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Breakfast in Asia

Have you ever wondered what is eaten for breakfast in China, Thailand or Korea? Asian breakfast foods are extremely different to those eaten in the western world and many of those who haven't grown up eating tofu, rice or soup for breakfast might initially find it difficult to stomach. However as the popularity of Asian foods is increasing worldwide, Asian breakfast foods are beginning to be recognised for their health benefits. Many Asians breakfasts are generally warm, savoury meals, containing protein and vegetables, which provide the body with the necessary fuel to start the day. The warmth also helps to stimulate the digestive tract and kick-start the metabolism, leading to improved digestion and effective weight management. We've compiled this list of typical breakfast foods from various parts of Asia so you can give some a try yourself.

China

Breakfast in China is usually based on rice, vegetables and meat or fish. Dim Sum are very popular breakfast foods across China, especially dumplings which consist of a rice flour skin filled with vegetables, tofu or meat. Another common breakfast food is congee which is a savoury rice porridge, topped with pickled vegetables, fermented tofu, peanuts, eggs or meats. Soy milk and tea are popular breakfast drinks, but occasionally fruit juice or cow's milk may also be drunk.

Japan

The Japanese word for breakfast is 'asagohan', which literally means 'morning rice' or 'first rice', so it's no surprise that rice features in the traditional Japanese breakfast. The staple breakfast in Japan is rice and miso soup. The soup is based on soybean paste and usually contains tofu, sesame oil and some green leafy vegetables. Another traditional Japanese breakfast food is natto, which is fermented soybeans mixed with soy sauce and served over rice. Japanese people generally drink green tea with breakfast, but many office workers also drink coffee in the morning.

Korea                                                                                       

Breakfast is an extremely important meal in Korea and is usually as large as the evening meal. A typical breakfast consists of a combination of rice, kimchi, meat, soup and sometimes bread or pastry. Kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish, made using red pepper powder, garlic and ginger giving it extraordinary health benefits as well as a strong distinctive flavour. The meal is quite filling, meaning that many people eat only a small lunch or mid-day snack during the day.

Vietnam

Vietnam has three major breakfast foods: pho, sticky rice and bahn mi. Pho is a soup made with rice noodles, beef or chicken and fresh green leaves such as basil, shallots and coriander. Sticky rice cooked with sugar and mung beans and wrapped in bamboo leaves is a common portable breakfast eaten in rural areas. Bahn mi, which is a sandwich sized French baguette is another common breakfast food. These can be eaten plain, with butter or filled with pate, cucumber, chilli and carrot. Many Vietnamese people will also eat a piece of fruit, such as dragonfruit, rambutan or mango with their breakfast. In terms of beverages, Vietnam coffee is the most popular choice, served in the Vietnamese style with condensed milk. On hot days, the coffee is served cold with ice for a refreshing morning pick me up.

Swap your toast and cereal for a satisfying and healthy Asian breakfast, shop our range of spice pastes and mixes here.

Image Source: http://www.jesselanewellness.com/recipes/brown-rice-congee/