There's nothing like the first bite of breakfast to fuel you for a day of exploring abroad, whether you're tucking into a legendary Premier Inn Full English on a staycation or slurping congee in a Hong Kong street stall before visiting the temples. But have you ever wondered what gets the rest of the world's taste buds tingling first thing in the morning?
Rise and shine: the world's favourite breakfasts, mapped
We crunched the numbers on over 150 different morning meals, analysing Google search data from every country and U.S. state to serve up the ultimate breakfast map for curious travellers. From mouthwatering classics to surprising local favourites, we've uncovered what people are really craving when they wake up hungry.
There's no better way to understand a destination than through its breakfast culture. Read on to discover which foods are making it onto tables around the world and where to grab the best bites on your next getaway.
Every country’s favourite breakfast
Leading the pack with a staggering 31 million searches annually, the açaí bowl has conquered the world's morning appetite. This Brazilian superfood sensation has travelled far from its Amazonian origins to become the Instagram breakfast of choice from Sydney beaches to New York cafés.
Coming in second with nearly 27 million searches is simit, Turkey's sesame-crusted bread ring that's the Ottoman Empire's answer to a bagel. Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and deliciously paired with Turkish tea, simit proves that sometimes the simplest breakfast pleasures are the most addictive.
The classic croissant claims bronze with over 22 million searches, showing that French breakfast mastery knows no borders. Whether you're biting into one in a Parisian boulangerie or a Tokyo café, the buttery, flaky perfection is universally irresistible. Perhaps most surprising is onigiri ranking fourth. Found in both convenience stores and trendy brunch spots, the triangular Japanese rice balls wrapped in seaweed have quietly become a global sensation with nearly 19 million searches.
Top 10 most searched breakfasts in the world
Rank |
Breakfast |
Annual search volume |
1 |
Açaí bowl |
31,047,700 |
2 |
Simit |
26,764,630 |
3 |
Croissant |
22,401,530 |
4 |
Onigiri |
18,691,030 |
5 |
Chipa |
14,206,770 |
6 |
Bruschetta |
14,103,990 |
7 |
Boiled eggs |
10,967,660 |
8 |
Cereal |
10,095,060 |
9 |
Congee |
9,706,360 |
10 |
Pupusa |
9,177,770 |
The UK's favourite breakfast
In the UK, it’s the croissant that is the nation's breakfast champion. Found in every corner of the country, the perfect flaky, golden pastry that practically melts in your mouth is a morning must. In London, bakeries like Paul bring their version of Parisian flair to the high streets, while independent gems like Flour Station in Borough Market serve daily croissant perfection.
Coming in a very sophisticated second is Eggs Benedict, because sometimes breakfast needs to be a proper occasion. A stack of English muffin, ham, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce, The Ivy serves up legendary versions, while London's iconic Duck & Waffle is known for their Michelin-star spins on the classic – the latest version features a braised duck leg that is guaranteed to make taste buds sing.
England, Scotland and Wales march in step, crowning the croissant as their breakfast king. Meanwhile the health-conscious açaí bowl claims fourth place for the UK, though Northern Ireland, clearly ahead of the curve, searches for it more than any other breakfast staple.
Rounding out our top five is the comforting classic porridge. Whether you prefer Scottish oats with a drizzle of honey or would rather go load up your bowl with an array of tasty toppings, a warming bowl of porridge is always sure to hit the spot.
Rank |
Breakfast |
Annual search volume |
1 |
Croissant |
963,000 |
2 |
Eggs Benedict |
695,500 |
3 |
Bruschetta |
676,000 |
4 |
Açaí bowl |
673,200 |
5 |
Porridge |
609,000 |
Europe's most popular breakfast
In Europe, centuries-old bakery traditions sit alongside modern health trends, creating a breakfast landscape that's both deeply rooted and constantly evolving. And funnily, an American import rules above all when it comes to the first meal of the day: pancakes.
In a total of eleven countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, and several Eastern European countries, fluffy American-style pancakes are searched more than any other breakfast dish. Whether coated in syrup, or with a healthy sprinkling of berries on top, they’re a hearty yet playful choice. In Stockholm, many cafés have gone Scandi-chic, serving stacks topped with lingonberry jam and a dusting of powdered sugar for a Nordic twist on indulgent mornings.
Next on the most beloved list is the croissant. While the French perfected the art of this delicate pastry, it's much loved across Europe, with the likes of Malta and Ireland searching it more than any other item. In Vienna, where it truly originated, you'll find versions stuffed with apricot jam at traditional kaffeehäuser. But French locals enjoy it simple with a café au lait to spruce up their mornings, while travellers flock to iconic spots like Du Pain et des Idées in Paris to sample the “real thing”.
Further south, and though often more viewed as an Italian starter, bruschetta has found its way onto breakfast plates across Central Europe. Germans and Swiss enjoy it as a savoury breakfast bite: the combination of toasted bread rubbed with garlic, topped with tomatoes, and drizzled with olive oil makes it the perfect low-effort yet tasty start to the day.
Despite being the homeland of bruschetta, Italians themselves are actually searching most for porridge! Along with Denmark and San Marino, they're proving that sometimes the simplest breakfasts are the most satisfying. Italian polenta porridge and Denmark's oat-based versions show how each country puts their own spin on this warming bowl of comfort.
Some countries, however, keep it deliciously local. Albania's byrek, flaky pastry parcels stuffed with cheese or spinach, make the perfect grab-and-go breakfast from Tirana's street vendors. Portugal's world-famous custard tarts aren't just afternoon treats; locals pair them with strong espresso to get their mornings started. The legendary Pastéis de Belém bakery in Lisbon has been perfecting these golden beauties since 1837 – they're clearly doing something right.
North and Central America’s favourite breakfasts
A delicious mix of indigenous traditions and waves of immigration have created something entirely unique in North and Central America. According to searches, morning favourites range from sweet pastries to hearty corn cakes and health-conscious bowls.
In a tie for the top spot sits the croissant, the clear winner across Canada, Haiti, and several Caribbean islands. Montreal bakeries are famous for their croissants, keeping alive Quebec’s French culinary legacy. In Port-au-Prince, the pastry is just as loved, especially paired with strong Haitian coffee.
Sweet pastry culture thrives across North and Central America too. Quesito, a cream-cheese-filled puff pastry, is the number one breakfast in Costa Rica, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and beyond. In Puerto Rico, quesitos are iconic, sold in every panadería (bakery) and glazed until golden.
Another widespread favourite is the arepa. Originally from Venezuela and Colombia, these pillowy corn cakes have won hearts in Puerto Rico and Aruba too. Archaeological evidence traces arepas back to pre-Columbian times, but you don't need a history lesson to know they're absolutely delicious. In Bogotá, late-night queues snake around La Puerta Falsa for their legendary traditional versions.
America’s favourite breakfasts by state
The 50 states of the United States of America are known for each having their own identity when it comes to food culture, and breakfast is no different. Açaí bowls absolutely dominate, topping searches in 30 states including Hawaii and New York. This Brazilian superfood sensation first caught fire on Southern California beaches in the early 2000s and has become the Instagram breakfast of choice. Iconic spots like Backyard Bowls in Santa Barbara and Juice Generation in NYC helped spread the colourful, healthy obsession nationwide.
Second in the nation’s most beloved breakfasts belongs to the pupusa, with El Salvador's national dish capturing hearts in Texas, Maryland, Virginia, and DC. These thick corn tortillas stuffed with beans, cheese, or pork reflect the beautiful influence of Salvadoran communities across America. La Casita Pupuseria in Silver Spring is legendary, while LA's Pico-Union neighbourhood has made pupusas part of the city's culinary DNA.
The most unexpected winner? Spanakopita leads in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. This Greek spinach-and-feta pastry reflects New England's strong Greek American communities, many of whom opened diners throughout the 20th century and made spanakopita as American as apple pie.
Another surprising choice, in Missouri, the kolache reigns supreme. These pillowy Czech pastries, filled with fruit, cheese, or sausage, came to the U.S. with Czech immigrants in the 19th century. Today St. Louis Kolache puts brilliant modern spins on tradition with fillings as wild as BBQ pork and mac-and-cheese.
New Mexico spices things up for breakfast with chilaquiles (fried tortilla chips simmered in salsa and topped with cheese, cream, and egg), while North Dakota honours its Scandinavian roots with lefse, ranking as the most searched-for breakfast in the state. This Norwegian potato flatbread is comfort food at its best, still lovingly rolled out in church basements and family kitchens.
South America’s favourite breakfasts
South American breakfast culture is all about community and making the most of incredible local ingredients. And nothing brings people together quite like Brazil's morning obsession with pão de queijo. Made from cassava flour, these little cheese breads are delightfully crunchy on the outside and wonderfully chewy inside, and it's nearly impossible to eat just one.
Argentina’s breakfast favourite, the alfajor, is more than just a sweet snack. Two crumbly biscuits sandwiching dulce de leche (sometimes with a chocolate coating for extra indulgence), it's a national staple. The word comes from Arabic al-hasú meaning "stuffed", brought to Spain then Latin America. Buenos Aires bakeries still make the best versions fresh daily.
Neighbouring Uruguay opts for arroz con leche, a sweet rice pudding flavoured with cinnamon or lemon zest. This Spanish-influenced favourite gets made in big family pots for gatherings, proving that the best breakfasts bring people together (plus, it helps that it tastes like a hug in a bowl).
Africa’s most popular breakfasts
From aromatic spice markets that open at sunrise to time-honoured coffee ceremonies, the art of breakfast in Africa has been perfected over millennia. In Morocco and Western Sahara, the top breakfast is baghrir, also known as the thousand-hole pancake. Made from semolina and cooked until spongy, baghrir soaks up honey or butter beautifully.
Across the Maghreb, other pastries surface too. In Egypt, falafel is a national favourite. Locals call it ta’ameya and make it with fava beans, nestled into warm pitta with salad and tahini for a plant-based start to the day.
Sweet brioche rolls win hearts in Rwanda, Mayotte, and the Central African Republic, while countries like Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso prove that sometimes a bowl of cereal hits the spot for busy mornings.
Asia’s favourite breakfasts
Asian breakfast culture is perhaps the most diverse on the planet, spanning everything from Japan's precise, minimalist approach to India's explosion of spices and flavours. But one key philosophy joins them all: the first meal is setting your energy for the entire day, so balance and nutrition are crucial. According to Google searches, croissants top breakfast lists in countries as varied as the Philippines, Timor Leste, and Bhutan. With a stronghold in Asian cafés, in Manila’s coffee shops, for example, freshly baked croissants pair wonderfully with ube-flavoured drinks for a twist on the morning classic.
Congee ranks first in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. This silky rice porridge has been warming souls for centuries, and Hong Kong institutions like Mui Kee serve bowls topped with century egg, pork, or pickled vegetables that'll make you understand why locals queue up every morning.
Across the Middle East and Gulf states, labneh tops searches in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. A tangy strained yogurt drizzled with olive oil and paired with flatbread: it’s a light start to the day.
In Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, syrniki (small cheese pancakes) dominate. Traditionally they’re made with farmer’s cheese and served with either sour cream or jam. It's a great source of protein and ideal to warm you up on cold mornings.
Oceania's most popular breakfasts
In Oceania, breakfast reflects the influences of island culture and the region's produce. Fresh, healthy options are the go-to, and in Australia, the leading search is for the açaí bowl. Imported from Brazil, this chilled superfood dish of frozen açaí pulp topped with granola and fruit has become a beachside favourite, perfect for mornings by the sea. In Sydney, cafés like Bare Naked Bowls serve versions that practically demand you spend five minutes photographing them before diving in.
The reliable croissant keeps winning hearts in Fiji, Samoa, and New Zealand too. Auckland's French-inspired bakeries like La Petite Fourchette have turned them into weekend rituals, best enjoyed on harbour-view terraces with excellent coffee.
Other simple classics thrive down under. Porridge tops searches in the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu (with coconut milk for that tropical twist in Tonga), while New Caledonia keeps it beautifully basic with boiled eggs, often paired with buttered baguette as a nod to French heritage.
Feeling inn-spired to try these breakfasts for yourself? Check out our handy travel guides to help you plan your next short break for the perfect foodie getaway and discover Premier Inn hotels near airports so you’re one step away from the best breakfast spots.
Methodology:
Premier Inn compiled a list of 157 of the world’s most popular breakfast foods then analysed data from Google Keyword Planner to reveal the monthly search volumes for these breakfast items across all 50 U.S. states and every country worldwide, within the last 12 months. The breakfast foods were translated into native languages where necessary. Data correct as of August 2025.