International Brunch Recipes to Try This Weekend

International Brunch Recipes to Try This Weekend

When Saturday rolls in and the alarm clock stays silent, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in one of life’s greatest joys: brunch. But why stick to toast and eggs when you could take your taste buds on a globe-trotting tour?

In this blog, we’re bringing you the most loved brunch recipes from around the world – all easy to recreate in your own kitchen. From sweet European delicacies to savoury Middle Eastern, Asian, and Latin favourites, there’s something for every craving.

🌍 What Is Brunch – And Why Go International?

Brunch is that magical meal that blends breakfast favourites with lunch-worthy indulgence. Think eggs, pastries, cheeses, and carbs – usually paired with coffee, tea, or the occasional mimosa.

But internationally, brunch can mean many things:

• Sweet crêpes in France

• Savory dosa in South India

• Eggy shakshuka in the Middle East

• Japanese tamagoyaki or rice bowls

• Mexican chilaquiles smothered in salsa

The best part? Many of these dishes use pantry-friendly ingredients and can be whipped up in under an hour.

🌐 The Ultimate List of Global Brunch Dishes

Below is a curated list of international brunch recipes – sorted by region – that you can make this weekend.

🥐 Europe

1. French Crêpes

Delicate, thin pancakes that can be served sweet (with Nutella, bananas, strawberries) or savoury (with cheese, ham, or spinach).

Key Ingredients: Flour, eggs, milk, butter
Tips: Let the batter rest for 30 minutes before cooking.

2. Spanish Tortilla

Not the Mexican flatbread – this is a hearty potato and egg omelette cooked slowly in olive oil.

Key Ingredients: Potatoes, eggs, olive oil, onion
Perfect with: Toast and aioli on the side

3. English Full Breakfast

A filling platter featuring fried eggs, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomato, mushrooms, and toast.

Add-ons: Black pudding, hash browns
Pro Tip: Bake the beans in a ramekin for a nice finish.

4. Italian Frittata

A cross between an omelette and a quiche, filled with vegetables, cheese, and meats.

Popular Combos: Zucchini & feta, ham & cheddar
Serve with: Salad or roasted potatoes

5. Scandinavian Smørrebrød

Open-faced rye bread sandwiches topped with everything from smoked salmon to pickled herring and creamy spreads.

🥘 Middle East & North Africa

6. Shakshuka (Tunisia/Israel)

Poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper stew.

Serve With: Crusty bread or pita
Variations: Add feta, chorizo, or olives

7. Labneh & Za’atar Flatbreads

Labneh (strained yoghurt) spread over warm flatbread, sprinkled with olive oil and za’atar.

Add-ons: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or poached eggs

8. Ful Medames (Egypt)

Mashed fava beans with garlic, lemon, and olive oil.

Toppings: Boiled eggs, pickles, tomatoes, onion
Tip: Canned fava beans make this easy and quick

🍚 Asia

9. South Indian Dosa

Crispy rice and lentil crepes often served with coconut chutney and sambar.

Stuff it: With spiced mashed potatoes for a Masala Dosa
Gluten-Free: Naturally!

10. Congee (China)

Savory rice porridge garnished with spring onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, and boiled egg.

Toppings: Shredded chicken, fried garlic, pickled vegetables

11. Tamagoyaki (Japan)

Sweet-savory rolled omelette that’s tender and juicy.

Pair With: Miso soup, steamed rice, pickles
Pro Tip: A rectangular pan gives the perfect shape

12. Thai Sticky Rice & Mango

This could be a brunch dessert – creamy coconut rice with slices of ripe mango.

Ingredients: Sticky rice, coconut milk, palm sugar
Optional Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds

🌮 Latin America

13. Mexican Chilaquiles

Tortilla chips simmered in salsa (red or green), topped with egg, cheese, and sour cream.

Add-ons: Avocado, beans, shredded chicken
Serve With: Refried beans or guacamole

14. Arepas (Venezuela/Colombia)

Cornmeal cakes stuffed with cheese, egg, beans, or meat.

Make It Vegan: Fill with black beans, avocado, and grilled veggies
Perfect For: Brunch sliders or as a side

15. Brazilian Pão de Queijo

Chewy, cheesy rolls made with tapioca flour.

Gluten-Free: Yes!
Eat Warm: For best taste and texture

🥞 North America

16. Classic American Pancakes

Fluffy and golden, served with maple syrup and butter.

Variations: Add blueberries, choc chips, or banana
Serve With: Eggs and crispy bacon for a full brunch

17. Biscuits & Gravy (Southern US)

Flaky buttermilk biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy.

Comfort Food at Its Best

18. Bagel Brunch Platter

Build-your-own bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber, capers, and dill.

Add-ons: Red onion, tomato, boiled egg
Vegetarian Tip: Use herbed cream cheese and avo instead

🥗 Australia & Beyond

19. Avocado Toast (Australia)

Smashed avo on sourdough with chilli flakes, feta, and poached egg.

Add-ins: Pickled onion, hummus, dukkah
Optional Protein: Smoked salmon or grilled halloumi

20. Filipino Tapsilog

Garlic fried rice, marinated beef (tapa), and fried egg.

Other -silog combos: Longsilog (sausage), Tocilog (sweet pork)

21. Indonesian Nasi Goreng

Fried rice with egg, prawns or chicken, and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis).

Topping: Fried egg, prawn crackers
Side: Sambal chilli paste

🥄 Brunch Sweets to Impress

Pair your savoury plates with international brunch desserts:

• Dutch Baby Pancake – Oven-baked pancake served with lemon and sugar

• Turkish Simit – Sesame crusted circular bread, perfect with jam or cheese

• Greek Bougatsa – Custard or cheese-filled phyllo pastry

• Moroccan Msemen – Buttery semolina flatbread, often sweetened with honey

☕ What to Drink with Global Brunches

Every country has a drink to go with their brunch ritual:

• India: Masala chai or filter coffee

• France: Café au lait

• Italy: Cappuccino

• Mexico: Horchata or hot chocolate

• Japan: Green tea

• Middle East: Mint tea

• USA: Orange juice or mimosas

🛒 Ingredient Checklist for a Weekend World Brunch

To prep your kitchen for a brunch of this scale, here are some ingredients worth having:

Pantry:

• Flour (all-purpose, tapioca, chickpea)

• Olive oil, sesame oil

• Herbs: za’atar, oregano, mint

• Spices: cumin, chilli, turmeric

• Sticky rice, basmati rice, rolled oats

Fridge:

• Eggs, milk (or plant-based)

• Yogurt, labneh, cheese (feta, cheddar, mozzarella)

• Vegetables: tomatoes, onions, spinach, mushrooms, potatoes

• Fruits: banana, mango, berries

• Meats: bacon, sausage, smoked salmon, beef strips

Other:

• Tortilla chips, pita, sourdough bread

• Coconut milk, palm sugar, soy sauce

🧑‍🍳 Tips to Organise a DIY Brunch Spread

• Choose 1-2 mains (e.g., shakshuka + pancakes)

• Add a sweet item (e.g., sticky rice mango)

• Keep a drink option ready (e.g., mint tea or orange juice)

• Make-ahead: Crepe batter, dosa batter, congee base, sauces

• Serve family-style with a mix-and-match board

💡 Customise by Dietary Needs

Want to go gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free? No worries:

• Gluten-Free Picks: Dosa, Pão de Queijo, frittata, shakshuka

• Vegetarian Friendly: Avocado toast, chilaquiles (without meat), labneh flatbreads

• Vegan Ideas: Sticky rice & mango, tamagoyaki (with tofu scramble), congee with tofu

• High-Protein: Tapsilog, shakshuka with beans, eggs & salmon bagel

• Low-Carb Options: Zucchini frittata, Greek omelette bowls, avocado eggs

🎉 Final Thoughts

Brunch is more than a meal – it’s a vibe, a celebration of slower mornings and good food. Going international adds flavour, fun, and cultural discovery to the table.

So this weekend, skip the usual cereal or toast. Try cooking shakshuka, flipping crêpes, smashing avocado, or rolling out some dosa – and bring the world to your brunch table.