Tired of the old, grey and lumpy oatmeal we force down our throats on the way to class? Maybe you are one of the few and lucky ones who have enough time to make an omelet with a side of bacon. Well, maybe it’s time to switch up your normal routine and take some cooking tips n’ tricks from other countries around the world.
First stop, Japan.
Just like here in America, breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day in Japan. Carbohydrates are often a portion of any meal. In Japan, rice is not only essential at the breakfast table, but at every meal of the day. So swap out your Lucky Charms and Honey Nut Cheerios for rice as a healthy and delicious alternative. Who doesn’t love rice?
Another unique staple of a Japanese breakfast is… grilled fish? Yes, grilled fish. While Japan does have cows and chickens like here in the US, they chose fish rather than the typical western breakfast bacon or sausages. To prepare their breakfast fish, they first salt it and let it rest. Then they broil it, and the result is a delicious and moist fish full of flavor.
On to Mexico.
Ahhh Mexican food, one of the most loved cuisines of all. From delicious burritos to sizzling fajitas, you can’t go wrong. But what is a typical breakfast like in Mexico?
Common breakfast, or "el desayuna," foods include coffee, tropical fruits, and a tortilla topped with eggs and beans. Popular fruits are watermelon, mango, pineapple, and more. However, Mexico is well known for their colorful and delectable sweet breads.
Across the Atlantic to South Africa.
Try South African food to spice up your morning breakfast with its unique flavors.
Being the most important meal of the day, a South African breakfast consists of foods to fill you up and provide you with energy. A common breakfast usually consists of a hot drink, usually tea or coffee as influenced by their neighbors in the UK, and a hot bowl of cooked cereal. Often people will have a cornmeal porridge known as putupap. This is sometimes accompanied by a side of corn and a spicy sauce.
Now the final destination, Italy.
Breakfast, or "colazione," in Italy is a short and sweet meal. Unlike our big American breakfast, an Italian breakfast is a very small meal, usually only consisting of coffee accompanied by a side of biscotti, a croissant, or other pastries.
Coffee in Italy is not like coffee here in the United States. Rarely ever will you see an Italian person drinking a Cappuccino at times other than breakfast or afternoon. Also when you grab a coffee to-go in Italy, think again. It is traditional for people to sit in a café to sit and enjoy a warm cup of smooth coffee.
