Breakfast in America is a whole different ball game compared to the rest of the world. While some countries stick to their own traditional morning fare, Americans have unique staples that leave others scratching their heads. From sugar-loaded treats to hearty, indulgent meals, these breakfast choices are come off as incredibly bizarre to the rest of the world.
Doughnuts
Doughnuts for breakfast? Yes, please! While most of the world reserves sweet, sugary treats for dessert, Americans boldly make them the star of the morning. From glazed to jelly-filled, these deep-fried delights are a quick, on-the-go breakfast that pairs perfectly with coffee, even if it’s more dessert than meal.
Biscuits and Gravy
Imagine starting your day with a plate of soft, flaky biscuits drenched in thick, creamy sausage gravy. To many outside the U.S., the idea of a savory, meaty sauce early in the morning is a bit out there. But in America, it’s a comforting staple that warms you up like a hug from the inside, especially in the south.
Chicken and Waffles
Here’s a combo that baffles many: a sweet, crispy waffle topped with fried chicken and, often, a generous drizzle of syrup. It’s the ultimate sweet and savory mashup that leaves non-Americans scratching their heads. How did breakfast end up so… dinner-like? Yet, it’s a beloved classic in many U.S. homes and brunch spots.
Sugary Cereals and Milk
Bowls filled to the brim with brightly colored, sugar-packed cereals floating in milk are a morning ritual in the U.S. While convenient, the rest of the world might wonder about the nutritional value of starting the day with what essentially could be candy in a bowl. For many Americans, it’s a nostalgic part of their morning routine.
French Toast
Soaking bread in eggs and milk, then frying it up and serving it with syrup or powdered sugar might not sound like breakfast material everywhere. But in the U.S., French toast is a sweet start to the day that combines the heartiness of bread with the indulgence of dessert, blurring the lines between meal times.
Pancakes
Thick, fluffy pancakes doused in syrup and sometimes butter are a weekend favorite across the U.S. While pancakes exist in many cultures, the American penchant for stacking them high and making them the main dish, often with sweet toppings, is something that intrigues and delights in equal measure.
Breakfast Burrito
Taking the concept of breakfast to new, portable heights, the breakfast burrito stuffs eggs, cheese, potatoes, and sometimes meat or beans into a flour tortilla. It’s hearty, it’s filling, and to many around the world, it’s essentially a whole meal wrapped up as a breakfast item, showcasing America’s love for big, bold flavors.
Leftovers from Dinner
What’s for breakfast? How about last night’s pizza, pasta, or stir-fry? While not unique to America, the concept of eating cold leftovers straight from the fridge is a testament to the country’s pragmatic approach to meals. Why waste good food or time when yesterday’s dinner can be today’s breakfast?
Muffins & Pastries
Eating muffins and pastries for breakfast strikes many around the world as odd. Essentially, these are desserts served at the start of the day, blending sweetness into a meal that’s traditionally savory or light elsewhere. It’s a curious mix of indulgence and convenience that highlights the American love for sweet starts.
Grits
A bowl of grits, a ground-corn porridge, might seem unassuming, but it’s a Southern U.S. breakfast staple that often leaves outsiders puzzled. Served sweet with sugar or savory with cheese and shrimp, grits are a versatile dish that embodies the comfort and simplicity of American breakfasts, even if its texture and taste are acquired.
Eat Your Way Around the World – 15 Iconic Sandwiches to Savor
Is there anything more universally loved and endlessly versatile than the sandwich? It seems every corner of the world has its own take on stuffing something delicious between slices of bread. Whether it’s a classic burger or something as distinct as a katsu sando, sandwiches are the go-to for cravings everywhere. Exploring the wide array of sandwiches from around the globe offers a glimpse into each culture’s culinary soul. So, if you’re looking for inspiration on which sandwich might be worth planning your next adventure around, we’ve got you covered with some of the world’s best.
Read it Here: Eat Your Way Around the World – 15 Iconic Sandwiches to Savor
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Some foods are too controversial for the dinner table, landing on the global banned list. Find out why these delicacies have become taboo and uncover the surprising and sometimes shocking reasons behind these bans.
Read it Here: 10 Foods So Controversial They’re Banned Around The World
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
