Jackson Reed
Continental breakfasts are light meals that traditionally consist of pastries, fruits, toast, and coffee. The term continental refers to the countries of mainland Europe, where light breakfasts are commonly consumed. While the specific items may vary depending on the location, continental breakfasts typically include a variety of bread products, such as muffins, bagels, croissants, and cereals. In Europe and other regions, the spread may include local cuisine specialties. Some hotels offer a more extensive breakfast that goes beyond the standard continental options, such as eggs, bacon, sausages, and pancakes. The concept of a continental breakfast originated in the mid-19th century to accommodate the preferences of European travelers visiting America and has since become a popular offering in hotels worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A light breakfast that usually consists of a breadstuff and coffee, tea, or other liquid |
| Origin | The term "continental breakfast" originated in Britain in the mid-19th century. |
| Purpose | Hotels adopted the continental breakfast to appeal to the changing tastes of the emerging middle class and European travelers visiting the US and UK. |
| Typical foods | Bread, pastries, toast, muffins, bagels, croissants, donuts, yogurt, fruit, jam, cheese, cold meats, coffee, tea, and fruit juice |
| Cost | Typically included in the price of a hotel room |
| Service style | Buffet-style |
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What You'll Learn
Continental breakfasts in the US vs Europe
The term "continental breakfast" originated in Britain in the mid-19th century. "The continent" refers to the countries of mainland Europe. A continental breakfast typically includes light food items that are easy to prepare and serve, such as pastries, bread, toast, muffins, yogurt, coffee, tea, and fruit. The first known use of the term was in 1896 in "The Sanitarian", but the concept had been around for a few decades as American hotels tried to appeal to the changing tastes of the emerging middle class and European travellers visiting the US.
In the US, a continental breakfast usually includes light foods such as toast, muffins, pastries, yogurt, bagels, and sometimes pancakes. It is often served as a complimentary meal in hotels and is typically served buffet-style. The continental breakfast is popular in the US due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and perceived value.
In Europe, a continental breakfast can vary depending on the region and may include local cuisine. For example, a continental breakfast in France, Italy, or Germany might include lighter options such as fruit, bread, and pastries. The term "continental breakfast" was originally used in Europe as a marketing phrase to distinguish a light and elegant breakfast from the bigger, heartier breakfasts common in England, Germany, and Austria.
While the specific items may vary, a continental breakfast in Europe typically includes bread, pastries, coffee, tea, and fruit. Some regions may also offer cheeses and cold sliced meats such as ham, salami, or Spanish chorizo.
In summary, while the core concept of a continental breakfast is consistent, there may be variations in the specific items offered in the US and Europe. The US version typically includes a range of light, easy-to-prepare dishes, while the European version may incorporate more local specialties and vary by region.
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The history of the continental breakfast
During the early 19th century and before, a hearty breakfast was common in America, especially for farmers who needed a substantial meal to sustain their physical labor. However, with the Industrial Revolution, Americans' dietary needs changed, and the traditional large breakfasts became less common.
Around the same time, the French concept of "petit déjeuner," a light and delicate breakfast, began to spread across Europe. European visitors to the US expected these lighter breakfast options, and American hotels started to cater to their changing tastes and preferences. The continental breakfast became a way for hotels to appeal to both the emerging middle class and European travelers visiting America, offering a lighter alternative to the traditional hearty American and English breakfasts.
The term "continental breakfast" originated in Britain, referring to the type of breakfast typically found in mainland European countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Mediterranean regions. It usually includes items such as ham, cheese, bread, chocolate, and pastries, which are easy to prepare and manage for large groups.
Over time, the continental breakfast has evolved, and modern interpretations may include a wider variety of foods, such as cereals, cold meats, yogurt, fruits, and local specialties, depending on the region and the specific establishment. It has become a popular option in hotels and restaurants worldwide due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and perceived value for guests.
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$31.68 $33.37
Typical foods included
A continental breakfast typically includes light and easy-to-prepare foods. The term "continental breakfast" originated in Britain in the mid-19th century and refers to the type of breakfast commonly found in continental European countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Mediterranean countries. It is characterised by simple foods that can be easily stocked and served buffet-style, and typically includes:
Breads and Baked Goods
Bread is an essential component of a continental breakfast. This can include toast, croissants, pastries, muffins, bagels, baguettes, donuts, and cereals. These items are typically served with butter and jams.
Fruits and Juices
Fresh fruits are a crucial part of a continental breakfast, adding colour, taste, and health benefits. Fruit juices are also commonly offered, with orange and apple juice being the most popular choices, although other options like cranberry, grapefruit, and grape juice may also be available.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee is often considered the most essential beverage at a continental breakfast. It can be served in various ways, such as a pot of coffee with cream and sugar, or as a cafe latte. Tea is also typically offered, along with hot water and a selection of tea bags.
Dairy
Dairy options may include yoghurt, and sometimes milk.
Meats and Cheeses
Some continental breakfasts may include a platter of cheeses and cold sliced meats, such as ham, salami, Spanish chorizo, or cooked bacon.
It is worth noting that the specific items included in a continental breakfast can vary depending on the region and the preferences of the guests or establishment serving it.
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International foods included
A continental breakfast is a light meal that traditionally includes foods that are easy to prepare and reminiscent of a European breakfast. It typically consists of pastries, baked goods, fruits, toast, and coffee. Here are some international foods that can be included in a continental breakfast spread:
Middle Eastern
Lebanese labneh, a thick and tangy strained "yogurt cheese," is a perfect addition to breakfast toast or as part of a Middle Eastern brunch spread. Another option is za'atar manakish, a flatbread from the Levantine region that can be enjoyed with a variety of nibbles, including labneh, tomatoes, olives, shakshuka, and foul mudammas (a bean dish). Shakshuka is a hearty egg dish that is popular in the Middle East and said to originate in Ottoman North Africa.
Mexican
Huevos rancheros, or "ranch-style eggs," are a traditional Mexican breakfast consisting of fried eggs over a fried tortilla with Pico de Gallo. This dish can be accompanied by refried beans, avocado, and/or rice, and a vegan version can be made with scrambled tofu.
British
The full English breakfast is a famous and hearty meal that includes eggs, sausage, thick-cut bacon, baked beans, mushrooms, toast, a cooked tomato, and tea. A traditional British breakfast can also include porridge, which has been a staple food in Britain since the Middle Ages.
Greek
The Greek breakfast spread may include boiled eggs, cold cuts, pastries, bread with feta cheese, tomatoes, and olive oil. Greek yogurt is also a popular choice and is known for its creamy texture and unique flavor.
French
A typical French breakfast consists of coffee, hot chocolate, or fruit juice, accompanied by sweet products such as tartines (slices of baguette or other bread spread with butter, jam, or chocolate paste). Brioches, croissants, pains au chocolat, and pains aux raisins are also traditional, often enjoyed as a weekend treat.
These are just a few examples of international foods that can be included in a continental breakfast. The specific items may vary depending on the region and local cuisine.
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How continental breakfasts differ from English breakfasts
The term "continental breakfast" originated in Britain in the mid-19th century. "The continent" refers to the countries of mainland Europe. A "continental breakfast" describes the type of breakfast you'd encounter in places like France, Italy, Germany, and the Mediterranean. It's a lighter alternative to the full English breakfast, which typically includes a heaping plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, beans, and roasted mushrooms and tomatoes.
A continental breakfast usually consists of lighter food items that are easy to prepare and serve, such as toast, muffins, pastries, yogurt, bagels, and coffee or tea. These foods are reminiscent of what Europeans typically have for breakfast and are also cost-effective for hotels, as they require minimal staff to manage the breakfast area.
In contrast, the English breakfast is a large and hearty meal that includes a variety of dishes such as fruit or juice, eggs, ham or other meat, fish, cereal, baked goods, jam, and tea. It is a cooked breakfast and is more indulgent and extravagant compared to the lighter continental breakfast.
The continental breakfast became popular in hotels as they aimed to appeal to the changing tastes of their guests, including European travelers who preferred lighter breakfast options. It is often served buffet-style, allowing guests to serve themselves and offering a convenient and perceived value of getting something "for free."
While the continental breakfast traditionally consisted of lighter food items, modern continental breakfasts have evolved to include a wider variety of dishes, and some hotels do serve a larger and more extensive breakfast.
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Frequently asked questions
Continental breakfast is a standard term in the hotel industry, referring to a light breakfast that includes pastries, bread, toast, butter, jams, cereals, fruits, juices, coffee, and tea.
The term "continental" refers to the countries of continental Europe, including France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, where light breakfasts are preferred.
The first known use of the term "continental breakfast" was in 1896 in "The Sanitarian", but the concept is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. It became popular in American hotels to cater to the changing tastes of the emerging middle class and European travelers visiting the US.
A continental breakfast typically includes items such as toast, muffins, pastries, yogurt, bagels, croissants, cereal, fruit, juice, and coffee.
While continental breakfast is often included in the price of a hotel room, it is considered polite to leave a tip for the staff who prepared the food.
