Breakfast is more than just the first meal of the day—it’s a window into a country’s culture, flavors, and daily rhythm. While many Americans think of breakfast as cereal, toast, or maybe bacon and eggs, other parts of the world start the morning with dishes that are savory, spicy, sweet, or even soup-based. From the rich, buttery croissants of France to the spicy chilaquiles in Mexico or the delicate rice porridge of Thailand, breakfasts around the globe reflect deeply rooted culinary traditions and local ingredients.
What makes international breakfasts so exciting is their diversity. Some cultures begin the day with hearty, warm meals meant to sustain energy until late in the afternoon, while others opt for lighter, more delicate bites that accompany a leisurely morning routine. These dishes not only taste incredible, but also challenge the idea that breakfast must look the same everywhere. They encourage us to broaden our palate and embrace new routines—something every curious traveler or home cook can appreciate.
In this post, we’ll explore 10 incredible breakfasts from different countries that are so delicious, you may just want to swap your usual morning meal for one of these international delights. Whether you’re planning a culinary-themed brunch or looking to shake up your weekday routine, these dishes offer inspiration, flavor, and a glimpse into how people start their day around the world.
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Best Time to Eat & What to Pair These Breakfasts With
These global breakfasts can be enjoyed during traditional breakfast hours, but many also double as ideal brunch options—especially for weekend mornings when you can take your time cooking and savoring each bite. Meals like shakshuka, bánh mì op la, or Indian dosa are hearty enough to be served later in the morning or even for a light lunch.
To complete the experience, consider pairing each breakfast with a regionally inspired beverage. Turkish breakfasts go wonderfully with black tea, while a full English breakfast is perfect alongside a strong cup of coffee or even a tomato-based drink like a Bloody Mary for brunch. Japanese breakfasts, often centered around rice and miso soup, benefit from subtle green tea. Wherever your taste buds travel, these breakfasts offer a flavorful new way to start the day with intention and cultural appreciation.
Most Delicious Breakfast
1. Shakshuka – Middle East and North Africa
Description: Shakshuka is a vibrant and hearty dish featuring poached eggs nestled in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, infused with aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
Eggs
Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
Bell peppers
Onions
Garlic
Spices (cumin, paprika, cayenne)
Fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley)
Tasting Notes: Rich, savory, and slightly spicy with a satisfying combination of soft eggs and robust tomato sauce.
Tips:
Serve with crusty bread or pita to soak up the flavorful sauce. Customize with additional vegetables like spinach or feta cheese for extra depth.
Shakshuka: ~250 kcal per serving
Read here how to make Shakshuka
2. Açaí Bowl – Brazil
Description: Açaí bowls are refreshing and nutritious, made from blended frozen açaí berries topped with fresh fruits, granola, and honey.
Ingredients:
Frozen açaí puree
Bananas
Mixed berries
Granola
Honey or agave syrup
Optional toppings: coconut flakes, chia seeds, nuts
Tasting Notes: Sweet, tangy, and creamy with a delightful crunch from the granola and freshness from the fruits.
Tips:
Use ripe bananas to enhance sweetness without adding extra sugar. Experiment with different toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Açaí Bowl: ~300 kcal per serving
Read here how to make Acai
3. Full English Breakfast – United Kingdom
Description: The Full English Breakfast is a hearty and traditional meal that includes a variety of savory items served together on one plate.
Ingredients:
Eggs (fried or scrambled)
Bacon
Sausages
Baked beans
Grilled tomatoes
Mushrooms
Black pudding (optional)
Toast or fried bread
Tasting Notes: A robust mix of flavors and textures, from crispy bacon and sausages to creamy beans and soft eggs.
Tips:
Cook all components to your preferred level of doneness for maximum satisfaction. Serve with a cup of strong tea or coffee to complement the richness.
Full English Breakfast: ~600-800 kcal per serving
4. Tamago Kake Gohan – Japan
Description: A simple yet comforting Japanese breakfast, Tamago Kake Gohan consists of a raw egg mixed into steaming hot rice, seasoned with soy sauce.
Ingredients:
Steamed white rice
Fresh egg
Soy sauce
Optional toppings: nori (seaweed), green onions, sesame seeds
Tasting Notes: Creamy, savory, and slightly umami, offering a smooth and satisfying texture.
Tips:
Use the freshest eggs available to ensure safety and optimal flavor. Mix thoroughly to achieve a creamy consistency without scrambling the egg.
Tamago Kake Gohan: ~200 kcal per serving
5. Masala Dosa – India
Description: Masala Dosa is a South Indian specialty featuring a crispy, fermented rice and lentil crepe filled with spiced mashed potatoes, served with chutneys and sambar.
Ingredients:
Rice and lentil batter (fermented)
Potatoes
Onions
Mustard seeds
Turmeric
Curry leaves
Fresh cilantro
Chutneys (coconut, tomato) and sambar (lentil soup)
Tasting Notes: Crisp and golden on the outside with a flavorful, spiced potato filling; complemented by tangy and spicy accompaniments.
Tips:
Ensure the batter is well-fermented for a light and crispy dosa. Prepare the potato filling with balanced spices for authentic flavor.
Masala Dosa: ~350 kcal per serving
6. Pão de Queijo – Brazil
Description: Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, are small, fluffy, and chewy rolls made from tapioca flour and cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
Ingredients:
Tapioca flour
Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
Eggs
Milk
Vegetable oil
Salt
Tasting Notes: Chewy and airy with a rich, cheesy flavor and a slightly crispy exterior.
Tips:
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite variation.
Pão de Queijo: ~150 kcal per serving (2-3 pieces)
7. Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts – Greece
Description: A light and healthy Greek breakfast, combining thick, creamy yogurt with sweet honey and crunchy nuts.
Ingredients:
Greek yogurt
Honey
Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios
Optional toppings: fresh fruits, granola
Tasting Notes: Creamy and tangy yogurt balanced by the sweetness of honey and the crunch of nuts.
Tips:
Use high-quality honey for the best flavor. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of fresh berries for extra taste and nutrition.
Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts: ~250 kcal per serving
8. Bánh Mì Op La – Vietnam
Description: Bánh Mì Op La is a Vietnamese breakfast sandwich featuring a baguette filled with fried eggs, scallions, and a touch of soy sauce.
Ingredients:
Baguette
Eggs
Scallions
Soy sauce
Butter or margarine
Tasting Notes: Soft and crusty bread with savory, runny eggs and a hint of umami from the soy sauce.
Tips:
Use a fresh, crispy baguette for the best texture. Customize with additional fillings like pâté, pickled vegetables, or fresh herbs.
Bánh Mì Op La: ~350 kcal per sandwich
Read here how to make Bahn Mi
9. Churros con Chocolate – Spain
Description: While often enjoyed as a sweet treat, churros con chocolate can make for a delightful breakfast, featuring crispy fried dough pastries dipped in rich chocolate sauce.
Ingredients:
Flour
Water
Butter
Sugar
Cinnamon
Eggs
Oil for frying
Dark chocolate and milk for dipping
Tasting Notes: Crispy and sugary on the outside with a soft, doughy interior, perfectly complemented by thick, velvety chocolate.
Tips:
Pipe the churros into uniform shapes for even cooking. Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.
Churros con Chocolate: ~300 kcal per serving
Read here how to make Churros
10. Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs – Singapore
Description: A popular breakfast in Singapore, kaya toast consists of toasted bread spread with kaya (a sweet coconut and egg jam) and served with soft-boiled eggs seasoned with soy sauce and pepper.
Ingredients:
White bread (preferably a sturdy type like brioche or French bread)
Kaya (coconut jam)
Butter
Eggs
Soy sauce
Pepper
Tasting Notes: Sweet and creamy kaya spread on crispy toast paired with silky, savory eggs for a balanced flavor profile.
Tips:
Use thick slices of bread for a more substantial bite. Gently crack the eggs into their shells to keep the yolks intact when serving.
Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs: ~400 kcal per serving
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.