50 Breakfasts from Around the World

[ThelmaLou]

This is a fun site with pictures, too! (http://blog.hostelbookers.com/travel/best-breakfast/)

Comments from natives-- authenticating or debunking-- welcome!

[China Guy]

China one is probably from Sichuan Province. It is not ubiquitous across China but maybe 10% of what you find if you go around. I would rate it towards #10 for what is good. There's tons of better "standard" breakfasts in China. Some with rice porrage, some with fried bread and dough sticks, steamed dumplings, etc.

[Lord Mondegreen]

Well, I had Vegemite on toast for breakfast this morning, so the Australian one's right. :)

[John Mace]

Hawaiian breakfast = bagel? Oy vey!

[pulykamell]

The Polish one and Hungarian one I quibble with. Jajecznica (scrambled eggs) is definitely a common Polish breakfast, but potato pancakes? I don't think I've ever seen that for breakfast. More common would be a selection of deli meats and bread.

And a Hungarian breakfast always consisting of pogacsa (a scone/biscuit like thing)? Pogacsa is just a general snack item in Hungary. I've never linked it particularly to breakfast, nor even seen it predominantly served at that meal. A Hungarian breakfast was usually quite similar to a Polish one: open faced sandwiches with deli meats and cheeses, possibly sausages, or scrambled eggs, or a couple of buns with butter and jam, etc.

[even sven]

China one is probably from Sichuan Province.

I could never, ever, ever get used to eating a bowl of greasy, spicy noodles (known as "burning noodles") (http://www.echinacities.com/userfiles/2010-Year/12-Month/24-Day/image004-.jpg) for breakfast, which was the norm in my Sichuan town. Yes, that is a pile of MSG on top. Mmmmm.

Normally I'd pick up some pork-stuffed steamed buns from a street vendor- much easier on the stomach in the AM.

Interestingly, lunch and dinner are usually the same- often the exact same, with dinner being leftovers from lunch. Chinese food is amazing, but they could work on the daily variety a bit.

[pulykamell]

I could never, ever, ever get used to eating a bowl of greasy, spicy noodles (known as "burning noodles") (http://www.echinacities.com/userfiles/2010-Year/12-Month/24-Day/image004-.jpg) for breakfast, which was the norm in my Sichuan town. Yes, that is a pile of MSG on top. Mmmmm.


Wow, that really does look pretty freaking awesome.

[Cat Whisperer]

A Canadian breakfast – that eggy looking section is actually perogies. Perogies are boiled, baked or fried dumplings made from unleavened dough and traditionally stuffed with potato filling, sauerkraut, ground meat, cheese, or fruit. Then you’ve got some sausages and toast to mop it all up. Thanks Calgary Reviews.I've never in 45 years had perogies for breakfast. If they had put eggs of some kind on the plate instead of the perogies, that would have made a lot more sense.

I guess I'm just glad they didn't try to pretend that backbacon is commonly eaten by Canadians for breakfast (we eat the same kind of bacon as US Americans). :)

[TruCelt]

I've never been served beans with breakfast in Ireland. I sure do wish I could get the grilled tomatoes here in the US though!

[SciFiSam]

I've never been served beans with breakfast in Ireland. I sure do wish I could get the grilled tomatoes here in the US though!

There are lots of variations, but beans are common. Hash browns are popular in cafes, but they're definitely not a 'must have' in a general sense. "Some sort of fried potato" is common, but some people think that's wrong too.

What should go in an Irish or English fried breakfast can become a pretty heated debate.

[SciFiSam]

And cheese on toast /Welsh rarebit is a Welsh breakfast. Toast with something on is pretty common, but it's not like this is what the typical Welsh person would eat every day for breakfast (more like lunch). You wouldn't find it served up as a standard breakfast in hotels, for example.

[John Mace]

I've never been served beans with breakfast in Ireland. I sure do wish I could get the grilled tomatoes here in the US though!

I have them often. You must be patronizing the wrong places, or maybe you just live in a place where it's considered exotic.

[An Gadaí]

There are lots of variations, but beans are common. Hash browns are popular in cafes, but they're definitely not a 'must have' in a general sense. "Some sort of fried potato" is common, but some people think that's wrong too.

What should go in an Irish or English fried breakfast can become a pretty heated debate.

A stupid one at that. I do know soda bread, potato bread, and pancakes are rare in an Irish breakfast but typical in an Ulster Fry in my experience.

[madmonk28]

How could they list 50 breakfasts and leave off Singapore's kaya toast and coffee?

[PandaBear77]

The breakfast from Vietnam .... *shudder*

[John Mace]

The breakfast from Vietnam .... *shudder*

Actually, that's probably the most common breakfast all over Asia. I call it "juk", which is the Cantonese version that you get for Dim Sum. Congee is probably the more common term. It's very bland by itself, but pretty tasty if you put some other stuff in.

[levdrakon]

I don't agree with the "famous American breakfast." BB pancakes & bacon is tasty, but it's not as typical as eggs, bacon and buttered toast.

[Larry Mudd]

The breakfast from Vietnam .... *shudder*Meh. I've never had it with stomach, but I've had plenty of Chinese and Indian -style congee with shredded meat or fish for breakfast, and this seems about the same. It's very good!

I have no objection to the inclusion of stomach and heart, 'cuz these are yummy enough in other contexts. Heck, it's sort of an moister, inside-out haggis, and you can't say a word against haggis and still claim to like to eat. ;)

It was fun to slowly scroll down this article and try to guess the country from the image before reading the description.

[kushiel]

um #26:

The eggy looking stuff is still scrambled eggs. The perogies are hidden under the bread.

[ThelmaLou]

How could they list 50 breakfasts and leave off Singapore's kaya toast and coffee?

Do elaborate please. :)

[Ají de Gallina]

We don't eat cebiche and Inca Kola as breakfast in Peru.
A more traditional one would be Tamal (different from the Mexican one), Chicharrón (not pork rinds), and coffee.

[AK84]

Breakfast in Pakistan - in Pakistan you’ll get Aloo Paratha for your breakfast. It’ s an Indian unleavened flatbread made by pan frying, wholewheat dough on a tava. The dough contains ghee and the bread is usually stuffed with vegetables. It’s best eaten with butter, chutney or some other spicy sauce. It’s not uncommon to roll it up and dip it in your tea.

Aloo Paratha are a firstly not a staple, only eaten in part of the country, not usually eaten at breakfast and the "dip in tea" bit makes me feel ill. FWIW, this morning I ate Jam and toast with tea. Breakfast is the one area (along with the dessert) where British influence on cuisine was quite big.

[Max the Immortal]

I want to try that Dominican dish.

I've never in 45 years had perogies for breakfast. If they had put eggs of some kind on the plate instead of the perogies, that would have made a lot more sense.
I've never thought of perogies as breakfast food, either. Mind you, I've only had them a few times ever.

[panamajack]

Do elaborate please. :)

Kaya - a coconut jam/curd (it has eggs in it). Tastes absolutely delicious, but has a greenish snot color. see picture a little ways down here (http://everything4sweets.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html).

Spread it on toasted white bread. Sometimes has other fruit flavors mixed in, and often the toast is also buttered.

[jjimm]

Congee (shown in the Vietnamese one) is the most disgusting thing I've ever tasted.

However that Iranian stuff looks fucking awesome:Halim is a mixture of wheat, cinnamon, butter and sugar cooked with shredded meat in huge pots. I think the Italian one is a bit misleading using a croissant - my girlfriend and every other Italian I know eats a slice or two of cake for breakfast. And about two teaspoons of super-strong espresso laden with milk and sugar.

[qubed]

The India one is completely absurd. Tofu in india? Rosemary? Veggie Sausage? Banana pepper toast? What the hell? Never seen any of those in India.

[AK84]

Congee (shown in the Vietnamese one) is the most disgusting thing I've ever tasted.
.
Halim is a most certainly not a breakfast dish.

[Tabby_Cat]

Kaya - a coconut jam/curd (it has eggs in it). Tastes absolutely delicious, but has a greenish snot color. see picture a little ways down here (http://everything4sweets.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html).

Spread it on toasted white bread. Sometimes has other fruit flavors mixed in, and often the toast is also buttered.
You forgot the half-boiled eggs with dark soy sauce and pepper!

Butter, Kaya (coconut jam, often with Pandan flavouring), half-boiled eggs with dark soy sauce, and coffee with condensed milk.

Mmmm.

http://blog.burpple.com/?tag=yakunkayatoast

[An Gadaí]

I've never been served beans with breakfast in Ireland. I sure do wish I could get the grilled tomatoes here in the US though!

For what it's worth, the Irish breakfast shown is one served at the Fadó Irish pub chain somewhere in the US. The butter brand was unfamiliar to me and the beans looked a bit awry. :)

[Teufelblitz]

It must be because I am from the south, but I always think of American breakfast as pork sausage, bacon or salt cured ham with eggs and buttermilk bicuits. We'll usually have some sausage gravy for the biscuits. A cup of coffee, and either orange or grapefruit juice to drink.

[DataZak]

The Malaysian breakfast (no. 35) is inaccurate. A more popular Malaysian breakfast would be the ubiquitous nasi lemak (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasi_lemak) or roti canai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roti_canai) with a glass of teh tarik (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teh_tarik).

[auRa]

Pannkakor for Swedish breakfast? Never have I ever and I've had many a Swedish breakfast in my time... Sandwiches, porridge, coffee, fil, maybe muesli sure. Not once have I seen a pancake.

[Rushgeekgirl]

Interesting, but I see no Cocoa Puffs!

[Patty O'Furniture]

I'm a 46 year old American and I don't think I've ever had the famous American breakfast. I'd say that some style of fried eggs, grilled meat, potatoes & toast should be a lot more famous.




---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=13.961843,100.628029

[grude]

Trinidad&Tobago is not on the list, but popular breakfast foods include:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doubles_(food)
http://www.tntisland.com/sahina.html

Both of which you get from street vendors, some vendors have wild flavor variations and people will go to their favorite one even if its a bother.

There are also fast food type places serving among other things Buljohl which is salt fish and veggies served on bake bread.

[Alessan]

The absence of an Israeli breakfast disqualifies the entire list.

[psychonaut]

And a Hungarian breakfast always consisting of pogacsa (a scone/biscuit like thing)? Pogacsa is just a general snack item in Hungary. I've never linked it particularly to breakfast, nor even seen it predominantly served at that meal.This matches my experience. Never associated them with breakfast, though they wouldn't strictly speaking be out of place there.

[MrDibble]

So, we can get into the most picayune minutae of English vs Scottish vs Irish breakfasts (Oh, this has haggis, that has white pudding, oh, black pudding is optional with this one...) when they're all basically egg, soss, bacon and fried-offal-slice, but we can only find two from sub-Saharan African countries? Neither of which feature maize porridge? More Borealist bullshit.

[MrDibble]

The absence of an Israeli breakfast disqualifies the entire list.
Aaah, you could fix my ignorance: Is shakshouka eaten as a breakfast dish, or some other time? I've only had it here as a breakfast option.

[An Gadaí]

So, we can get into the most picayune minutae of English vs Scottish vs Irish breakfasts (Oh, this has haggis, that has white pudding, oh, black pudding is optional with this one...) when they're all basically egg, soss, bacon and fried-offal-slice, but we can only find two from sub-Saharan African countries? Neither of which feature maize porridge? More Borealist bullshit.

I'm curious. What does Borealist mean? Anyway Ulster Fry would beat the other three any day.

[Alessan]

Aaah, you could fix my ignorance: Is shakshouka eaten as a breakfast dish, or some other time? I've only had it here as a breakfast option.

It's generally eaten for breakfast or brunch, although there are places that serve it at all hours. My wife made it for dinner last week... but we're weird that way.

[constanze]

Going by breakfast in hotels (hostels) and restaurants*, the German breakfast shows only one third of what people expect: bread (only black bread - in a hotel, I want fresh Brötchen, or rolls!) with cheese and sausage

Hotels also offer variations of Müsli cereals with fruit and milk, and of course Jam/ Marmalade on Toast/ Rolls. And don't forget Nutella, too - spread on a still warm toast so it starts to melt... mmmmmm. This is the dessert part of the breakfast.

* Because the breakfast that a typical family has is going to vary widely based on their personal preferences, and also, the time and money availalbe on a normal Monday morning. You are not going to offer 5 types of cheese and 7 types of sausage if you know which type people like already, but a hotel will.

[MrDibble]

I'm curious. What does Borealist mean?
Northern-centric.

[WotNot]

I think the Italian one is a bit misleading using a croissant - my girlfriend and every other Italian I know eats a slice or two of cake for breakfast. And about two teaspoons of super-strong espresso laden with milk and sugar.
I'd imagine that, like all the others, it'll vary according to region, personal preference, and whether it's breakfast at home or in a hotel or café.

Capuccino and a croissant (or brioche, as they called them on the menus) seemed to be what all the cafés around Verona and lake Garda were selling in the early mornings when I was there.

[shijinn]

How could they list 50 breakfasts and leave off Singapore's kaya toast and coffee? yeah, my first thought was how they could they have left out mentioning Singapore in a food list, but i'm not sure the kaya toast is the breakfast food of Singapore.

how about roti prata and teh tarik? tau huay and you char kway? nasi lemak and curry puffs? mee rebus and begedil? i'm hungry.

[Panurge]

The India one is completely absurd. Tofu in india? Rosemary? Veggie Sausage? Banana pepper toast? What the hell? Never seen any of those in India.

I agree - very odd. Breakfast in India (and Pakistan) varies hugely from region to region, but rosemary, tofu, and banana toast? Never seen anything like it.

The one from Denmark is sort of right - especially the photo since it shows some kind of müsli or cereal, which I strongly suspect are the most common breakfast foods here.

[Nava]

I've never heard pà amb tomàquet (pronounced pamtumaca in Spanish phonics, and often written like that outside of Catalonia) called pan a la catalana, and it's not restricted to breakfast - more one of those things which can be used for a snack at any time; my mother has it often for a mid-afternoon snack, my maternal grandfather would have it as part of his breakfast with slices of butifarra catalana or of serrano. As the name that website gives it indicates, it's originally a Catalan preparation. I've met many Catalans who have complained to me that the one time they left Catalonia, bagette sandwiches weren't tomatoed, and I've explained to them that outside Catalonia people know about tomatoing sandwiches but it's not the default, you have to ask for it.

It's one of the recipes I submitted to the Mumpers' recipes blog, it's real easy to prepare. Great by itself or with some cold cuts on top. At the same time, it's like saying that "haggis is a typical British food" - well, yessss buuuuutttt...

[jjimm]

So anyway, the list linked to in the OP appears to be an almost unmitigated disaster.

[psychonaut]

So anyway, the list linked to in the OP appears to be an almost unmitigated disaster.In terms of authenticity, maybe. The food still looks delicious, though, and it's given me lots of meal ideas.

[An Gadaí]

So anyway, the list linked to in the OP appears to be an almost unmitigated disaster.

Tasty looking disaster. What should I have for lunch?

[Alice The Goon]

Hawaii- fruit and bagels? That would send my blood sugar through the roof and back down through the floor.

[jjimm]

Tasty looking disaster. What should I have for lunch?Breakfast!

[Floater]

I can only agree with what auRa (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=14792095&postcount=32) wrote about Swedish breakfasts.

[not what you'd expect]

The Cuban one is exactly right, or at least it was my experience growing up. I wish I could get Cuban bread here in California.

[ExcitedIdiot]

And cheese on toast /Welsh rarebit is a Welsh breakfast. Toast with something on is pretty common, but it's not like this is what the typical Welsh person would eat every day for breakfast (more like lunch). You wouldn't find it served up as a standard breakfast in hotels, for example.

Do they put Worcestershire on it, as the article suggests? I love it on a steak, but the thought of it on a cheese sandwich turns my stomach.

[Dervorin]

I agree - very odd. Breakfast in India (and Pakistan) varies hugely from region to region, but rosemary, tofu, and banana toast? Never seen anything like it.


Couldn't agree more. I read that and thought "What the...?"

Where I am from in India, breakfast looks more like this:
http://www.myscrawls.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Aval-upma-avalakki-uppittu-1024x770.jpg (a rice-based dish)
Or this: http://www.nandyala.org/mahanandi/images/idly/idliimagecopyrighted7.jpg (rice dumplings with a lentil-based stew and coconut chutney)
Or possibly like this: http://www.indianfoodforever.com/images/masala-dosa.jpg (a rice-based savoury pancake-like breakfast with chutney)

Certainly no rosemary, tofu and/or banana toast. And veggie sausage? That's entirely idiotic. I've never heard of anyone anywhere in India eating anything vaguely like that, much less "f you think of your Indian breakfast somewhere along these lines, you would be correct". Two huge thumbs down, aravindgrover, whoever you are.

Now I'm hungry. For a good masala dosa.

[Panurge]

Mmm. Idli. Best breakfast food ever!

[ThelmaLou]

The absence of an Israeli breakfast disqualifies the entire list.
Why don't you submit to the site? It looks like all or most of the pics were contributed by others.

[ThelmaLou]

So anyway, the list linked to in the OP appears to be an almost unmitigated disaster.

Bit of an overstatement. :rolleyes: It's not the Magna Carta, just some pictures of some food.

[guizot]

I guess these aren't really typical breakfasts, so much as just what looks good in a photograph.

I'm surprised that none of the Latin American countries (or some part of Spain) didn't just have hot chocolate with a churro or other kind of bakery item (http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=685&tbm=isch&tbnid=sZ5VXTIHFFjDnM:&imgrefurl=http://www.samsungimaging.net/2009/12/11/food-in-colombia/&docid=YRTMulW65BkdDM&imgurl=http://www.samsungimaging.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/sam-0297.jpg&w=640&h=478&ei=G4pCT9vrFKXw2gWyncDrBg&zoom=1).

[guizot]

In terms of authenticity, maybe. This particular link in the OP seems to be a truncated version, and doesn't have the complete descriptions or "qualifiers."

Here's another version of the list (http://listas.20minutos.es/lista/desayunos-tipicos-alrededor-del-mundo-317797/), which has this commentary about the American breakfast, if you click where it says, "ver mas:" There isn't any real standard breakfast in the U.S. The best examples would be a bowl of cereal with orange juice or coffee; oatmeal with fruit or brown sugar; a smoothie/shake; pancakes or waffles on the weekend; on special occasions an omelet or scrambled eggs with toast or English muffin, hash browns or stir fries, bacon or sausage and/or fruit or fruit juice.That seems like a more complete or accurate description.

[Estilicon]

The Argentinian breakfast is correct, mostly. Apparently, together with the Italians, we are one of the few countries that go for a quick light breakfast. We usually drink a cup of coffe, te or mate with toasts, cookies or croissant.

That being said, I would love to try any ANY of those breakfasts... except from the Japanese, Peruvian, Chines and Vietnamise breakfast. Its called breakfast people, not dinner.

[Spoke]

There isn't any real standard breakfast in the U.S. The best examples would be a bowl of cereal with orange juice or coffee; oatmeal with fruit or brown sugar; a smoothie/shake; pancakes or waffles on the weekend; on special occasions an omelet or scrambled eggs with toast or English muffin, hash browns or stir fries, bacon or sausage and/or fruit or fruit juice.That seems like a more complete or accurate description.

I don't see a biscuit or gravy or grits anywhere on that list.

But then again, the southern US breakfast is probably a thing unto itself.

[guizot]

I don't see a biscuit or gravy or grits anywhere on that list.

But then again, the southern US breakfast is probably a thing unto itself.Very good point--though you'd be surprised how many places in L.A. serve grits.

[dropzone]

Interesting, but I see no Cocoa Puffs!Drives you coo-koo, don't it?

[Cat Whisperer]

The absence of an Israeli breakfast disqualifies the entire list.
Oh yeah, that's right - there are only 51 countries in the world. :)
<snip>
Or this: http://www.nandyala.org/mahanandi/images/idly/idliimagecopyrighted7.jpg (rice dumplings with a lentil-based stew and coconut chutney)<snip>I want this.

Maybe some of these submissions are more personal than country-wide. I often have raisin bran cereal with low-sodium cottage cheese on it for breakfast, but I'm not going to pretend it's the Great Canadian Breakfast.

[jjimm]

Bit of an overstatement. :rolleyes: It's not the Magna Carta, just some pictures of some food.Chill out darlin', it was merely hyperbole for humorous purposes, commenting on the number of peeps going "no way is that an XXX breakfast!"

I am now wondering if it was your blog that you linked - if so I should have been more sensitive, and I apologise.

[ThelmaLou]

Chill out darlin', it was merely hyperbole for humorous purposes, commenting on the number of peeps going "no way is that an XXX breakfast!"

I am now wondering if it was your blog that you linked - if so I should have been more sensitive, and I apologise.

MY apologies... Color me lacking in perception. I didn't realize you were being ironic. :smack:

Not my blog, so no worries there. However, I thought it WOULD generate some discussion. Got that part right. ;)

[Zjestika]

Pannkakor for Swedish breakfast? Never have I ever and I've had many a Swedish breakfast in my time... Sandwiches, porridge, coffee, fil, maybe muesli sure. Not once have I seen a pancake.

Maybe it's more a Swedish American thing? The Swedish breakfast looks like something my mom and grandma would serve.

[Taomist]

After moving to an area fairly thick <ok, REALLY thick> with Mexican cooking (due to it's proximity to the border), I thought for a long time that menudo was a typical breakfast, as the place I work serves it a lot. I tried to like it, but didn't; fell in love instead with pozole, which isn't that different, really. But now THAT is my breakfast of choice; yum!!

I've always liked the idea of soups for breakfast; what's a typical Japanese breakfast, I wonder? I read "Fools Die" one too many times, and it involves a Japanese umm...companion...who makes breakfast soup for her clients. I spent a long time thinking that was typical, though I'm guessing that was poetic license.

Still, I wonder...

[YogSosoth]

Oh wow, that's awesome. Someone should try to cook one of those every morning for 50 days straight

[Nava]

In defense of the listmaker, I don't think (s)he was trying to show THE typical breakfast for those countries; it seems to be more of a list of "things which some people from these countries have for breakfast". The Indian one sounds way too frou-frou for the immense majority of Indians (so much so that I'd bet he didn't get it from someone who was actually in India at the time), but then, I expect a country as big and varied as India to have many different "typical breakfasts".


One of the Big Human Divides is between "people who can't have food right after crawling out of bed" and "people who jump out of bed demanding breakfast". In Spain, the first group is likely to start their day with a cup of café con leche (about half-coffee, half-milk), followed by several cups of cortado (coffee with a dash of milk) at work, and not eat any solids until lunchtime; a less-radical variant of the same group will have a pastry or bread with jam along with their first coffee (so, similar to what's shown for the Italian breakfast). Those of us who wake hungry tend to also prefer salty breakfasts, generally cold cuts although the so-called farmer's breakfast is a heavier beast, pretty similar to British sunday breakfasts (fried egg(s) and/or omelette(s), one or more varieties of dry or fried sausages, enough jam-on-buttered-bread to make a teenager happy, keep the coffee and the milk flowing); we may have bread with oil and salt or the pamtumaca shown for Spain depending on where we're from, and maybe a big bowl of milk with broken-up galletas (think Digestives). Which one of those breakfasts is "typical"?

[Huerta88]

Do they put Worcestershire on it, as the article suggests? I love it on a steak, but the thought of it on a cheese sandwich turns my stomach.

That's the classic preparation. It only adds to the salty melty umami goodness. Trust me.

[Huerta88]

what's a typical Japanese breakfast, I wonder? I read "Fools Die" one too many times, and it involves a Japanese umm...companion...who makes breakfast soup for her clients. I spent a long time thinking that was typical, though I'm guessing that was poetic license.

IIRC breakfast is one of the many times the Japanese feel comfortable giving you a little miso soup.

What else? Based solely on hotel "Japanese breakfasts," you would almost certainly get some rice, some pickled vegetables (oshinko), a small grilled fish, and maybe porridge (okayu).

And of course, tea.

[Acsenray]

In defense of the listmaker, I don't think (s)he was trying to show THE typical breakfast for those countries; it seems to be more of a list of "things which some people from these countries have for breakfast".

I think this is true.

I also agree that even under these terms, the Indian breakfast was off the wall.

There are a wide variety of breakfasts across India, varying along a wide variety of factors, but I have never even heard of tofu scramble or banana pepper toast. And while I have heard of veggie sausage in the United States, I've never come across it in India.

These are the kinds of breakfasts I've experienced in India:

1. Tea and toast with butter and guava jam.

2. Eggs (folded omelet or sunny-side up fried egg) with buttered toast and chicken sausage.

3. Luchi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halua#India) with garlic-fried peas or shujir haluwa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halua#India).

4. Uppama (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upma) with potatoes, cauliflower, and beans

5. Payesh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kheer)

6. Savory French toast with chilis, cilantro leaves, onions, and hot ketchup.

[jjimm]

I also agree that even under these terms, the Indian breakfast was off the wall.

There are a wide variety of breakfasts across India, varying along a wide variety of factors, but I have never even heard of tofu scramble or banana pepper toast. And while I have heard of veggie sausage in the United States, I've never come across it in India.Here's the original photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/arvindgrover/4203683495/) - seems that the blog compiler just saw this photo and an Indian guy and snaffled it with no research at all. Here's his response:for me it's just breakfast and not what I would eat when in India. This was breakfast cooked by my Indian mom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A happy blend of my eastern and western upbringing. Parathas is often another breakfast for us, and when I'm anywhere that offers it, I'm eating dosas for breakfast. If you're talking about the hostelbookers.com post, I wasn't involved in that, they simply used my photo.

[Huerta88]

originally a Catalan preparation.

Sidenote: Catalan food -- fond fond memories.

One of the five best meals of my life (won't vouch for it being typical Catalan, but it was in Catalonia):

http://www.canfabes.com/en/carta-i-menu/menu

http://www.canfabes.com/en/carta-i-menu/carta

ETA WTF happened to those prices? 70 Euros for shrimp ravioli? 32 Euros for cheese? I thought there was a recession on.

I'm sure I didn't pay that kind of bustout pricing five years ago.

[Acsenray]

Here's the original photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/arvindgrover/4203683495/) - seems that the blog compiler just saw this photo and an Indian guy and snaffled it with no research at all. Here's his response:

Which reminds me:

7. Masala dosa

8. Idli

Yeah, I'm disappointed to see that the original article seems to be nothing more than a compilation of things that other people have posted on the web.

[Jackknifed Juggernaut]

I've never in 45 years had perogies for breakfast. If they had put eggs of some kind on the plate instead of the perogies, that would have made a lot more sense.

I guess I'm just glad they didn't try to pretend that backbacon is commonly eaten by Canadians for breakfast (we eat the same kind of bacon as US Americans). :)

I agree. I've had hundreds of breakfasts in Canada and have never seen pierogies on the menu. I just took my kids to Cora's for breakfast on Sunday, which is THE breakfast franchise in Canada, and didn't see pierogies on the menu. There's really no difference between a Canadian breakfast and an American breakfast, except that Canadians seem to appreciate crepes a bit more.

[Huerta88]

There's really no difference between a Canadian breakfast and an American breakfast, except that Canadians seem to appreciate crepes a bit more.
Is that a French Canadian thing?

Do Quebecers eat breakfast differently from the rest of you guys?

[Jackknifed Juggernaut]

Is that a French Canadian thing?

Do Quebecers eat breakfast differently from the rest of you guys?

Oh, I'm not Canadian. I'm just there alot because my kids reside there with my ex-wife. Never been to Quebec, although I understand that Cora's did originate there.

[Huerta88]

Here's a U.S. centric, slightly more-scientific (Esquire!) variant of the OP link that made me more than a bit hungry:

http://www.esquire.com/features/food-drink/best-breakfasts-0309#slide-1

[pulykamell]

I think this is true.

I also agree that even under these terms, the Indian breakfast was off the wall.


I agree that the listmaker was not going for THE definitive breakfast, but A representative breakfast from each culture.

The American one I'm fine with. Blueberry pancakes with syrup and bacon are absolutely representative of an American breakfast. So would biscuits and sausage gravy. So would eggs benedict. They're not everyday fare, but they're common breakfasts that I associate with the US.

Potato pancakes in a Polish breakfast? I can't definitively say it doesn't exist, but I've never seen it. I'd be surprised if it's common.

Pogacsa at a Hungarian breakfast is not exactly unusual, but the statement "A Hungarian breakfast – always consists of Pogácsa. Well, nearly always anyway." isn't even close to being true.

[TruCelt]

Sidenote: Catalan food -- fond fond memories.

One of the five best meals of my life (won't vouch for it being typical Catalan, but it was in Catalonia):

http://www.canfabes.com/en/carta-i-menu/menu

http://www.canfabes.com/en/carta-i-menu/carta

ETA WTF happened to those prices? 70 Euros for shrimp ravioli? 32 Euros for cheese? I thought there was a recession on.

I'm sure I didn't pay that kind of bustout pricing five years ago.

Oh Lordy! From the first link:


PRESSED BIODYNAMIC CABBAGE
With pork dewlap, truffles and pickles

WOODCOCK À LA ROYALE
Innard sauce


What the frack is a biodynamic cabbage? I'm picturing the love-child of a cabbage and a slime-mold. . .

[constanze]

What the frack is a biodynamic cabbage? I'm picturing the love-child of a cabbage and a slime-mold. . .

Biodynamic is a certain way of agriculture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodynamic_agriculture) originially founded after Rudolf Steiner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Steiner)held a series of lectures in 1924; it's therefore the oldest organic agriculture organisation. (And to head off all those smart-alecks: organic refers to "agriculture without pesticides and mineral fertilizer (plus some other rules)", not to "being carbon-based" like in chemistry. Words can have different meanings in different fields, you know).

The difference between "normal organic" and "biodynamic" is that because Steiner was a mystic (he founded Anthroposophy when he split off from Theosophy), he added mystic stuff: following the moon about optimal planting times; you need cows because cows have a mystic connection with heaven drawing powers through their horns; you stir a barrel of water with some crystals for an hour thinking happy thoughts and then spray the water on to the fields to increasae fertility etc.

While the mystic stuff is of course unproven and sounds off-the-wall to non-believers, in practise it works mostly like an organic farm with some rituals added in.

In Germany, the demeter group (http://www.demeter.de/verbraucher/ueber-uns/international) (German) watches over, certifies and gives help to biodynamic farmers, and they have built a network of biodynamic farms in other countries; one of the most famous is SEKEM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEKEM) in Egypt, which has received awards for their general good work.

[jz78817]

In defense of the listmaker, I don't think (s)he was trying to show THE typical breakfast for those countries; it seems to be more of a list of "things which some people from these countries have for breakfast".

thank you. typical that the nitpickers and overthinkers had to get the knives out.

it'd be like me bitching about the "american breakfast" because I personally haven't had pancakes in years.

[jjimm]

thank you. typical that the nitpickers and overthinkers had to get the knives out.And the forks!

(Did you miss the request in the OP that included "debunking"?)

[kombatminipig]

Maybe it's more a Swedish American thing? The Swedish breakfast looks like something my mom and grandma would serve.

More American than Swedish I'd say. The blueberry jam is relatively accurate, but Swedish pannkakor are far thicker and not as crispy as crêpes. For accuracy it would be serves with whipped cream as well. On the other hand, no Swede would ever think of putting butter on a pancake, that concept is purely American. And as previously mentioned, I've never encountered pancakes served as breakfast in my life. It's a dessert.

A better representation would be:

Eggs and kaviar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalles_kaviar).
Filmjölk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmjölk) with müsli.
Knäckebröd (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knäckebröd) or rye bread sandwiches.
Oatmeal porridge (served with jam and milk)

[jjimm]

Eggs and kaviar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalles_kaviar).Wow I'd love to try that. Maybe not for breakfast but it looks awesome.

[Nava]

Sidenote: Catalan food -- fond fond memories.

One of the five best meals of my life (won't vouch for it being typical Catalan, but it was in Catalonia):

http://www.canfabes.com/en/carta-i-menu/menu

http://www.canfabes.com/en/carta-i-menu/carta

ETA WTF happened to those prices? 70 Euros for shrimp ravioli? 32 Euros for cheese? I thought there was a recession on.

I'm sure I didn't pay that kind of bustout pricing five years ago.

You wouldn't drag me to a place with those prices either. The lunch I had yesterday was 12.50€ for giant penne w/ herby tomato sauce, followed by a codillo that melted off the bone.

Monday 9€ (group purchasing prices, standard at that restaurant is 10.50€) for a large salad with feta cheese followed by tuna in green sauce.

[ThelmaLou]

And the forks!

(Did you miss the request in the OP that included "debunking"?)

Me again: I wrote that because (knowing this crowd), I suspected there would be PLENTY anyway. Call it a pre-emptive strike.

[levdrakon]

thank you. typical that the nitpickers and overthinkers had to get the knives out.

it'd be like me bitching about the "american breakfast" because I personally haven't had pancakes in years.Oh for crying out loud. What are people supposed to do? We have people from various regions of the US, and other countries adding interesting personal opinions. If you have a problem with that, start your own food thread, please.

[hogarth]

I'm from Western Canada and I've eaten many, many pierogies in my life, but never for breakfast.

Congee (#29, from Vietnam) is the bog-standard breakfast that I'm used to having in China (and sometimes in Canada, for that matter). With somewhat different ingredients, perhaps.

[jjimm]

Me again: I wrote that because (knowing this crowd), I suspected there would be PLENTY anyway. Call it a pre-emptive strike.Very wise. And despite - indeed in some cases because of - the nitpicking I'm finding this a very interesting thread.

[Floater]

Wow I'd love to try that. Maybe not for breakfast but it looks awesome.
By all means do, but stay away from Kalle's that was extolled in kombatminipig's link and go for the real stuff (http://www.totallyswedish.com/sv/webbshop/mat/mejeri-chark/ejderns-smoergaskaviar) instead (it's the one that was mentioned as the connoisseur's alternative).

[kombatminipig]

By all means do, but stay away from Kalle's that was extolled in kombatminipig's link and go for the real stuff (http://www.totallyswedish.com/sv/webbshop/mat/mejeri-chark/ejderns-smoergaskaviar) instead (it's the one that was mentioned as the connoisseur's alternative).

Dammit, you'll have to pry my tube of Kalles from my cold dead, slightly greasy, hands!

It's my main source of sodium.

[TruCelt]

By all means do, but stay away from Kalle's that was extolled in kombatminipig's link and go for the real stuff (http://www.totallyswedish.com/sv/webbshop/mat/mejeri-chark/ejderns-smoergaskaviar) instead (it's the one that was mentioned as the connoisseur's alternative).

OMG that's strangely hilarious. If you click the little British flag you get the English-translated version fo the page. Which refers to the product as "Sandwich Caviar."

Something about that is just Dada-esque.

[Cat Whisperer]

<snip>
6. Savory French toast with chilis, cilantro leaves, onions, and hot ketchup.I like my french toast savoury, and that sounds really, really good.

Is that a French Canadian thing?

Do Quebecers eat breakfast differently from the rest of you guys?Nah, they eat the same breakfast, they just smoke while eating. :D

[Acsenray]

I like my french toast savoury, and that sounds really, really good.

It's very easy to make. Use thin bread slices (English toasting bread works well). The batter is simple -- eggs, salt, fried onions. Dip, fry, then garnish with green chilis, fresh cilantro, and ketchup (preferably Maggi Hot and Sweet or Chili Sauce). No need for cream, milk, or baking.

[TruCelt]

OK, I'm thoroughly fascinated with this site now. What would this (http://www.totallyswedish.com/en/webshop/food/pantry/sauces-soups-pasta/hamburger-dressing) be? is it tomato catsup? And could somebody please explain blueberry soup (http://www.totallyswedish.com/en/webshop/food/pantry/sauces-soups-pasta/blueberry-soup)? And what on earth is this stuff? Nicotine-free snuff (http://www.totallyswedish.com/en/webshop/food/pantry/nicotine-free-snus/onico-nicotine-free-tobaco-free) maybe?

The breads sound to die for, and I just want to order one of everything to try it!

[Cat Whisperer]

I'm going to guess based on the picture on the tube that the Amerikansk sauce is more like Thousand Island dressing.

[surfrider55]

Chicken Porridge!

http://www.youlinchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/chicken-porridge1.jpg

A very healthy and tasty alternative :)

[kombatminipig]

OMG that's strangely hilarious. If you click the little British flag you get the English-translated version fo the page. Which refers to the product as "Sandwich Caviar."

Something about that is just Dada-esque.

That's actually a literal translation of the name. "Smörgås" (literally "Butter Goose", but we'll let that one slide for now) means sandwich. Once Sweden joined the EU, going around calling things "kaviar" wasn't entirely popular.

OK, I'm thoroughly fascinated with this site now. What would this (http://www.totallyswedish.com/en/webshop/food/pantry/sauces-soups-pasta/hamburger-dressing) be? is it tomato catsup?

As previously mentioned, basically thousand island dressing, i.e. ketchup and mayo. Associated with the US as revenge for associating meatballs with us :D

And could somebody please explain blueberry soup (http://www.totallyswedish.com/en/webshop/food/pantry/sauces-soups-pasta/blueberry-soup)? And what on earth is this stuff?

Pretty much as described, basically cooked blueberries thickened with some potato starch. Good source of vitamins, and excellent in a thermos on a cold day.

Nicotine-free snuff (http://www.totallyswedish.com/en/webshop/food/pantry/nicotine-free-snus/onico-nicotine-free-tobaco-free) maybe?

Ah, the infamous snus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snus). Basically moist tobacco which is either packed manually (if you drive a semi truck for a living) or comes packed in little teabags, and is carried around beneath the upper lip, giving the male Swede the appearance of constantly pursing his lips and appearing in deep thought. Also a common emetic among Swedish teenagers.

Strangely classified as a narcotic in the rest of the EU.

The breads sound to die for, and I just want to order one of everything to try it!

The flatbread I think you'll find quite unique, as well as the more commonly sold knäckebröd.

[Isamu]

IIRC breakfast is one of the many times the Japanese feel comfortable giving you a little miso soup.

What else? Based solely on hotel "Japanese breakfasts," you would almost certainly get some rice, some pickled vegetables (oshinko), a small grilled fish, and maybe porridge (okayu).

And of course, tea.

Yeah, the Japanese breakfast is not too far off the mark. If you stay at any ryokan, there isn't a breakfast 'menu', there's just breakfast - take it or leave it. Usually it has rice, fish, tofu, salad, some kind of soup, dried seaweed, assorted boiled vegetables, eggroll, stuff like that. Not really my breakfast of choice, but by god do you feel good after eating it. Ham, eggs and toast makes me sluggish in the morning, but a Japanese breakfast is a real energy boost.

Having said all that, many people in Japan have something like a boiled egg, toast and coffee for breakfast these days.

[Bambi Hassenpfeffer]

And could somebody please explain blueberry soup (http://www.totallyswedish.com/en/webshop/food/pantry/sauces-soups-pasta/blueberry-soup)?
"Also good is you suffer from diarreah," it says in the product description. Thoughts?

[pulykamell]

"Also good is you suffer from diarreah," it says in the product description. Thoughts?

Blueberries are supposedly good for relieving diarrhea because of their tannin content.

[Corcaigh]

What should go in an Irish or English fried breakfast can become a pretty heated debate.

What about a breakfast roll? ;)

I used to make them for the builders heading out to work in the mornings, white demi baguette, butter, rashers, black and/or white pudding, red sauce.

Egg was an extra, as were hash browns or wedges.

Wouldn't eat one myself!

[WotNot]

What about a breakfast roll? ;)

I used to make them for the builders heading out to work in the mornings, white demi baguette, butter, rashers, black and/or white pudding, red sauce.

Egg was an extra, as were hash browns or wedges.

Wouldn't eat one myself!

No sausage?

[Tom Tildrum]

"Also good is you suffer from diarreah," it says in the product description. Thoughts?

Blueberries are supposedly good for relieving diarrhea because of their tannin content.

Look closer. In the sentence that Bambi quoted, there's a big difference between "is" and "if". :D

[pulykamell]

Look closer. In the sentence that Bambi quoted, there's a big difference between "is" and "if". :D

Ah! :) My brain apparently edited that in my reading.