“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?”
“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh.
‘Winnie the Pooh’, by A.A. Milne
The traditional English breakfast is a national institution. Most of us love a full English breakfast; you can even travel abroad, to the Mediterranean resorts in Spain for example, and find this quintessentially British dish on sale in cafes and restaurants.
Sometimes also called a ‘fry-up’, the full English breakfast consists of fried eggs, sausages, back bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, fried bread and often a slice of white or black pudding (similar to bloodwurst). It is accompanied by tea or coffee and hot, buttered toast. These days, breakfast may also include other items such as baked beans and hash browns.
There are many regional versions of this staple. For example, the Ulster Fry includes Irish soda bread; the Scottish breakfast boasts a tattie scone (potato scone) and even maybe a slice of haggis; the Welsh breakfast features laverbread (barra lawr, made from seaweed); and the Cornish breakfast often comes with Cornish hogs pudding (a kind of sausage).
The tradition of breakfast dates back to the Middle Ages. At this time, there were usually only two meals a day; breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was served mid or late morning, and usually consisted of just ale and bread, with perhaps some cheese, cold meat or dripping.
A lavish breakfast was often served by the nobility or gentry at social or ceremonial occasions such as weddings. A wedding mass had to take place before noon, so all weddings took place in the mornings. The first meal the new bride and groom ate together would therefore be breakfast and became known as the ‘wedding breakfast’.
By Georgian and Victorian times, breakfast had become an important part of a shooting party, weekend house party or hunt and was served a little earlier. The gentry loved to entertain lavishly and that included breakfast.
Breakfasts were unhurried, leisurely affairs with plenty of silver and glassware on show to impress the host’s guests. The breakfast table would groan under the weight of the produce from the host’s estate. Newspapers were available for the family and guests to catch up on the day’s news. Indeed, it is still socially acceptable today to read newspapers at the breakfast table (a definite ‘no-no’ at any other meal).
As well as eggs and bacon, which was first cured in the early 18th century, the breakfast feast might also include offal such as kidneys, cold meats such as tongue and fish dishes such as kippers and kedgeree, a lightly spiced dish from colonial India of rice, smoked fish and boiled eggs.
State Breakfast given by Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) on board HMS Serapis for the King and Queen of Greece, 1875
The Victorian era saw a wealthy middle class begin to emerge in British society who wished to copy the customs of the gentry, including the tradition of the full English breakfast. As the middle classes went out to work, breakfast began to be served earlier, typically before 9am.
Surprisingly, the full English breakfast was also enjoyed by many of the working classes. The punishing physical labour and long hours of work in the factories of the Industrial Revolution meant a hearty meal first thing in the morning was necessary. Even as late as the 1950s, almost half the adult population began their day with a good old English fry-up.
In today’s health conscious world, you may have thought that a full English breakfast was not the healthiest way to start the day, but some experts maintain that such a meal in the morning boosts the metabolism and needn’t be unhealthy, especially if the food is grilled rather than fried.
Perhaps the full English breakfast remains so popular, not just because it tastes so good but simply because it has been enjoyed for centuries by people from all walks of life. It is served everywhere in Britain: in luxury hotels, country inns, guest houses, B&Bs, cafes and restaurants. Sometimes you will also find an ‘all day breakfast’ on the menu, as this is indeed a meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
For many working people, breakfast midweek, if eaten at all, often consists of just a piece of toast and a cup of instant coffee taken on the move. But at weekends, what could be better than a leisurely full English with the morning papers?
Published: May 4, 2015.
FAQs
A full English breakfast typically includes bacon, fried, poached or scrambled eggs, fried or grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, fried bread or buttered toast, and sausages. Black pudding, baked beans, and bubble and squeak are also often included.
How many items is on a traditional Full English? ›
There are usually 5-7 items that make up a full English breakfast depending on which items are included.
What does full English breakfast mean in slang? ›
The phrase full English breakfast denotes a substantial breakfast including hot cooked foods such as bacon, sausages, eggs and baked beans. The earliest occurrences of this phrase that I have found all emanate from the wealthy upper class of British society.
Why is English breakfast traditional? ›
The tradition of the English breakfast as a national dish dates back to the 13th century, with its popularity driven by the gentry, the distinct social class made up of the 'high born' who believed themselves to be guardians of the traditional English country lifestyle and cultural heirs of the Anglo-Saxons.
What is the difference between American breakfast and English breakfast? ›
The full English was made up of bacon and sausage paired with eggs, mushrooms, beans, and tomatoes, against the American plate with pancakes, bacon, and butter.
What is the difference between English breakfast and full English breakfast? ›
What Makes a Full Irish Different Than a Full English Breakfast? An English breakfast, although very similar to the Irish one, might include fried potatoes, as mentioned above. The other key difference is its lack of two key components: sliced black pudding and/or white pudding.
What are the 9 items in a full English breakfast? ›
Sometimes also called a 'fry-up', the full English breakfast consists of fried eggs, sausages, back bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, fried bread and often a slice of white or black pudding (similar to bloodwurst). It is accompanied by tea or coffee and hot, buttered toast.
What are the 3 types of breakfast? ›
Breakfast is usually served between 7.30/7.00 am, to 10.00/10.30 am. 3 types of the most popular breakfast are Continental breakfast, English Breakfast, and American breakfast.
Which ingredient is not in English breakfast? ›
Baked beans
A controversial ingredient, that many do not accept to be breakfast food. But take a look at the menu of any breakfast-serving cafe and it is hard to argue that baked beans aren't part of the Full English family. Native Americans would eat a version stewed in bear fat with maple syrup.
Do Americans like full English breakfast? ›
But perhaps one of the most divisive arguments has always been between Brits and Americans, and has centred around the most important meal of the day… Yep, it might be a fully blown institution over here, but believe it or not, the Full English breakfast is actually seen as pretty disgusting over in the States.
Breakfast - between 7:00 and 9:00, Lunch - between 12:00 and 1:30 p.m. Dinner (sometimes called Supper) - The main meal. Eaten anytime between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. (Evening meal)
Do Americans eat full English breakfast? ›
If you visit England and stay in a B&B, you will be served a full English every morning. It's standard. HOWEVER. Most English people don't eat a full English every morning, any more than Americans eat a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, waffles, hash browns, etc.
Why do Brits eat beans on toast? ›
So what are the origins of beans on toast? Heinz claims that an executive invented the dish as a marketing ploy in 1927, but it's likely the dish is still around today because it was so common as a cheap protein during World War II, for breakfast, dinner, or both.
What is a typical American breakfast? ›
In the United States, breakfast often consists of either a cereal or an egg-based dish. However, pancakes, waffles, toast, and variants of the full breakfast and continental breakfast are also prevalent.
What is a full American breakfast? ›
Full American Breakfast - Large portion of eggs, breakfast meats such as bacon or sausage, potatoes or hashbrowns, pancakes or waffles, toast, and coffee.
What is a German breakfast? ›
A German breakfast consists of hearty Brot (breads) and Brötchen (rolls), decorated with butter, sweet jams and local honey, thinly sliced meats, cheese and even some Leberwurst.
What is the most popular English breakfast? ›
Almost two in every five people love eggs for breakfast, making them the UK's most popular breakfast food. Ranked in order the nation's favourite breakfast foods are: Eggs (39%) Toast (38%)
What is a typical Southern breakfast? ›
To be considered a full-on southern country breakfast, cooks need four major components: bread, meat, eggs, and potatoes. In fact, there are nine essential foods that can make up a traditional southern breakfast. Don't be surprised to see them all making an appearance at a large holiday breakfast or Sunday brunch.
What kind of beans do the English eat for breakfast? ›
Navy beans are called haricot beans in England and also go by names such as Boston beans and white pea beans. Baked beans on toast is often served for breakfast as a part of a fry up (the British term for a Cooked English Breakfast).
What kind of sausage is used for English breakfast? ›
A simple pork sausage (like the banger) is ideal and the type of bacon is up to preference.
A traditional full Irish breakfast comprises bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, beans, soda bread or toast, tomatoes, mushrooms, and white or black pudding. For those wondering, black pudding coagulates the pig's blood into a sausage form. The white pudding is simply a pork sausage, usually flat.
Do you have English breakfast with milk? ›
The richness of English Breakfast means that it can be enjoyed with milk and sometimes sweetened with sugar, although a good quality English Breakfast tea can be so smooth that it is best enjoyed on its own.
What is English breakfast and a example? ›
An English breakfast is a breakfast consisting of cooked food such as bacon, eggs, sausages, and tomatoes. It also includes toast and tea or coffee.
What does the queen eat for breakfast? ›
Queen Elizabeth prefered to keep it simple when it came to breakfast. A bowl of Special K with some assorted fruits was apparently her go-to meal to get the day started the right way. On special occasions, she allegedly treated herself to some scrambled eggs and smoked salmon if she felt like it!
What is the most eaten breakfast in America? ›
Most popular breakfast foods among consumers in the U.S. in 2022. In Februarz 2022, nearly 33 percent of survey respondents in the United States stated that eggs are their favorite breakfast food. Moreover, approximately 18 percent stated that bacon or sausages are their most preferred breakfast dish.
Which is the No 1 breakfast in the world? ›
1. Eggs. Eggs make a simple, nutritious breakfast choice. They're an excellent source of protein, which helps support muscle synthesis.
Why do British put milk in tea? ›
Given its delicacy, the porcelain would often crack due to the high water temperature. Therefore, people started adding milk to cool down the cup. Another popular theory is that milk was used to balance the natural bitterness of tea, giving it a smoother, more delicate flavour.
What sugar is best for English breakfast tea? ›
If you want to sweeten hot tea, you can use any kind of sweetener from sugar to date syrup, but for sweetening iced tea, always use simple syrup since it'll be the easiest to mix into a cold drink. Since different English breakfast teas use slightly different blends, sample a few to find one you like best.
Do the English put milk or cream in their tea? ›
The Brits' habit of putting milk in tea extends all the way back to the 18th century, from the time when tea was brewed in pots. Tea was a big deal at the time, and people tended to drink it out of china cups.
Is a full English breakfast healthy? ›
As far as we can say, having a full English breakfast is a great & healthy way to start your day every morning on a nutritious note. So, if you are someone looking to improve your diet with a protein-rich meal, having an English breakfast might be just the thing you need!
Sometimes also called a 'fry-up', the full English breakfast consists of fried eggs, sausages, back bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, fried bread and often a slice of white or black pudding (similar to bloodwurst). It is accompanied by tea or coffee and hot, buttered toast.
How many types of English breakfast are there? ›
Full English breakfast: Black pudding (sausage), baked beans, bubble and squeak (potatoes and cabbage), and fried bread. Full Scottish: Potato scones (tattie scones), haggis, and oatcakes. Full Irish: Soda bread. Full Welsh: Laverbread or laver cakes.
Does English breakfast tea have milk or lemon? ›
English Breakfast Black Tea is excellent served hot or iced. This tea takes well to sugar, honey and other sweeteners. Milk is an especially enticing traditional addition to this classic tea as is a slice of lemon. However, never add lemon and milk to the cup together.
