How to Make a Breakfast Inspired by Street Foods Worldwide
Travel broadens the mind, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture is through its food. Street food, in particular, offers a taste of the local flavor in a more down-to-earth setting, allowing you to sample authentic dishes without the formalities of a sit-down restaurant.
Though travel might not always be possible, it’s easy to bring parts of the world into your home, starting with the most important meal of the day: breakfast. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure and make a breakfast inspired by street foods from around the globe.
Mexican Chilaquiles
Starting in Mexico, Chilaquiles is a traditional breakfast dish that revitalizes day-old tortillas. To make it, lightly fry corn tortillas cut into quarters until they are slightly crispy. Prepare a sauce by blending tomatoes, garlic, and chili, then pour it over the tortillas. Simmer until the tortilla starts softening. Serve with fried eggs on top, sprinkled with cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. This dish is a perfect balance of crunch and spice, guaranteed to wake up your taste buds.
Indian Aloo Paratha
Next, we venture to India with Aloo Paratha, a type of flatbread filled with spiced potatoes. Make a dough by mixing whole wheat flour with water, a dash of salt, and a bit of oil. For the filling, mash boiled potatoes and mix them with chopped onions, green chilies, coriander, and spices like garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Roll the dough into small balls, stuff them with the potato mixture, and then roll them out flat. Cook on a hot skillet with ghee until golden brown. Serve with yogurt or pickle for a filling breakfast.
French Crêpes
Crossing over to Europe, French crêpes are a versatile street food that can go sweet or savory. The batter is made by whisking together flour, eggs, milk, a pinch of salt, and a bit of melted butter. Pour a ladle full into a hot non-stick pan, swirling it to cover the surface thinly. Cook until the edges start to lightly brown, then flip. For a breakfast version, fill your crêpe with a spread of Nutella and sliced bananas, then fold it into quarters. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar and perhaps some whipped cream.
Japanese Tamagoyaki
Our next stop is Japan, where we find Tamagoyaki, a sweet and savory rolled omelet that’s a common sight at Japanese breakfast tables and sushi restaurants. Beat together eggs, soy sauce, a splash of mirin, and a teaspoon of sugar. Heat a small amount of oil in a rectangular Tamagoyaki pan (or a regular non-stick pan), and pour in a small amount of the egg mixture. Once it begins to set, roll it to one side of the pan. Then, add more of the egg mixture, lifting the already cooked eggs to allow the raw eggs to flow underneath. Continue this process until you have a layered omelet roll. Slice it and served with pickled ginger for a touch of brightness.
American Breakfast Sandwich
Lastly, we visit the United States, where the breakfast sandwich reigns supreme. This easy-to-make and easy-to-eat item combines all the staples of an American breakfast between two slices of bread or a bagel. Start with a fried egg, seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper. Add a slice of cheddar cheese, a few slices of cooked bacon or a sausage patty, and if you like, a few slices of tomato and avocado. Assemble everything on a toasted bagel, English muffin, or your choice of bread. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfectly portable.
Bringing It All Together
Though we’ve only scratched the surface of the wide array of street foods around the world, these dishes offer a small taste of the incredible diversity available. Making these breakfasts at home not only spices up your morning routine but also offers a glimpse into the daily lives and cultures of people across the globe.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, our access to global ingredients improves, allowing us to replicate authentic flavors with greater accuracy and bring global street food right into our kitchens. So, grab your spatula and let the adventure begin! Whether you’re recreating these dishes for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special brunch, they’re sure to travel your taste buds around the world without leaving the comfort of your home.
