Breakfast, the first meal of the day although universal, has countless variations across the globe. For some, it is the simplest meal of the day and for some, the most elaborate. Breakfast foods range from bread, grains, vegetables, meats and seafood to desserts. Here are what breakfasts in seven countries around the world look like.
1. Nepal
Breakfast in Nepal is typically modest since the Nepalese follow a two-meal schedule with their first proper meal being eaten mid-day. Their day starts with a strong cup of fresh-brewed chiya or tea, infused with cardamom accompanied by dunkable foods such as doughnuts, sel roti (a ring-shaped sweet bread) or gwara mari (savoury fried dough balls). It is not unusual to find heaps of stacked malpuas (sweet fried pancake-shaped dough) and jeri, a lesser-known cousin of the Indian jalebi in the bustling street markets.
2. Peru
Peruvian breakfasts are the lightest meal of the day, typically eaten early in the morning. Peruvian diets are fairly balanced, centred around fresh meat and produce which is mirrored in their breakfast foods. The meal might include sangrecita, a dish made entirely of chicken blood and a root vegetable such as potatoes or yam, making it a delicious and iron-rich option. Another popular breakfast item is tamales, consisting of a layer of corn dough with a savoury meat filling. Picarones (fried sweet potatoes) are a typical accompaniment to dishes like Arroz con Leche, a milk and rice porridge.
3. Morocco
Traditional Moroccan breakfasts are hearty, wholesome and nourishing as they are built around unprocessed ingredients. The meals contain fresh Moroccan cheese called jben, raw honey to go with the jben and dark Moroccan olives that are delicious and addictive. Pair these ingredients with homemade bread, harsha (pastry) or baghrir (semolina pancakes) and you’ve got yourself a Moroccan breakfast! The people also take pride in their special olive oil which is used to dip bread directly, and their traditional mint tea made with gunpowder tea, sugar, fresh mint and water.
4. Poland
The Poles prefer a wide variety of foods to be included in their breakfast since it is an important meal to them. It is usually filling and protein dense. Typically, it consists of pierogi, a dumpling dish made with wheat flour dough and various savoury or sweet fillings, sausages, scrambled or fried eggs, onions, tomatoes, pickles, cheese and toast.
5. Uzbekistan
Uzbek cuisine is extremely diverse and varied, as it borrows inspiration from various other cuisines. Samsa, a variant of samosas, a savoury pastry with a meat or vegetable filling is a popular breakfast item, as an accompaniment to tea. The Uzbek word for breakfast, ‘Nonushta’ means to eat bread. The meal consists of breads such as tortillas, lochira, fruits and cheese-heavy salads as well as broth and stew-based noodle dishes such as lagman. Uzbekistan ranks number 1 for diet-related heart disease deaths as it is a fat rich and calorie-dense cuisine.
6. Eritrea
This small African country borrows heavily from other neighbouring cuisines, especially from Ethiopia. Eritrean cuisine is centred around seafood for other meals but a traditional breakfast would include kitcha fit-fit, a scrambled pancake dish accompanied by vegetables and eggs. Akelet is a breakfast porridge dish made of flour and water where clarified butter and berbere (spice mix) are poured atop. It is eaten with spicy-flavoured yoghurt. A bean paste made with mixed beans, onions, tomatoes and spices called shahan ful is eaten with bread. Panettone, an Italian sweet bread originating in Milan is eaten sometimes in accompaniment to coffee.
7. Iceland
Rooted in Scandinavian cuisine, Icelandic breakfasts are heavy owing to their harsh terrain and winters, where people generally require more energy to stay active and healthy. Dishes revolve around locally-produced produce that is found in abundance such as lamb, deer, potatoes, seafood and dairy. Typical breakfasts include skyr (probiotic yoghurt), kleina, sweet fried doughnut balls that are dipped in coffee and hafragrautur (oatmeal). Winters see people consuming heavier meals such as hot, comforting lamb stew or fish soup.
Iceland is known for its bizarre foods such as fermented shark meat or sour ram testicles. While you might not be game to try these odd dishes, you can try their delicious hotdogs that are served with a huge variety of toppings like fried onions, sweet relish, remoulade sauce and Icelandic ketchup (made of apples).
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