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Continental breakfasts are light morning meals that are typically served at hotels and motels. They usually consist of bread products, pastries, fruits, and drinks such as coffee and tea. The term continental breakfast originated in Britain in the mid-19th century, referring to the type of breakfast commonly found in mainland Western European countries such as France, Italy, and Germany. In contrast to the traditional English breakfast, which includes heavier items like eggs, bacon, and sausages, the continental breakfast offers a lighter alternative. It became popular in American hotels to cater to the tastes of European travelers and has now become a standard offering, often included in the room price.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | The term "continental breakfast" originated in Britain in the mid-19th century. |
| Etymology | "The continent" refers to the countries of mainland Europe. |
| Typical foods | Bread, toast, muffins, pastries, yogurt, bagels, croissants, waffles, fruit, fruit juice, coffee, tea. |
| Typical locations | Hotels, motels, and events. |
| Typical times | 6-9 or 6-10 in the morning. |
| Typical service style | Buffet-style. |
| Typical cost | Free, or included in the price of the hotel room. |
| Purpose | Lighter, more delicate alternative to heavier breakfasts like the English breakfast. |
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What You'll Learn
History of the continental breakfast
The term "continental breakfast" is believed to have originated in Britain in the mid-19th century, with the first known use of the term appearing in print in 1896 in "The Sanitarian", a monthly magazine. However, the concept of a continental breakfast is thought to have existed for a few decades prior to that, as American hotels began offering lighter breakfast options to cater to the changing tastes of both the emerging middle class and European travellers visiting the country.
In Britain, ""the continent" refers to the countries of mainland Europe, and a "continental breakfast" describes the type of breakfast typically found in places like France, Italy, Germany, and Mediterranean countries. It is characterised by lighter, more delicate fare in contrast to the traditional English breakfast, which includes heartier dishes such as eggs, bacon, sausage, and beans. Similarly, continental breakfasts differ from American-style breakfasts, which often feature larger portions of eggs, breakfast meats, pancakes, and potatoes.
The continental breakfast typically includes items such as pastries, bread, butter, jam, coffee, tea, and fruit, which are easy to prepare and serve to large groups of people. This style of breakfast became popular in hotels due to its convenience, affordability, and ability to cater to various dietary preferences. It also aligns with the changing dining preferences of guests, who preferred more flexible and cost-effective dining arrangements rather than the traditional room and board model.
Over time, the continental breakfast has evolved and spread worldwide, adapting to regional variations while retaining its core characteristics of simplicity and light fare. It continues to be a popular option for travellers seeking a quick, convenient, and satisfying morning meal that can be easily modified to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
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Typical foods included
Continental breakfasts are light, easy-to-prepare meals that are often associated with hotels. They are usually served buffet-style and include a variety of foods that can be easily grabbed and taken to go. The term "continental breakfast" refers to the type of breakfast commonly found in mainland Western European countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Mediterranean countries.
The typical foods included in a continental breakfast vary depending on the region, but there are some standard items that are commonly found. Here are some of the typical foods included:
Breadstuffs and Pastries:
- Toast
- Muffins
- Croissants
- Bagels
- Bread rolls
- Pastries
Fruits and Fruit Juices:
- Fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, etc.
- Fruit juices such as orange juice or other varieties
Dairy:
- Yogurt
- Butter or margarine for bread
Beverages:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Milk
In addition to these standard items, some continental breakfasts may also include:
- Cereal
- Jam or jelly for bread
- Sliced cold cuts of meat
- Cheese
- Eggs (usually not cooked to order)
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Differences between regions
The term "continental breakfast" is believed to have originated in Britain in the mid-19th century. To the British, “the continent” refers to the countries of mainland Europe. Thus, a "continental breakfast" describes the type of breakfast one would encounter in places like France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the Mediterranean.
In Europe, a continental breakfast typically includes lighter, more delicate food items such as fruit, bread, pastries, yogurt, and coffee or tea. It is a contrast to the fuller English breakfast, which includes eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and roasted mushrooms and tomatoes.
In the United States, a continental breakfast may include similar items such as toast, muffins, pastries, yogurt, bagels, and coffee. However, it may also include some heavier items like eggs and breakfast meats, resembling a combination of the British and continental breakfast styles.
In Switzerland, a continental breakfast may consist of muesli, yogurt, fruit, and tea or coffee.
In Italy, the continental breakfast is influenced by the Mediterranean diet and typically includes sweet foods accompanied by classic morning beverages like espresso, cappuccino, latte, and hot tea.
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Cost and convenience
Continental breakfasts are typically light, cold meals that are often associated with hotels. They usually consist of bread products, fruits, fruit juice, coffee, and tea. The continental breakfast is the antithesis of the heavier English breakfast, which includes cooked foods such as eggs, bacon, sausage, and beans.
The continental breakfast is popular among hotels because it is more cost-effective and convenient than serving hot meals. Bread, coffee, and fruit are easy to produce cheaply and serve buffet-style. It requires less staff to manage a few trays of pastries and bagels than to cook hot meals such as omelets or pancakes.
For guests, continental breakfasts offer convenience and the perception of value. The food can be easily taken to go, making it suitable for busy travel schedules. The continental breakfast is also usually included in the price of the hotel room, providing guests with a free meal.
While continental breakfasts are typically complimentary, this is not always the case. Some hotels may offer an upgraded ""hot breakfast" with cooked foods for an additional cost. However, even when included in the room rate, it is customary to leave a tip for the staff who prepared and served the food.
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Hotels that offer continental breakfast
Continental breakfasts are light, typically free meals that are often associated with hotels. They usually consist of foods that are easy to prepare for large groups of people and are reminiscent of a traditional European breakfast. Bread, coffee, and fruit are easy to produce cheaply and serve buffet-style.
When you stay at a hotel that offers these breakfasts, you've likely paid for The Continental Plan (CP). This means the price of your room includes breakfast on the premises. While your food is covered by the cost of your room, it's still recommended that you leave a tip for the staff who made your food available.
- SpringHill Suites New York Manhattan/Times Square South
- Hyatt Place New York/Midtown-South
- Fairfield Inn in New York City
- Marriott in New York City
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Frequently asked questions
A continental breakfast is a light meal typically consisting of pastries, cereals, fruits, and various types of bread. It is usually served buffet-style and modelled after the European breakfast.
The term "continental" refers to the continent of Europe and the style of breakfast enjoyed in European cultures. The term first appeared in 1896 as a result of the turning of the century.
Foods included in a continental breakfast vary but typically include toast, muffins, pastries, yogurt, coffee, tea, fruit, and cereal.
Continental breakfasts are often complimentary, but not always. They are typically included in the cost of a hotel room as part of "The Continental Plan".
Continental breakfasts are popular among hotels as they are convenient for travellers and cost-effective for the hotel. They require minimal staffing and preparation, and can be served in nearly any space.
