Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and people around the world enjoy it in many different ways. Let’s take a fun journey to see what breakfast looks like in various countries!
In India, some people start their day with a delicious chickpea and tomato curry. It’s often served with puri, a deep-fried flatbread that puffs up with steam when cooked. Try saying that fast!
South Africans might have poo pap for breakfast. It’s like oatmeal but made from maize and water. When eaten for breakfast, it’s usually paired with milk and sugar.
Sri Lankan coffee is quite unique. It’s made with coffee beans, grains of pepper, and cloves, making it much spicier than a pumpkin spice latte. It gives you a big energy boost!
In Morocco, people enjoy mint tea and freshly cooked flatbreads for breakfast. These breads can be layered with jam or honey, or even stuffed with veggies or meat.
Tunisians often have a spicy chickpea soup called leblani for breakfast. It’s cooked with onions, cumin, and herbs, and sometimes served with a poached egg.
In Nigeria, breakfast might include fried bean cakes made from black-eyed peas, chili, and onions. These cakes are a popular street food.
Korean breakfasts are filling and include many side dishes called banchan. You’ll find kimchi, a rolled omelet, marinated veggies, and jeon, a type of pancake.
A Japanese breakfast can feel like lunch or dinner, with soup, rice, salmon, and pickled veggies.
In Jamaica, people enjoy salt fish and ackee, a fruit similar to lychee. It’s creamy and soft, but its seeds are toxic, so be careful!
The Dutch have a unique breakfast sandwich with candy sprinkles on buttered bread, called hagelslag. It comes in chocolate, vanilla, and fruit flavors.
A German breakfast might include bread rolls, cheeses, meats, and eggs, all washed down with coffee.
In Finland, people enjoy oatmeal called puuro, served with berries, sugar, and milk.
Italians start their day with a cornetto (a croissant) and a cappuccino. Remember, if you order a “latte” in Italy, you’ll get a glass of milk!
Swiss people love muesli, a mix of oat flakes, raisins, dried fruits, and nuts, often combined with yogurt.
In Sweden, breakfast sandwiches called smörgås are popular. They are topped with ham, fish, or cheese, and often include cucumbers, lettuce, or tomatoes.
The French enjoy a variety of breads and pastries, like croissants, with butter and jam. Coffee or juice is the drink of choice.
Argentinian breakfasts are similar to French ones, with pastries and coffee. Medialunas (half-moons) are smaller, sweeter croissants.
In Mexico, you might try chilaquiles, which are corn tortillas simmered in salsa, topped with avocado, cheese, and chicken.
Peruvians enjoy a dish called tacacho con cecina, made of roasted plantain with bits of pork.
In Brazil, breakfast includes bread, often a French roll with butter, and tropical fruits like papaya.
Colombians have many breakfast recipes, like changua, an egg and milk soup with cilantro and bread.
Costa Ricans enjoy rice and beans for breakfast, often with grilled plantains.
In Malaysia, breakfast rice is cooked in coconut milk and served with side dishes like eggs, cucumbers, and peanuts.
Taiwanese breakfasts include omelets, deep-fried dough sticks, and warm soy milk.
Hong Kong breakfasts feature milk tea, brewed using a thick cloth filter for a creamy flavor.
In the Philippines, breakfast includes rice, sweet bacon, and hot chocolate.
Indonesians enjoy a purple rice porridge called bubur ketan hitam, topped with bananas and cinnamon.
In Myanmar, people eat a flavorful soup called mohinga, made with catfish, noodles, and spices.
The Irish breakfast is hearty, with bacon, sausages, eggs, beans, and more. It’s a big meal to start the day!
Now that you’ve learned about breakfasts from around the world, which one would you like to try? Each country has its own unique flavors and traditions, making breakfast an exciting adventure no matter where you are!
Create your own “Breakfast Passport” by drawing or pasting pictures of different breakfasts from around the world. Write a short description of each breakfast and why you would like to try it. Share your passport with the class and discuss which breakfast you find the most interesting.
Choose one of the breakfasts mentioned in the article and research a simple recipe for it. Prepare a short presentation to share with the class, explaining the ingredients and steps needed to make the dish. If possible, bring a sample or a picture of the dish to show your classmates.
Using a world map, mark the countries mentioned in the article and label them with the breakfast dish they are known for. Add a small drawing or symbol to represent each dish. Display your map in the classroom and see how many different breakfasts you can find from each continent.
Form small groups and choose a breakfast from the article to “defend” as the best breakfast. Prepare arguments about why your chosen breakfast is the healthiest, most delicious, or most interesting. Hold a class debate and vote on which breakfast wins in each category.
Write a short story about a character who travels to one of the countries mentioned in the article and tries the local breakfast for the first time. Describe their experience, the flavors they encounter, and how they feel about the meal. Share your story with the class and discuss the different cultural experiences.
Breakfast – The first meal of the day, often considered important for providing energy and nutrients to start the day. – In many cultures, breakfast includes foods that are common in that region, such as rice and beans in some parts of the world.
World – The earth and all the people, places, and things on it. – Social studies help us learn about different cultures and countries around the world.
India – A country in South Asia known for its diverse culture, languages, and history. – India is famous for its rich history and landmarks like the Taj Mahal.
South Africa – A country located at the southern tip of Africa, known for its diverse ecosystems and history of apartheid. – South Africa is home to many different ethnic groups and languages.
Japan – An island nation in East Asia known for its technology, culture, and history. – Japan is famous for its traditional arts like tea ceremonies and calligraphy.
Mexico – A country in North America known for its rich culture, history, and cuisine. – Mexico is known for its vibrant festivals and delicious food like tacos and enchiladas.
Rice – A staple food grain that is grown and consumed in many parts of the world. – Rice is a major part of the diet in many Asian countries, including Japan and India.
Beans – Seeds from various plants that are often used as a source of protein in meals. – In Mexico, beans are commonly used in dishes like burritos and tacos.
Soup – A liquid dish typically made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables in water. – In many cultures, soup is a comforting meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Fruits – The sweet and fleshy product of a tree or other plant that contains seed and can be eaten as food. – Fruits like bananas and mangoes are popular in many tropical regions around the world.
