The Science and Nutrition Behind the Viral Balkan Breakfast

TikTok's version of a “Balkan breakfast,” consisting mostly of variations of the same whole, raw ingredients, has a distinctly country flavor, she explains. While tomatoes, peppers and watermelon are more likely to be served on breakfast plates in summer (a la “Balkan breakfast”), hearty, savory porridges made from buckwheat or polenta are common in winter – especially in the colder mountain regions. And many ingredients are regional, such as the crepes from Albania flijaor prosciutto, pečenicaand other sausages from the Dalmatia region of Croatia.

Contrary to what social media might have you believe, not every day is an occasion for wide distribution. Often breakfast simply consists of a pastry, such as a Burek and a Turkish coffee or a glass of yogurt. However, on weekends you can get more elaborate meze, including plates of eggs cooked with steamed vegetables. kajmak and other homemade soft cheeses, vegetable preserves such as the popular sweet pepper and eggplant relish Ajvarand layered pastries filled with everything from meat to vegetables to jam. Pickled vegetables are common throughout the Balkans, as are canned fruits. The portions are usually small and, she adds with a laugh, “We use plates and cutlery.”

As common as it may be in the Balkans, this type of small plate-style dining is not unique to the region.

“This culture is generally Mediterranean,” says food historian and University of the Pacific professor Ken Albala, pointing to similar food presentations such as Spanish tapas, Basque pinchos and Italian mezze platters. And breakfasts made with fresh, whole ingredients are common in Turkey, Egypt, and as far east as Israel and Lebanon. “I can’t imagine what that would do in typical Balkan terms.”

The benefits of a Balkan breakfast

Balkan Breakfast focuses on convenience, simplicity and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a healthy and adaptable morning routine.