Over the years we’ve loved seeing ethnic flavors become more commonplace in American cuisine. This trend crosses all dayparts, and cool ethnic dishes have even conquered breakfast.1 Chef Einav states that breakfast has been a growing meal occasion over the past 3 years, breaking all time frames to be a "breakfast all day" occasion. It is a great meal opportunity to use as a vehicle to introduce new flavors. This matches consumer data showing that 51% of consumers, and 59% of millennials, look to breakfast during the weekend to order new foods/flavors that they haven’t tried before.2 Mintel predicts ethnic at breakfast is just getting started and expects more authentic breakfast items to hit menus such as empanadas, kolaches and dosa.
Chef Kyle’s Ethnic Breakfast Picks
Consider some of these ideas for your menus. Each has the versatility to be applied to all sorts of dishes.
Dosa with curried potatoes and mint chutney
Since potatoes are already common in American breakfasts, this dish is a great foray into ethnic flavours at breakfast. The thin pancake also mimics a traditional American breakfast food.
Samosa chaat
These pastry-like shells can deliver all kinds of delicious flavours. Try these with a mint chutney, rather than the traditional tamarind and chili sauces for dipping.
Chorizo
Incorporate a traditional Hispanic flavour into common breakfast ingredients such as cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes and tofu.
Chef Einav’s Ethnic Breakfast Picks
Savory Oatmeal
Oatmeal doesn’t always have to be sweet. It can be a delicious base to mix in world flavours, cheeses and eggs.
Huevos con Salsa Verde
A breakfast staple in many parts of the world, this plate could soon become standard here as well.
Chilaquiles
These offer the versatility to incorporate all sorts of savoury breakfast ingredients.
Acai Bowl
There are many variations, but an Acai bowl is a lot like a yogurt parfait containing super fruits, oatmeal and even peanut butter. They’re very filling and offer a nutritious boost.
Examples of Ethnic Breakfasts in the Marketplace
Polish
Deep Ellum in Boston offers house-smoked kielbasa, fried egg, horseradish aioli and cheddar in an English muffin.
Mexican
Mike & Patty's Boston breakfast torta contains two fried eggs, cheddar, jalapeños, potatoes, black beans, salsa and avocado.
Fusion
Eggslut in LA's Grand Central Market sells the Gaucho: wagyu tri-tip, runny egg over medium, chimichurri, red onions and arugula in a brioche bun.
More Breakfast Dishes with Ethnic Flair
- Dishes featuring Asian syrups
- Shakshuka (North Africa)
- Khcapuri (Georgia)
- Silog (Philippines)
- Okomiyaki (Japanese)
- Breakfast tacos (example: Choza’s in New York Gotham West market)
- Coconut milk pancakes
- Peruvian quinoa bowls
Millennials Are Way Into Ethnic Flavours
- 89% are open to trying new cuisines that they have not had before.1
- 72% are always looking for new cultural experiences to broaden their horizons.2
- 51% of millennials and 43% of Gen Z want to see more ethnic items and flavours offered at breakfast.3
1 Mintel Innovation on the Menu Report, September 2016
2 Technomic, Consumer Food Trends, December 2016
3 Technomic 2016, referenced: http://www.aeb.org/news-trends/incredible-breakfast-trends
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