The breakfast meal around the World has been evolving in recent years in much of the developed World. Its the first meal of the day. More importantly essential for those whose work involve physical toil each and every day.
But times are changing and it worth looking at its evolution over time in various places.
For one it is clearly heading into the healthy genre for the developed World. There are now more plant based meals with less or no meat. Sugar rich cereals however remain. Maybe less sugar and low fat or plant based milk such as coconut, almond etc. .
In the developing World however little has changed. There is also a marked difference in terms of nutrient content.
Meat is not the mainstay of their breakfast meals. Mainly based on the staple crop of that region. It could be wheat, rice, corn, tapioca or beans based meals.
It also has the widest tapestry of breakfast meals as there are a myriad of cultures. And their food tradition has not changed much.
But unlike the developed World, you seldom come across the marketing of breakfast meals in developing countries. Mainly because there are no big brands involved and these meals are home made or available in small food outlets and town market stalls.
The breakfast meal is distinct
One thing is certain right across the World and across cultures. The breakfast meal differs from any other meals. Unlike lunch and dinner meals which can be readily interchanged, it is not the same with breakfast meals. You even see that in the fast food business.
The breakfast offering are different. Sausage, egg, bacon on muffins for breakfast versus burgers and hotdogs for lunch and dinner.
Most breakfast meals will range from the mild to savoury and served hot. While a smaller number will be sugary sweet. In some cases it will be left-overs from dinner and made into meal of its own by cooking with other ingredients.
The most famous is left over rice made into fried rice which the Far East is renown for. It is so well received it is offered for lunch and dinner in Chinese restaurants in developed countries. The second is the Full English breakfast or a variation of it which is now a popular all day menu offering.
Bread, porridge and cornmeal
Bread is probably the most widely consumed breakfast item accompanied with condiments such as spreads from jam to butter.
The major divide in bread is the unleavened bread which does not use a rising agent such as yeast. Historically the first type of bread. Found in much of Asia mainly in the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent. Also referred to as flat bread. The Australian iconic damper bread is unleavened.
Leavened bread however is probably the most prevalent and continues to grow in popularity. The humble loaf replaces traditional breakfast meals especially in the developing World.
Bread range is extensive with the Arabs, Germans and Italians leading the pack.. Pita, Manakish, Barberi, Roggenbroth, sourdough to ciabatta and focaccia are the best known. The Indian subcontinent has its naan and roti.
Lastly the loaf bread has taken over much of the World because it is convenient, no preparation needed for the normal household. It is readily available in shops, supermarkets and service station and it keeps well over many days.
After bread, porridge takes second place in terms of prominence. From Scotland to the Far East.
What is interesting is that a porridge made from oatmeal would not appeal to someone from China who like their porridge made from rice. The texture and taste of various types of porridge are so different that a porridge lover would opt for bread rather than attempt a porridge made from a different staple or region.
Cornmeal based breakfast meals are common in Africa and South America. However both continents also have myriad of breakfast items that includes beans and pulses.
The ubiquitous egg
Eggs were not ubiquitous in the past. Affordability was a factor. Most cultures did not have any egg in any form in their breakfast meals. Even in western countries, egg was not part of the general breakfast meal equation in earlier times.
Eggs seems to have gained ascendency after World War 2. It supplements some staple breakfast meals such as porridges with egg.
Eggs now sits front and centre in most Western breakfast meals and slowly creeping into developing countries breakfast menu.
It is served in 4 main forms – fried, poached, scrambled or as an omelette. It also used in making egg noodles, egg based bun or bread or fillers in sandwiches, rolls, croissants, empanadas etc.
Probably the biggest showcase for eggs amongst breakfast meals is the Full English Breakfast.
The full English breakfast
The Full English Breakfast meal requires a sub-heading of its own in view of its popularity. Known colloquially as a “fry up” in its country of origin, England. It has spread all over the World.
2 fried eggs are central with bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes and toast. Black pudding however is seldom served outside the UK.It is probably the most substantial breakfast dish anywhere. Versions of it has become a staple in English speaking nations from Australia to the US.
Malaysia and Singap0re
Formerly a single country called Malaya during British rule, Malaysia and Singapore have arguably the widest breakfast meal range. It is also the same for lunch, dinner and supper. It is no surprise that it has become a food paradise and food bloggers descend to these two countries from everywhere.
Here is a blog that showcases a well known Malaysian breakfast spot.
The old Malaya under British rule attracted migrants from Southern China, South India and you have the native Malays. When they came, they brought along traditional food of their communities. In the last 200 years, these migrants and their food have become totally assimilated to their new country without diluting their rich food heritage.
These 2 countries and their food range is worth a separate post in time.
As a tourist and traveller
Travelling for work or on vacations the tendency is to look for a country’s signature dishes. And they tend be lunch or dinner meals. Breakfast is seldom considered. And many do not have breakfast, preferring to do 2 meals a day. Just coffee, tea or fruit beverages in the morning. Are we missing out on some good culinary experiences?
Do make an attempt to research on breakfast meals for your destination countries. Many hotels especially in South East Asia in places like Bali and Phuket have an extensive buffet breakfast range including locals delights. An excellent opportunity to taste the various delights for the duration of your stay.
As society progresses, it will continue to take the healthy route. Breakfast meals will eventually come to reflect that.
10 years ago I never imagined having poached eggs on a bed of spinach, with mushrooms, and tomatoes and a dollop of hollandaise sauce. With no meat! It is substantial as well as tasty.