Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, and around the world, cultures have created iconic dishes that define their mornings. Taste Atlas, the renowned food and travel guide, recently released its much-awaited list of the World's 50 Best Breakfasts for 2025, reflecting a variety of flavors, ingredients, and traditions.
Highlights of the top 50 breakfast foods
Kahvalti (Turkey)
In the number one spot, this elaborate Turkish breakfast dish features cheese, olives, bread, eggs and more, reflecting the community spirit of Turkish cuisine.
Kompet Lepinja (Serbia)
A hearty flatbread dish with cream and eggs, ranked second.
Sfinj (Libya)
A traditional fried pastry, known for its simple yet satisfying taste, ranked third.
Indian breakfasts shine on the global stage
India's vibrant breakfast culture has earned international acclaim, with three dishes making it to the top 50:
Misal Pav (Maharashtra, India) - Rank 18
A spicy and colourful dish, misal pav is renowned for its nutritional value and affordability. It consists of a sprouted beans curry base, topped with crunchy farsan, onions, and served with a pav (bread roll). Taste Atlas describes it as “a work of art” and a staple dish in Maharashtrian households.
Paratha (India) – Rank 23
Paratha, a versatile Indian flatbread, is eaten across the country, often stuffed with potatoes, paneer or vegetables. It is usually served with yogurt, pickles or curry, and is an essential part of breakfast in many regions.
Chole Bhature (Delhi, India) – Rank 32
This iconic North Indian dish serves spicy chickpea curry with deep-fried bread (bhature), making it a favorite street food and breakfast option, especially in Delhi.
Other global breakfast favourites
While the full list includes a wide variety of dishes, some international classics that are often celebrated include:
- Eggs (various styles)
- Avocado toast
- Greek yogurt
- Coffee and tea
- Oatmeal
- Chia seed pudding
- Berries and fresh fruit
- Cottage cheese
- Whole grain toast
- Nuts and nut butters
Why these breakfasts are special
These dishes are not only delicious but also deeply rooted in their respective cultures, often reflecting local ingredients, culinary techniques and community traditions. The Taste Atlas rankings highlight both the diversity and universal appeal of breakfast, which brings people together, whether it’s a sumptuous Turkish spread or a simple Indian paratha.
“India has a wide variety of nutritious and delicious breakfast dishes. These staple dishes are more than just meals; they are deeply rooted in our local cultures and communities, as people across the country start their day with them.”