A World Without Cereal and Pop Tarts

Have you ever wondered what kids in different parts of the world have for breakfast? Although grains, breads and fruit are common breakfast foods across the globe, meals actually vary quite a bit. From dried beans to grilled fish, there are so many ways to start your day. Let’s see what’s on the menu for breakfast in 10 different countries around the world. You might be inspired to try something new! 

A typical Mexican breakfast can include many kinds of egg dishes, such as huevos rancheros, Mexican-style scrambled eggs, and eggs with salsa or chorizo (spicy pork sausage). One of the most popular Mexican breakfast dishes are chilaquiles. This dish is made with deep-fried corn tortilla chips that are then simmered in a green- or red tomato-based sauce and topped with sour cream, grated cheese and onion slices or anything you want. 

In Japan, breakfast is based on the ichiju sansai principle, which translates “one soup, three sides.” It is one of the main principles that guide Japanese healthy eating and nutrition. Kids in Japan begin their day with a cup of miso soup and a combination of three side dishes often including steamed rice, grilled fish and seaweed salad. 

A breakfast plate in India often includes roti (flatbread), dosas (thin crepes made of lentils) or idlis (steamed rice-dough pancakes) along with different dips and chutneys (spicy or savory condiments) as well as spiced potatoes. 

Breakfast in Russia is very similar to breakfast in America. Kids often start their mornings with eggs, sausage, buttered bread and a cup of coffee or tea. However, Russians also enjoy buckwheat porridge, syrniki (Russian cheese pancakes), ponchiki (donut holes) and draniki (crispy potato pancakes). 

In Egypt, breakfast typically consists of ful medames, the national dish. This stew is made of dried fava beans cooked and seasoned with small amounts of extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, chili flakes, crushed garlic, lemon and cumin. Ful medames is often enjoyed with a side of pita bread, hard-boiled eggs or cucumber and tomato salad.

Breakfast in Kenya tends to be fairly sparse compared to breakfast in America. Most Kenyan kids start their day with a hunk of mkate (bread), a piece of fruit and a cup of sweet and milky chai (tea). 

In Brazil, breakfast usually consists of bread with ham and cheese, fresh fruit, such as bananas and papaya, and pão de queijo, which is a Brazilian cheese bread made with tapioca flour, eggs and cheese. 

A traditional breakfast in the United Kingdom (U.K.) consists of fried eggs, sausages, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, fried bread and sometimes a slice of white or black pudding. Breakfast in the U.K. is always accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee and hot, buttered toast. 

In Germany, breakfast is called frühstück. Kids typically eat brötchen (bread rolls) with butter, cheese, ham or marmalade. German breakfast almost always includes a hot drink, such as tea or coffee. 

The most common Australian breakfast is the “fry-up.” This is a big plate of sunny side–up eggs, smokey bacon, grilled tomato and mushrooms. Popular sides include sausages, hash browns and beans. Kids in Australia also enjoy a slice of toast with vegemite, a thick, black spread made from brewer’s yeast extract.

With so many ways to enjoy the first meal of the day, it’s no wonder breakfast looks very different depending on where you wake up. This month, take inspiration from kids around the globe by swapping your bowl of cereal or plate of pancakes for something new. Not only will this teach you more about other cultures, you just might stumble upon your new favorite breakfast!