Breakfast looks different around the world. Aromatic manakeesh from Palestine, hearty ful medames from Sudan and savoury halloumi from Cyprus. Take your pick!
Have you ever wondered what breakfast is like in different countries across the world? UCD students from three continents give an insight into the morning meals from their home countries that give them the kick-start needed for their day.
First up, Palestine. It turns out breakfast in the Palestinian culture is similar to that in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Usually it’s falafel, paired with hummus or manakeesh. You’ve probably heard of falafel and hummus, but what is manakeesh? It’s quite simple actually. Manakeesh is just the Arabic word for a traditional bread, like France and its baguette, or Italy and its focaccia. Manakeesh is topped with cheese or za’atar which is a mix of thyme and sesame seeds. To wash it all down, the preferred drink of choice is always a refreshing mint tea!
Next up, Sudan in Africa. Ful medames is the country’s vibrant national dish and is enjoyed at any time of day, particularly for breakfast. Its main ingredient is fava beans, which are similar to green beans. Fava beans to Sudan are what potatoes are to Ireland - they are a real staple to the country’s dishes. They are paired with sesame oil, cumin, feta, cheese, and onions. And if that wasn’t enough, served alongside is a nutty peanut butter salad, called dakwa. Like in Palestine, the Sudanese tend to enjoy a sweet tea with their breakfast.
Finally, Cyprus. The traditional breakfast in Cyprus isn’t too dissimilar to most European breakfasts. It usually consists of toast with halloumi, topped with fresh fruit and vegetables such as tomato and cucumber. Halloumi originates from Cyprus itself and is made from a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk. Its texture is described as “squeaky”. Coffee is a must when it comes to breakfast in Cyprus. Cypriots tend to choose a Freddo espresso, which is a strong iced coffee with a double shot of espresso, or a frappe which again, is iced but made with instant coffee and has a creamy froth on top.
From mint tea in Palestine, to peanut butter salad in Sudan, to halloumi toast in Cyprus, breakfast reflects each culture’s unique flavours. These diverse morning meals show how food connects us across continents while celebrating local traditions and tastes.