are enjoyed with cheeses, cold cuts and fruit jams.Vietnam
Popular breakfast items are Pho, Xoi, and Bahn. Pho is a soup with glass noodles and meat, Xoi is a sticky riced fried with egg and sausage, and Bahn is a tasty rice cake that can be prepared salty or sweet. There are dozens of Bahn varieties, and any of them can be had for breakfast.
I wish you a Happy INTERNational Breakfast Month!
Do you have any international breakfast stories to share? Let us know in the comments!
