A look at 25+ (primarily plant-based) breakfasts from around the world and how different countries love to start the day – including pancakes, pastries, rice, and egg-based International breakfast recipes!

For anyone that’s come across my blog (or Instagram) before, then you’ll know that I love to celebrate and enjoy food from all across the globe. What meal do I love more than any other, though? Breakfast, of course! These breakfasts from around the world include pastries, cold, warm, hearty, and healthy options – both classic/traditional and generally popular options of International breakfast cuisine – no matter what you’re in the mood for.

The Best Breakfasts Around The World

As they say, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Even if that’s not a philosophy you live by, I can’t deny that a good breakfast certainly puts a pep in your step. But how are people enjoying their breakfast around the world?! Well, in the below list, I’ll be looking at tasty breakfast ideas from every continent – so whether you’re used to sugary cereals, pastries, or hearty, savory dishes, let’s peek into the best breakfast recipes from around the world!

Don’t notice your country on the list of different breakfasts around the world?! Let me know in the comments where you’re from and what your favorite breakfast dish is! I plan to update this list until it becomes the most useful go-to source for all your International breakfast recipe needs!

Asian Breakfast Recipes

Central Asia

Let me know in the comments below your favorite Central Asian breakfast dish! I will be happy to give it a try and update this list.

East Asia

• Korean vegetable pancakes (buchimgae): this Korean mixed vegetables pancake (buchimgae) combines a mixed vegetable filling and a simple 3-ingredient pancake batter for crispy, flavorful veggie pancakes – easy to adapt and perfect for serving alongside a dipping sauce or possibly even topped with a fried or poached egg!
• Korean kimchi fried rice (kimchi bokkeumbap): this easy kimchi fried rice from Korea combines delicious tangy kimchi (vegetarian or vegan optional) with rice (fresh or day-old) with several aromatics and tons of optional add-ins for a quick and simple, sour, spicy, savory breakfast in under 15 minutes!
• Asian breakfast egg fried rice: egg fried rice is a staple of Chinese takeout and restaurant cuisine globally. However, did you also know that it could be a delicious and wholesome addition to your breakfast lineup? This simple breakfast fried rice uses just 6 ingredients and is ready in under 15 minutes!
• Japanese style pancakes: while not exactly like souffle pancakes, these Japanese-inspired pancakes (also enjoyed in Singapore, Australia, the UK, and Canada) are thick, fluffy, and super moreish, perfect for serving with yogurt or cream, and berries/fruit!

South Asia

• Indian mango lassi: while not exclusively a breakfast beverage, lassi is a refreshing, creamy, tangy yogurt-based drink popular in India and perfect for enjoying in the morning. This mango yogurt “smoothie” drink contains just 5 base ingredients and is the perfect way to cool down in the summer months. Plus, it’s sugar free and can be dairy-free!

South East Asia

• Malaysian Nasi Uduk (coconut milk lemongrass rice): traditionally, nasi lemak (coconut leaf pandan rice) is the national dish for a typical Malaysia style breakfast. However, you can also enjoy this similar, slightly more fragrant nasi uduk as well. This fragrant Indonesian coconut milk rice includes pandan leaves, lemongrass, and several aromatics for a delicious rice dish. Serve it up with sliced cucumber, boiled egg, fried peanuts, and optionally fried anchovies.

West Asia

• Turkish simit or no-knead Ramadan pide: in Turkey, breakfast is serious business. Ditch the sugary cereals for a hearty, wholesome spread. Combine homemade simit (like Turkish bagels) or Ramadan pide (flatbread) with lots of smaller dishes like other cheese, olives, cucumber, tomato, honey, cured meats, eggs, and several preserves.
• Turkish Çılbır: looking for another way to enjoy either of the Turkish bread recipes above? How about with this simple Turkish breakfast dish? Çılbır combines poached eggs served over a garlic yogurt base, drizzled liberally with aromatic paprika and Aleppo melted butter. It’s ready in just 10 minutes, too!
• Turkish Menemen: Turkish Menemen is the ultimate low-effort one-pan breakfast. This dish combines soft scrambled eggs with tomatoes, peppers, and onion, for a juicy, flavorful, hearty breakfast that comes together in under 20 minutes. Serve up with bread for a wholesome Turkish breakfast.
• Middle Eastern Makdous: Makdous (aka cured eggplant) are mini eggplants with a stuffing of red pepper, chili, walnut, and garlic. While this Levantine dish doubles up as an appetizer or mezze, it also pairs wonderfully with some scrambled eggs and flatbread for breakfast.
• Lebanese labneh: while not exclusively a breakfast dish, this thick and tangy strained Middle Eastern (enjoyed in Egypt, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula) “yogurt cheese” is perfect for serving over breakfast toast, alongside manakish bread, and as part of a Middle Eastern brunch spread.
• Middle Eastern za’atar manakish: Manakish (flatbread) comes from the Levantine region of the Middle East and is a very popular breakfast food, especially when combined with a larger table of nibbles, including labneh, tomatoes, olives, shakshuka, foul mudammas (a bean dish), and more!

African Breakfast Recipes

• Shakshuka: while this dish (also spelled shakshouka) is also popular in the Middle East, it’s said to originate in Ottoman North Africa. No matter in which country you enjoy it, though, there’s no denying that this hearty egg dish makes for a perfect breakfast/brunch for all. Traditional shakshuka poaches eggs in a spiced tomato, onion, and garlic sauce – and while there are now tons of variations on this idea (with plenty of vegetables), if you love tomatoes and eggs, then serve this up alongside some crusty bread.
• Moroccan Mint tea: mint tea is a popular must-have any time of the day in Morocco (it’s the national drink!), but also makes for a wonderful breakfast addition to dishes like baghrir (Moroccan pancakes) or a spread with bread, olive oil, and various fruit, yogurt, eggs, and preserves.

European Breakfast Recipes

North Europe

• Oatmeal (Oat Porridge): originally, I struggled with where to place oatmeal (aka porridge) on this list, as it’s popular in several countries. However, no one can deny the strong roots between oats and Scotland. For many, oatmeal is the ultimate fall/winter warming breakfast. It cooks into a tender, creamy consistency, and is warm, comforting, and super versatile for mix-ins and toppings!
• Danish aebleskiver pancake balls: while not only a breakfast dish, who doesn’t love pancakes for breakfast? However, unlike American pancakes or crepes, these pancakes are small pancake balls, made using a special pan. Aebleskiver traditionally translates to “apple slices” regarding the filling for the pancake balls. However, in modern times, there are many fillings, like this blueberry version.

West Europe

• French croissants: if you want a light breakfast, then a fresh pastry paired with a mug of warm cappuccino is the perfect France inspired breakfast. What could be fresher than making it homemade? The method for chocolate-filled croissants (pain au chocolat) is included too!
• French baked eggs (oeufs cocotte): feeling like enjoying something heartier, drop the pastry and turn to bread instead. However, this time you’ll be dipping that baguette into “oeufs cocotte” – a creamy cheese-baked egg in a ramekin. This dish takes “egg and soldiers” (soft boiled egg with toast “fingers”) to a whole new, decadent level.
• Vegetarian English breakfast: if you live in the UK (particularly England) and haven’t had a “Full English breakfast” at least a dozen times… I’d be speechless. This popular breakfast dish traditionally piles up sausage, bacon, and black pudding, accompanied with fried tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, toast, and eggs. It’s guaranteed to keep you satiated until lunch. However, for this version, we’re ditching the meat for a hearty vegetarian breakfast ready. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and cooked in one pan only (which is tricky with a fry up, believe me!).

Central Europe

• Swiss Bircher muesli: muesli is the ultimate Swiss breakfast – especially when soaked overnight. Swiss muesli is the “original overnight oats.” It combines oats, apple, dried fruits, and nuts with milk, yogurt (dairy or non-dairy like coconut, soy, or almond yogurt), or even fresh fruit juice (like orange juice). The result is a hearty, healthy way to start the day.

South Europe

• Italian eggs in purgatory: this dish is the Italian’s answer to the previously mentioned Shakshuka – cooking eggs in a fresh and hearty tomato sauce, then topping it off with parmesan and fresh basil. Better yet, there are tons of ways to customize this recipe (multiple options included!). Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or any other meal of the deal!
• Spanish Pan con Tomate: literally translating to “bread with tomato”, this Catalan dish is a popular snack or breakfast dish. It’s made with bread rubbed with garlic and tomato then drizzled with olive oil. This savory Spanish breakfast (unlike sweet churros) is ready in minutes, super fresh, and can be made heartier with the addition of cheese or meats.

East Europe

Let me know in the comments below your favorite East European breakfast dish! I will be happy to give it a try and update this list with the recipe.

North American Breakfast Recipes

• NY-style bagels: whether you’re eating one on the way to work with coffee, piling it high with fillings, or serving as part of a breakfast or brunch spread, there are tons of ways to enjoy bagels with the spreads and toppings of your choice (like cream cheese and lox, nut butter, jams/jellies, strawberries and Nutella, etc.). That’s what makes bagels such a popular addition to your breakfast rotation!
• Mexican huevos rancheros: these “ranch style eggs” are a popular, traditional breakfast on rural farms in Mexico. They comprise fried eggs over a fried tortilla with Pico de Gallo and often with refried beans, avocado, and/or rice. The combination packs in flavor, is simple to prepare and assemble, and will provide nourishment to get you through to your next meal! You could also prepare a vegan version with the use of scrambled tofu!
• American pancakes: with the use of baking powder, American-style pancakes are thick and fluffy. Stack them up and top with a pat of butter and some maple syrup (and often bacon, sausage, or egg). There are also many ways to adapt this popular American breakfast with various mix-ins, like berries or chocolate chips.

South American Breakfast Recipes

• Trinidad salted cod (buljol) with coconut bake: saltfish and fried bake is just one popular Trini-breakfast “doubles” (a style of street food) combo. It comprises a salted cod and mixed vegetable salad. It’s served with a delicately coconut flavored bread, perfect for enjoying as a hearty, savory breakfast.
• Brazilian cheese bread “puffs” (Pao de queijo): These small cheese rolls/buns are made with just 5 ingredients. Plus, they are naturally gluten-free and super cheesy. They also have a wonderuflly crisp texture, thanks to the addition of tapioca starch. Enjoy alongside your morning coffee, scrambled eggs, with fruit, or cut them open and stuff with cream cheese, jam, etc!
• Caribbean Tostones (fried green plantain): tostones are traditionally twice-fried plantain slices, popular across Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. It is enjoyed as a snack or breakfast dish topped with a fried egg or other toppings of your choosing. For this version, we’ve skipped the deep frying for lighter baked or air fryer methods. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, paleo, and vegan!

Related Healthy Breakfast Posts

• Healthy Breakfast Roundup
• 50+ Healthy Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas on the Go
• The Essential Guide to Meal Prep + Meal Prep Ideas
• 20+ Best Breakfast Sandwiches
• Smoothie Guide
• Chia pudding jars

If you try any of these breakfasts from around the world, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!