What’s better than waking up to the smell of bacon? No shade to the coffee-lovers who swear by the smell of morning brew, but sizzling bacon strips get my vote. It turns out there’s actual science behind why bacon produces such an intoxicating aroma, even inspiring other bacon-flavored products. However, the most universal appeal of both bacon and coffee lies in them being consistently recognized as the smell of breakfast.
A concept started by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, eating a meal to start the day, or breaking your fast from the night before, has evolved and grown in popularity with each passing century. The variety of breakfast foods, not only across regions but across the world, represents a plethora of cultures and pallets highlighted to sweet and savory effect.
Growing up in the U.S., I’ve been exposed to several breakfast foods that originated elsewhere but have found new identities through tweaked ingredients and remixed cooking methods. Still, the idea of discovering what other breakfast aromas lie elsewhere on this globe of ours makes my mouth water.
With that in mind, here are 15 of the world’s favorite offerings for the most important meal of the day.
Eggs (worldwide)
One of the most consistently popular breakfast foods around the world, eggs are a part of nearly every cultural cuisine. They’re packed with nutrients for the brain and body, they’re affordable (most of the time) and they’re versatile. Whether scrambled, poached, fried or boiled, eggs are a breakfast mainstay.
Pancakes (North America)
Whether fluffy and light or thick and buttery, pancakes are a flagship food in the U.S. and Canada, starting as a crepe-like dish served with dinner during the American Revolution. The addition of baking soda gave them rise, both in density and in popularity as a sweet morning meal.
Congee (East and Southeast Asia)
This savory and comforting rice porridge dish is really popular in China and Thailand. Consisting of different combos of meats, veggies and other nutritious, easily-digestible ingredients, this is the cultural equivalent of “chicken soup for the soul”. Congee is also affordable and easy to prepare in large batches for breakfast.
English breakfast (The United Kingdom)
The ultimate “everything meal”, this hearty breakfast combo of meat, eggs, potatoes, beans and toast fills you up at the sight of it. It was first made popular in the Middle Ages, when Anglo-Saxons treated breakfast as an important communal experience. That tradition still lives in the U.K.
Crostata (Italy)
If you enjoy pastries with coffee, crostata is in the Italian breakfast hall of fame. This sweet tart is made with thin pastry and usually filled with fruit. Cherry crostata is most commonly served in Rome. However, some crostata can be made with chocolate, cream custard or even sweetened ricotta.
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Pain perdu (France)
Americans call this French toast. But the French term meaning “lost bread” describes a dish that originated in the Roman Empire and was made popular in France. People would dip stale bread in a mixture of eggs and milk or cream and fry it in butter, creating a frugal and flavorful breakfast.
Empanadas (Spain)
Lovers of hot, hand-held breakfasts while on the go should feel right at home with this Spanish favorite. Empanadas are baked pastry pies filled with a variety of vegetables and spiced meats. Traditionally given to working people as a filling, nutritious snack, their popularity has spread particularly in Latin America.
Nasi goreng (Indonesia)
This Indonesian fried rice dish was made popular due to its thoughtful use of leftovers. People didn’t like throwing away rice and vegetables, so they threw them together and topped everything off with a fried egg. The quick, customizable breakfast dish carries a lot of flavor for minimal cost.
Danish pastry (Denmark)
A breakfast favorite in Denmark is the flaky, buttery delight known locally as the wienerbrød (Vienna bread). Or you might simply call it a Danish. Not only is it packed with delectable fillings and cultural traditions, but grabbing these from a bakery is a big part of making weekends feel cozy.
Chimodho (Zimbabwe)
Chimodo is a Zimbabwean cornbread that has been a breakfast staple there since the ‘80s. Growing in popularity due to it being easy to make, chimodo doesn’t require yeast or a lot of kneading to come out just right. It’s usually enjoyed with butter or margarine along with warm tea.
Weißwürst (Germany)
Weißwurst (German white sausage) is a savory “morning meal” most popular in Bavaria. Traditionally, the sausage had to be cooked and eaten early in the day to avoid spoiling. The unique combo of veil, pork back fat and spices are usually eaten along with sweet mustard, soft pretzels and beer.
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Paratha (India)
These pan-fried flatbreads filled with vegetables, cheeses and spices are popular, particularly in northern India, for their versatility and heartiness. They’re easy to make and take with you on your way out the door. In addition to eating them with butter, traditional paratha sides include yogurt, pickles and chai (tea).
Pão de queijo (South America)
Not just any old cheese bread, this round ball of gluten-free goodness is extremely popular across Brazil and Argentina. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, they’re made with tapioca flour and most commonly eaten in the mornings with coffee. However, they’re also enjoyed as a mid-day snack.
Chilaquiles (Mexico)
Brimming with Mexican comfort food culture, chilaquiles is a flavor-filled and resourceful breakfast dish. The ancient indigenous practice of using day-old tortillas comes into play here by softening the tortillas with salsa, then covering them in cheese, onions, eggs and crema on top. Nothing is wasted, and nothing is left over.
Ackee and saltfish (Jamaica)
As the national dish of Jamaica, ackee and saltfish has a firm hold on island breakfast popularity. Though ackee’s yellow color and unique texture is often compared to scrambled eggs, the fruit paired with salted cod encapsulates the mix of West African and Caribbean cultures in a savory, vitamin-rich breakfast.
DeVonne is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering a wide range of lifestyle topics. He's worked on brands like Parents, Men's Journal, Healthline and Bankrate, with focuses on trending news and culture. He’s also led various multimedia initiatives in the wellness and parenting spaces. He currently lives in the Charlotte, NC area.
