A World of Breakfasts

Published in the Sunday Mumbai Samachar on 30 March 2025

Because the first meal of the day should be anything but ordinary

I love breakfast. There’s just something special about that first meal of the day; maybe it's the comforting warmth, the inviting aromas, or probably the perfect excuse to indulge. Every Saturday, I like to experiment with new breakfast recipes, diving into different cuisines from around the world. Last weekend, I tried Turkish Menemen, a delicious, spice-infused egg dish that made me feel like I was sitting in a bustling café in Istanbul.

So, when it came time to decide on a theme for this week’s write-up, I thought why not explore some of the best breakfasts in the world? And trust me, if you want to experience breakfast the way it’s meant to be, you have to step away from the predictable hotel buffets serving cereal and a basic omelette. Breakfast can be an adventure in itself, a glimpse into the culture of a place, and a true highlight of travel.

So let’s dig in and discover some of the world’s most incredible morning feasts!

1. Philippines – Longsilog

Longsilog is a beloved Filipino breakfast dish that combines three components: longganisa (sweet and garlicky pork sausages), sinangag (garlic fried rice), and itlog (fried egg). The longganisa sausages are either sweet or garlicky, depending on the region, and they bring a delicious contrast to the savoury rice and egg.

Longsilog is typically prepared by pan-frying the longganisa until golden and slightly crispy. The garlic fried rice is made using day-old rice for the perfect texture, while the egg is often served sunny-side up. To get an authentic taste, head to Randy’s Longganisa in Manila or try it at a traditional carinderia (local eatery).

2. Colombia – Arepa con Huevos

Arepa con Huevos is a staple Colombian breakfast, especially along the Caribbean coast. It consists of a deep-fried cornmeal arepa stuffed with a whole egg. The arepa is first fried until it puffs up, then carefully slit open to crack in a raw egg, and fried again to seal in the egg. The result? A crispy golden exterior with a perfectly cooked, runny yolk inside.

What makes Arepa con Huevos special is its comforting simplicity and rich flavour. The crispy arepa contrasts beautifully with the soft, savoury egg, making it a filling and satisfying breakfast. It’s often enjoyed with a cup of Colombian coffee. To experience the best version, visit a local food stall in Cartagena, where street vendors have perfected this dish over generations.

3. Vietnam – Pho

Pho is Vietnam’s most famous dish, but many people don’t realise that it’s a popular breakfast choice. This fragrant noodle soup consists of a slow-simmered broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, and other aromatic spices, served with rice noodles, thinly sliced meat or chicken, and a generous topping of fresh herbs.

Each bowl of Pho is customisable, with condiments like lime, chili, and fish sauce allowing diners to adjust the taste to their liking. For the most authentic experience, grab a steaming bowl from a street vendor in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where pho is enjoyed on tiny plastic stools, just as the locals do.

4. Turkey – Menemen

Menemen is Turkey’s answer to the ultimate breakfast comfort food. This dish is a combination of eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and spices, slowly cooked into a deliciously saucy scramble. It is often served in a small copper pan and eaten directly from it, scooped up with crusty bread.

What makes Menemen stand out is its balance of flavours - the sweetness of the tomatoes, the mild heat from the peppers, and the richness of the eggs come together perfectly. Some versions include feta cheese or sucuk (Turkish sausage) for an extra kick. The best place to try Menemen? A traditional breakfast spot in Istanbul’s Karaköy neighbourhood, where Turkish breakfast spreads are legendary.

5. Brazil – Pão de Queijo

Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, is a delicious, chewy cheese-filled bread roll that is a staple breakfast snack across Brazil. Made from cassava flour and cheese (typically Minas cheese), these small, golden balls have a crispy exterior and a stretchy, cheesy interior.

What makes Pão de Queijo unique is its naturally gluten-free texture, thanks to the cassava flour, and its addictive cheesy flavour. It’s often enjoyed with coffee or served as part of a larger breakfast spread. For the freshest and most authentic experience, try it at a local padaria (bakery) in São Paulo or Belo Horizonte, where this snack originated.

6. Mexico – Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles is a classic Mexican breakfast dish made from lightly fried tortilla chips simmered in either red or green salsa and topped with crema, cheese, onions, and sometimes a fried egg or shredded chicken. It’s the perfect combination of crunchy, saucy, and spicy.

What makes Chilaquiles unique is how it transforms simple ingredients into a bold and flavourful dish. It’s a popular antojito (street food snack) and a favourite cure for a hangover. The best place to enjoy Chilaquiles? A traditional fonda (small eatery) in Mexico City’s Coyoacán district, where grandmothers have been perfecting their recipes for generations.

7. Ireland – Full Irish Breakfast

The Full Irish Breakfast is a hearty, no-nonsense morning meal that consists of eggs, sausages, bacon (rashers), black and white pudding, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and soda bread. It’s designed to keep you full and warm, especially during the chilly Irish mornings.

What makes it unique is its sheer variety of components, particularly the black and white pudding - a type of blood sausage that adds a rich, earthy depth. Served with a pot of strong Irish tea, this meal is a must-try in any traditional pub or B&B in Dublin or Galway.

8. Australia – Avocado on Toast

A simple yet beloved breakfast, Avocado on Toast has become synonymous with Australian café culture. It consists of creamy smashed avocado on a slice of sourdough, often topped with feta, poached eggs, chili flakes, or lemon zest.

What makes it unique is the emphasis on high-quality, fresh ingredients. It’s a prime example of Australia’s love for healthy, Instagram-worthy food. The best place to try it? Any specialty coffee shop in Sydney’s Surry Hills or Melbourne’s Fitzroy district.

9. Singapore – Kaya Toast with Kopi

Kaya Toast is a quintessential Singaporean breakfast, featuring crispy toasted bread slathered with kaya (a sweet coconut and egg jam) and a slice of cold butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi (local coffee).

The magic of this dish lies in its contrast of textures and flavours - the warm, crispy toast with the rich, fragrant kaya and melting butter. It’s a nostalgic comfort food for many Singaporeans. The best place to try it? Ya Kun Kaya Toast or Killiney Kopitiam in Singapore.

10. Japan – Ryokan Breakfast

A Ryokan breakfast is a beautifully presented, multi-course meal served in traditional Japanese inns. It typically includes steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), pickles, and sometimes tofu or natto (fermented soybeans).

What makes this breakfast special is the emphasis on balance and presentation. Every dish is carefully prepared to highlight natural flavours, creating a meal that is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. The best way to experience it? Stay at a traditional ryokan in Kyoto or Hakone for an authentic Japanese morning feast.

English vs American Breakfast

While both the American and English breakfasts are hearty and indulgent, they have distinct differences that set them apart. The English breakfast, also known as the ‘Full English’, is a well-structured plate that includes eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and black pudding. It’s a meal designed to sustain you through a long day, with roots in British working-class traditions.

The American breakfast, on the other hand, is all about variety and customisation. While eggs and bacon remain a staple, they are often accompanied by pancakes or waffles with maple syrup, hash browns, toast, and sometimes biscuits with gravy. The American approach leans more towards a sweet-savoury mix, embracing the influence of diners and fast-paced morning routines. If the English breakfast is a methodical tradition, the American breakfast is a choose-your-own-adventure feast, reflecting the country’s diverse food culture.

Breakfast is more than just the first meal of the day. It’s a reflection of culture, history, and the flavours that define a place. Each of these dishes tells a story of tradition and taste. So the next time you travel, or even in your own kitchen, step beyond the usual cereal and omelette routine, and start your day with a dish that transports you to another part of the world. After all, breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to be savoured.

If I had my pick, I would go for Mexico’s Chilaquiles - crispy tortilla chips drenched in flavourful salsa, topped with cheese and a perfectly fried egg. If you had to choose, which breakfast would you go for?