Exploring the History of Breakfast Pastries Around the World
Good morning! Or should I say, “Good breakfast”? There’s something really special about starting your day with a delicious pastry. Sweet, warm, and often full of butter, breakfast pastries are enjoyed by people all around the world. But have you ever wondered where these delightful treats come from? Let’s dive into a tasty journey through time and across continents to explore the history of breakfast pastries.
Croissants (France)
When you think of breakfast pastries, croissants are probably one of the first that come to mind. This buttery, flaky pastry is a staple in French breakfasts. But here’s an interesting twist: croissants actually originated in Austria! They were first made in Vienna in the 13th century as a luxury item. The story goes that the shape was inspired by the crescent moon on the Turkish flag after the defeat of the Ottomans. The pastry made its way to France in the late 1600s and became the croissant we know and love today. In France, transforming it into an art form, making it lighter and fluffier.
Danish Pastries (Denmark)
Though they’re called “Danish” pastries, the story of these sweet treats begins in Austria as well! In the 1850s, a strike among bakery workers in Denmark led to the hiring of Austrian bakers, who brought their pastry-making skills with them. The Danes added their own twist, incorporating local ingredients like butter and jam, creating what we now recognize as Danish pastries. These pastries are known for their layers of flaky pastry and sweet fillings, like fruit or custard.
Scones (United Kingdom)
Scones, the essential component to a British cream tea, have a history that can be traced back to Scotland in the early 1500s. Originally, scones were made with oats and grilled on a griddle. Today, they are generally oven-baked and made with flour, creating a somewhat dense but delicious treat. They are most commonly enjoyed with jam and clotted cream, making for a decadent breakfast or afternoon snack.
Churros (Spain)
Taking a trip to Spain, we find the crunchy, sweet, and doughy delight known as churros. There’s a lot of debate about the origins of churros, but one theory is that they were brought to Europe by Portuguese sailors from China. Another suggests that Spanish shepherds invented them as a substitute for fresh bakery goods. Either way, churros—a fried dough sprinkled with sugar, often dipped in chocolate—are a breakfast favorite in Spain.
Beignets (Louisiana, USA)
Though not a country, Louisiana’s unique culture and history give it a special mention, especially when talking about beignets. Originating from France, beignets are deep-fried dough squares, generously dusted with powdered sugar. They became a staple of Creole cooking in Louisiana, especially famous in New Orleans. Enjoyed alongside a café au lait, beignets are an iconic start to the day in the Big Easy.
Anpan (Japan)
Japan might not be the first place you think of for breakfast pastries, but anpan has a special place in Japanese bakery cases. Created in the late 1800s by a samurai turned baker, anpan is a sweet roll filled with red bean paste. It was such a novel concept at the time that it even caught the attention of the Japanese Emperor. Since then, anpan has become a beloved pastry enjoyed at breakfast and throughout the day.
A Global Breakfast Table
What makes breakfast pastries so special is how they have traveled across borders, adapted by different cultures, and become treasured parts of culinary traditions around the world. From the flaky layers of a French croissant to the sweet fill of a Japanese anpan, each pastry tells a story.
Next time you bite into your favorite breakfast treat, remember that it may have journeyed across continents and through time to reach your plate. Whether enjoyed in a busy street in Paris, a cozy café in Copenhagen, or a sunny kitchen somewhere in between, breakfast pastries remind us that the joy of food is truly universal. So here’s to a delicious morning, wherever you are!
