There are many ways to start your day. From sweet to savory – Falstaff looks beyond the horizon to list some of the most delectable breakfast traditions worldwide.
As the most important meal of the day, a good breakfast should provide plenty of energy. But, as usual, the devil's in the details: Whether it's a bowl of muesli with fresh fruit, a hearty omelette or simply coffee – everyone starts their day differently.
Either way, the fact is that breakfast is a key ritual in the morning and can set the tone for the rest of the day. But aside from personal preferences, breakfast traditions also differ enormously from country to country. Falstaff has embarked on a culinary trip around the world to list some of the best and unusual morning meals, ranging from savory specialties to sweet temptations.
Our culinary journey begins in Sweden: Up north, the day often starts with crispbread, "limpa bread" or wholemeal bread, along with fruit, spreads, sausage and cheese. One specialty is "Filmjölk ", a Swedish soured milk. Herring salad is also popular.
The ever-popular "full English" a hearty breakfast that can vary from place to place, but generally includes some combination of eggs, bacon, sausage, fried mushrooms, fried tomatos, baked beans, toast, and either chips or hash browns. A traditional specialty is "black pudding", a type of blood sausage with oats and spices.
In Spain, breakfast is usually light and quick. "Tostadas" – toasted white bread with tomato puree and olive oil, sometimes with cheese or Jamón serrano – are a popular choice. Alternatively, there are "bocadillos", sandwiches with ham and cheese. If you have a sweet tooth, go for fresh and crispy churros.
A classic Turkish breakfast consists of feta cheese, olives, eggs, fresh vegetables, jam, honey, "sucuk" (a type of sausage) and Turkish tea. Instead of flatbread, many people opt for "simit", a crispy sesame curl, which is also a popular snack when out and about.
In Costa Rica, the day traditionally starts with "Gallo Pinto" – a filling mixture of rice and beans. The rice is cooked the evening before, then fried in the morning with black beans, coriander, salt and pepper. For years, there has been a friendly rivalry with neighboring Nicaragua over the origins of this dish – and the best way to prepare it: Nicaraguans prefer red beans instead of black.
In India, the day often starts with "idli" – steamed cakes made from rice flour, which are served with "sambar", a spicy lentil sauce. Another specialty is "dosa" – crispy pancakes made from rice and bean flour, which are often accompanied by a spicy chutney.
In Japan, a traditional breakfast usually includes miso soup, rice, fish, "natto" (fermented soybeans), pickled vegetables and a raw egg, which is mixed into steaming rice. This hearty breakfast is particularly popular with farm workers and manual laborers who start the day with a hearty meal because they don't get to eat during the day.
