16 Breakfasts From Around the World That Will Surprise You

Mornings are a time for nourishment, and people around the world have their own ways of making breakfast interesting. Some cultures enjoy lighter fare, while others dive into heavier, more flavorful dishes to kickstart their day. These breakfasts are often reflective of the local culture and ingredients, offering something different from what you might expect. If you are ready to try something new, these surprising breakfast ideas will open up a whole new world of flavors. From savory to sweet, each dish brings something unique to the table.

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Japanese Tamagoyaki (Japanese Omelette)

Tamagoyaki is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of a sweet and savory rolled omelette. It is typically served as part of a bento or alongside rice for breakfast. What surprises many about tamagoyaki is the method of preparation, where eggs are cooked in layers and rolled to form a soft, delicate texture. It offers a good amount of protein and healthy fats, making it a balanced and energizing start to the day. This breakfast dish is a great way to explore Japanese culinary techniques and flavors.

To make tamagoyaki, you will need eggs, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and a small amount of oil for the pan. Some variations may also include dashi (fish stock) for added umami flavor. Freshly prepared ingredients will give the omelette a richer taste and smoother texture.

Begin by whisking the eggs with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Heat a non-stick frying pan and lightly grease it with oil. Pour a thin layer of the egg mixture into the pan, letting it cook for a few moments. Once set, roll it up and push it to one side of the pan. Add more egg mixture, lifting the roll to let the new layer cook underneath. Repeat until all the eggs are cooked and rolled into a layered omelette.

Mexican Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles is a flavorful and filling breakfast dish that originates from Mexico. This dish features fried tortilla chips simmered in a red or green sauce, often topped with eggs, cheese, and sour cream. What makes chilaquiles surprising is its combination of textures and bold flavors that wake up the taste buds. It provides a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, thanks to the tomatoes and green chiles in the sauce. Many Mexican households enjoy this dish as a way to use up leftover tortillas, giving it a hearty, satisfying appeal.

To prepare chilaquiles, you will need tortilla chips, salsa (red or green), eggs, cheese (such as queso fresco or cheddar), and sour cream. Garnishes like onions, cilantro, and avocado add extra flavor and texture.

Start by frying tortilla chips in oil until crispy. Heat the salsa in a pan and pour it over the chips, letting them soak up the sauce for a few minutes. In a separate pan, fry eggs sunny-side up or scrambled, according to your preference. Place the eggs on top of the salsa-covered chips and garnish with cheese, sour cream, and optional toppings like cilantro or avocado.

Turkish Menemen

Menemen is a Turkish breakfast dish made from scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. It is commonly eaten with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. What surprises people about menemen is the combination of ingredients that create a rich, savory, and slightly sweet dish. This breakfast provides a variety of nutrients, such as vitamins from the tomatoes and peppers, as well as protein from the eggs. It is often enjoyed in Turkish households as a simple, satisfying breakfast.

The main ingredients for menemen are eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, olive oil, and spices like paprika and black pepper. You can also add feta cheese for a creamier texture, or chili flakes for a bit of heat.

Start by heating olive oil in a pan and sautéing chopped onions and green peppers until they soften. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they release their juices. Crack the eggs into the pan and gently scramble them into the mixture. Let the eggs cook through, stirring occasionally, and add salt, pepper, and spices to taste. Serve with crusty bread on the side to enjoy every bite.

Swedish Raggmunk (Potato Pancakes)

Raggmunk is a traditional Swedish breakfast dish that consists of thin, crispy potato pancakes. This dish is made from grated potatoes, flour, eggs, and milk, and it is often served with lingonberry jam or sour cream. What surprises many about raggmunk is its savory, comforting flavor and the contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior. It provides a great source of carbohydrates and is filling enough to keep you energized throughout the morning. This dish brings a taste of Swedish comfort food to your breakfast table.

To make raggmunk, you will need potatoes, flour, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and butter or oil for frying. Lingonberry jam and sour cream are common toppings that add sweetness and creaminess to the dish.

Grate the potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the grated potatoes with flour, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Heat butter or oil in a frying pan and spoon the potato mixture into the pan, spreading it into thin pancakes. Fry each side until golden brown and crispy, then serve with lingonberry jam and sour cream.

French Croissant with Jam

Croissants are a classic French breakfast treat that is flaky, buttery, and often served with jam or butter. Originating from Vienna and popularized in France, this pastry is known for its layers of light, airy dough. What surprises many is the technique involved in making croissants, which requires folding and rolling the dough multiple times to create those signature layers. They are rich in flavor and provide a good source of carbohydrates and fat. Often paired with coffee or tea, croissants are an indulgent breakfast that feels special.

To make croissants, you will need flour, yeast, sugar, butter, milk, and eggs. For filling, you can use jam, butter, or chocolate spread, depending on your preference.

Start by making the dough with flour, yeast, sugar, milk, and butter. Roll it out, and fold it several times to create layers. Let the dough rise before shaping it into croissants. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and flaky, then serve with your favorite jam or butter.

Brazilian Pao de Queijo (Cheese Bread)

Pao de queijo is a popular Brazilian breakfast dish made from gluten-free tapioca flour and cheese. These small, fluffy cheese breads are commonly enjoyed in Brazil with a cup of coffee. What makes Pao de queijo surprising is the combination of tapioca flour and cheese, which gives the bread a chewy, light texture. It is high in protein and calcium, thanks to the cheese, and provides a filling start to the day. This savory treat is popular in Brazilian bakeries and is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

For Pao de queijo, you will need tapioca flour, cheese (such as parmesan or mozzarella), eggs, milk, butter, and salt. You can also add herbs or spices for extra flavor.

Mix the tapioca flour with grated cheese, eggs, milk, butter, and salt. Stir until a smooth dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven until golden and puffed up, then enjoy while still warm.

British Full English Breakfast

The British Full English Breakfast is a hearty and savory meal that has been enjoyed for centuries. It typically consists of eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, grilled tomatoes, black pudding, and toast. What surprises people is the variety of items packed onto one plate, making it an incredibly filling meal to start the day. This breakfast provides a good amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, ensuring a long-lasting energy boost. While often considered heavy, it remains a beloved tradition in the UK and beyond.

For a Full English Breakfast, you will need eggs, sausages, bacon, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and butter. You can also add grilled onions or fried potatoes for extra flavor.

Start by frying sausages, bacon, and black pudding in a pan. While these cook, grill the tomatoes and mushrooms. In a separate pan, fry the eggs to your liking. Serve everything together on a plate with baked beans and toast on the side.

Korean Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Kimchi Fried Rice)

Kimchi Bokkeumbap, or Kimchi Fried Rice, is a popular breakfast dish in Korea, known for its tangy and spicy flavor. It’s made by stir-frying rice with kimchi, vegetables, and often a fried egg on top. What surprises many is the bold, tangy kick that kimchi brings to the dish, making it an exciting way to start the morning. It is packed with probiotics from the kimchi and offers a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. This dish is often enjoyed with a side of pickled vegetables for an added crunch.

To make Kimchi Bokkeumbap, you will need cooked rice, kimchi, vegetables like onions and carrots, eggs, and sesame oil. Optional toppings include green onions and seaweed flakes.

Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté the vegetables until soft. Add chopped kimchi and stir-fry for a few minutes before adding the rice. Mix everything together, allowing the flavors to combine. Serve with a fried egg on top and garnish with green onions or seaweed.

Egyptian Foul Medames (Fava Bean Stew)

Foul Medames is a traditional Egyptian breakfast made from slow-cooked fava beans. The dish is often served with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and various spices, sometimes with eggs or vegetables on top. What makes this dish surprising is its hearty and comforting nature, providing a savory start to the day. The fava beans are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice. It’s often enjoyed with flatbread, which is used to scoop up the stew.

To prepare Foul Medames, you will need fava beans, garlic, lemon, olive oil, cumin, and parsley. You can also add tomatoes, onions, or boiled eggs for added flavor and protein.

Cook the fava beans in water until tender. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and cumin in olive oil, then add the beans and cook for a few minutes. Season with lemon juice and garnish with parsley. Serve with warm flatbread on the side.

Chinese Congee (Rice Porridge)

Congee is a type of rice porridge that is commonly enjoyed for breakfast in China. It is made by simmering rice in water or broth until it breaks down into a creamy, soup-like consistency. What surprises people is how versatile congee can be, as it can be sweet or savory depending on the toppings. It is often served with pickled vegetables, salted eggs, or tofu for added flavor. This dish is great for digestion and offers a warm, comforting start to the day.

To make congee, you will need rice, water or broth, and optional toppings like salted eggs, pickled vegetables, and green onions. For a savory version, you can add ginger, soy sauce, or sesame oil.

Rinse the rice and cook it in a large pot with plenty of water or broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rice becomes soft and creamy. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary. Serve with your choice of toppings.

American Pancakes with Maple Syrup

Pancakes are a classic American breakfast dish, often served with maple syrup and butter. They are light, fluffy, and can be customized with various toppings, such as berries, whipped cream, or chocolate chips. What surprises many is how these simple ingredients create a breakfast that is both comforting and indulgent. Pancakes provide a good source of carbohydrates and energy to start the day. They are widely loved for their versatility and ability to suit any taste.

For pancakes, you will need flour, eggs, milk, sugar, baking powder, and butter. Maple syrup is a classic topping, but you can also use fruits or whipped cream.

Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Combine the two and stir until just blended. Heat a griddle or pan and pour small portions of the batter. Cook until golden brown, then serve with maple syrup or toppings of your choice.

Danish Smorrebrod (Open-Faced Sandwich)

Smorrebrod is a traditional Danish dish consisting of an open-faced sandwich made with rye bread, butter, and various toppings such as fish, meats, and vegetables. What surprises many is the wide variety of toppings that can be added to the sandwich, including pickled herring, roast beef, or cheese. It is a filling and nutritious breakfast, offering a balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. The rye bread provides a hearty base, and the toppings offer a mix of savory and tangy flavors. This dish is often served with a side of pickles or boiled eggs.

To make smorrebrod, you will need rye bread, butter, fish or meat (like herring, roast beef, or salmon), and toppings such as pickles, onions, and boiled eggs.

Spread a thin layer of butter on slices of rye bread. Top with your choice of fish, meat, or vegetables. Add garnishes like pickles, onions, or eggs, and serve immediately.

Spanish Tostada with Tomato and Olive Oil

Tostada is a popular Spanish breakfast dish consisting of toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and salt. It is often enjoyed with a cup of café con leche, a coffee and milk drink. What surprises many about this dish is its simplicity and the incredible flavor that comes from just a few ingredients. It is a healthy breakfast option, providing fiber from the bread and healthy fats from the olive oil. This dish is refreshing, light, and perfect for those who prefer a savory start to their day.

For tostada, you will need slices of bread (typically rustic or baguette), ripe tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and optional toppings like garlic or jamón (cured ham).

Toast the slices of bread until crispy. Cut the tomatoes in half and rub them over the surface of the toasted bread. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Serve with additional toppings like garlic or jamón if desired.

Greek Bougatsa (Pastry with Custard)

Bougatsa is a Greek breakfast pastry filled with a rich custard, often dusted with powdered sugar. This sweet pastry is commonly eaten in Northern Greece and is beloved for its crispy, flaky texture and sweet filling. What surprises people about bougatsa is how light and delicate the pastry is, despite its creamy filling. It is a great source of carbohydrates and provides a satisfying sweetness to start the day. Bougatsa is often enjoyed with a coffee or tea in the morning.

To make bougatsa, you will need phyllo dough, milk, sugar, eggs, cornstarch, and butter. Powdered sugar is typically used for dusting the pastry.

Prepare the custard by heating milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a pan until thickened. Allow it to cool, then place it in between layers of phyllo dough. Brush with melted butter and bake until golden. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Indian Paratha with Yogurt and Pickle

Paratha is a type of flatbread from India that is typically served with yogurt and pickles for breakfast. It is made by kneading wheat flour dough, rolling it out, and frying it on a griddle with ghee or oil. What makes paratha surprising is how versatile it is-sometimes stuffed with potatoes or paneer, other times served plain. It is a great source of fiber and healthy fats, especially when paired with yogurt and pickles. This hearty breakfast is often enjoyed in Indian households, especially in the northern regions.

For paratha, you will need whole wheat flour, water, salt, ghee or oil, and optional fillings like mashed potatoes, paneer, or spices.

Knead the dough with flour, water, and salt. Roll the dough into a flat circle and cook on a griddle with ghee or oil until crispy and golden brown. Serve with yogurt and your choice of pickles.

Italian Frittata

A frittata is an Italian-style omelette made with a variety of fillings, including vegetables, meats, and cheeses. It is similar to an omelette but is cooked more slowly and typically finished in the oven. What surprises many about frittata is how versatile it can be, with endless options for different ingredients. It provides a good amount of protein from the eggs and is a great way to incorporate vegetables into breakfast. This dish is perfect for a filling, savory start to the day.

To make a frittata, you will need eggs, vegetables (like spinach, onions, and peppers), cheese (such as mozzarella or parmesan), and oil or butter for cooking.

Whisk the eggs and pour them into a heated, oiled pan. Add the vegetables and cheese, and cook on low heat. Once the eggs are nearly set, transfer the pan to the oven to finish cooking the top. Slice and serve warm.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.