Discover different breakfast across Europe

Breakfast as a meal can vary quite a bit depending on the culture and country, but in general, it is the first meal of the day and its function is to provide energy to start the day. It is typically characterized as a light to moderate meal, but it can also be quite substantial depending on the local tradition.

At The Walking Parrot, we are passionate about offering authentic experiences that reflect the local culture of each destination. On this occasion, we invite you to discover the traditional breakfasts of Europe, a delicious window into the customs and flavors that define each country.

Discover with us:

France

Breakfast in France is characterized by its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. It is often enjoyed in a relaxed manner in the morning, and it is one of the meals that allows the French to enjoy the start of their day, especially on weekends. Compared to other countries, breakfast in France is a simple option that highlights fresh flavors and good coffee.

Main Characteristics of Breakfast in France

Simplicity and Elegance: The French breakfast is usually a light and simple meal, but with a focus on the quality of the ingredients. It is not a heavy meal, but rather something quick and pleasant to start the day.
Traditional Beverages: Coffee is the most common beverage, typically served in a small cup of café au lait (coffee with milk) or café noir (black coffee). It is also common to enjoy tea or hot chocolate, especially during the colder months.
Typical Foods: The most common French breakfast foods include croissants (buttery puff pastries), pain au chocolat (pastries filled with chocolate), toast with butter and jam, and brioche (soft, sweet bread). In some regions, other types of local pastries or bread can also be found.
Not a Heavy Meal: Breakfast in France is not a large meal. Compared to other countries, the French prefer lighter and quicker breakfasts, especially on weekdays. However, on weekends, it is common to enjoy a more relaxed and complete breakfast.
Social Culture: Breakfast in France offers an opportunity to enjoy a calm moment. Although many people have breakfast quickly at home, on weekends or during holidays, it is common to have it at a local café, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and socialize while savoring a good coffee and a croissant.

Germany

Breakfast in Germany is an important meal, typically complete and varied, enjoyed in a relaxed manner. It focuses on fresh and nutritious foods. Unlike in other countries where breakfast can be lighter, the German breakfast tends to be heartier, featuring a variety of breads, cold cuts, and cheeses.

Main Characteristics of Breakfast in Germany

Complete and Varied Meal: German breakfasts typically include a variety of foods such as breads, cold cuts, cheeses, jams, eggs, and cereals, making it a meal that provides ample energy to begin the day.
Breads and Rolls: Bread is a fundamental component of the German breakfast. People commonly consume whole grain breads, rye breads, or brötchen (small bread rolls), often served with butter, jam, or cheese. Germans also enjoy seed bread or oatmeal bread.
Cold Cuts and Cheeses: Cold cuts, such as salami, ham, or sausage, are commonly featured in a German breakfast. Cheese is also an essential part of the meal, with a variety of fresh, aged, or spreadable cheeses included.
Eggs and Dairy Products: In some regions, it is common to include boiled or scrambled eggs in the breakfast. Yogurt or cottage cheese are also consumed, especially when looking for lighter yet nutritious options.
Beverages: Like in many other countries, coffee is a central beverage in the German breakfast. People often drink black coffee, coffee with milk, or espresso. Tea and fresh orange juice are also popular options.
Social Culture: Breakfast in Germany is not just a meal but an opportunity for a social moment. While breakfast is generally a more private affair during the week, on weekends or during vacations, it is common to enjoy breakfast with family or friends, often at a local café or bakery.

Spain

Breakfast in Spain is the first meal of the day and is generally characterized by being light and quick. Although customs can vary depending on the region, the Spanish breakfast tends to be simple yet flavorful, and it is mainly consumed in the morning before starting daily activities. The concept of breakfast in Spain reflects the country's culture, which values fresh and natural flavors, as well as the social time spent in cafés or with family.

Main characteristics of breakfast in Spain

Simplicity and speed: Spanish breakfast is not a large meal, but a quick and light option to start the day with energy. The most common options are coffee, toast, or pastries.
Traditional beverages: Coffee is the main drink for breakfast, with options including café con leche (coffee with milk), café solo (espresso), café cortado (espresso with a touch of milk), or café americano. It is also common to have it with freshly squeezed orange juice.
Typical foods: The most common foods include toast with butter and jam, pan con tomate (bread with tomato), croissants, churros with chocolate, and, in some regions, sandwiches with ham or cheese. In northern regions, like the Basque Country, pintxos for breakfast are also popular.
Sweets and pastries: Magdalenas (muffins), bizcochos (cakes), ensaimadas (from the Balearic Islands), and napolitanas (pastries filled with chocolate or custard) are popular, especially in cafés.
Not the main meal of the day: Unlike other countries where breakfast is a heavy meal, in Spain, breakfast is light. The most important meal of the day is usually lunch (around 2:00 pm).
Social culture: Although breakfast is simple, it also has a social component. Cafés and bars are popular places to enjoy a quick breakfast, either alone or in groups. It is common to sit on the terrace of a bar to enjoy breakfast, especially in large cities and the south of Spain.

Italy

Breakfast in Italy is a light, quick, and simple meal, typically consumed in the morning before starting the day. Unlike other countries, breakfast in Italy is not a heavy or elaborate meal, but rather something simple yet delicious, primarily focused on coffee and baked goods. It is a meal generally enjoyed quickly, often in a café or bar, and reflects the Italian culture of enjoying everyday moments with a good cup of coffee and something sweet.

Main characteristics of breakfast in Italy

Simplicity and speed: Italian breakfast is not a heavy meal. It is light, designed to start the day, and usually consists of a hot drink, such as coffee or cappuccino, accompanied by a small piece of pastry or bread.
Traditional beverages: Coffee is the most important beverage for breakfast in Italy. The most common options are espresso, cappuccino (espresso with foamy milk), and caffè macchiato (espresso with a little milk). Coffee in Italy is generally small and strong, and it is consumed quickly, often while standing at the bar.
Typical foods: Italians enjoy cornetti (Italian croissants), which may be filled with cream, jam, or chocolate. Other typical breakfast pastries include brioche, crostata (fruit tart), and fette biscottate (crispy biscuits) with jam or honey. In some regions of southern Italy, you can also enjoy sweets like sfogliatelle (from Naples).
Sweets and pastries: Cornetti are probably the most characteristic sweet of the Italian breakfast. They are enjoyed in cafés and bars and are usually accompanied by coffee. In some areas of the country, other types of cakes or cookies are also consumed with hot beverages.
Not a heavy meal: Unlike other countries where breakfast may be a larger or more complete meal, in Italy it is a light meal, especially meant to start the day with energy without feeling too full.
Social culture: Italian breakfast has a social component, though more informal than lunch or dinner. It is common to quickly have a coffee and a cornetto in a café, either standing at the bar or sitting at a table. Breakfast is a way to enjoy a brief, pleasant moment before starting the day.

Sweden

Breakfast in Sweden is a simple, healthy, and balanced meal. It is one of the most important meals of the day and reflects the Swedish culture of valuing fresh, natural, and local ingredients. Like many other Nordic countries, Swedish breakfast tends to be light yet nutritious, ensuring a good start to the day with energy.

Main characteristics of breakfast in Sweden:

Simplicity and Balance: Swedish breakfast is typically light but balanced, combining carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. It often includes a variety of bread, dairy products, fruits, cereals, and proteins from sources such as eggs or cheese.
Bread and Bread Rolls: Bread is a staple of Swedish breakfast. It’s common to have whole grain bread, rye bread, or knäckebröd (crispbread). Bread is often paired with butter, cheese, or jam. Whole grain bread is preferred for its fiber content.
Dairy Products: Dairy items, such as natural yogurt, cheese, and milk, are very common in Swedish breakfasts. Yogurt is often paired with fresh fruit or müsli (Swedish cereal) for a more complete and energizing option.
Fruits and Berries: Swedes enjoy fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and berries. Berries are particularly popular due to the abundance of red fruits in the country, such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, which are added to cereals or yogurt.
Eggs: Eggs are an important part of breakfast, often boiled, scrambled, or used in other simple dishes. They are commonly paired with bread and cheese.
Traditional Drinks: Coffee is the most common beverage for breakfast in Sweden. Kaffe (coffee) is strong and often served with milk or cream. Tea is also consumed, and occasionally, fresh fruit juices, particularly orange or apple juice, are enjoyed.

This blog explores the diverse breakfast traditions across Europe, highlighting how each country’s morning meal reflects its culture. From light and simple options in France and Italy to hearty and varied breakfasts in Germany and Sweden, it shows the importance of fresh ingredients and the social aspect of sharing breakfast in places like Spain and France.

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