The late morning hours are often overlooked as a dining occasion, falling awkwardly between breakfast and lunch. But the tradition of brunch in continental elegantly bridges this gap, offering a relaxed, lingering meal that brings friends and family together. Dishes tend to be hearty yet refined, marrying comfort with a touch of indulgence.
What exactly is brunch? It typically happens on weekends and often has drink specials like mimosas or Bloody Marys. The food strikes a creative balance between breakfast and lunch, sometimes fusing elements of both. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and conversational with no hurry to leave the table. It’s a time to unwind and reconnect over flavorful plates.
Compared to American-style brunch which focuses more on eggs, pancakes and breakfast meats, continental brunch showcases breads, pastries, unique proteins and regional specialties. Let’s explore some iconic offerings from France, Italy and beyond.
FRANCE: Buttery Croissants and Crêpes
The French take credit for pioneering brunch with their tradition of lengthy, indulgent weekend meals. Must-try pastries include flaky, crescent-shaped croissants and sweet crêpes filled with chocolate or fruit preserves. Pair them with jam, butter and café au lait for an authentic experience. Heartier options include crusty baguettes with smoked salmon or the iconic combination of ham, cheese and fried egg on a croque madame sandwich.
ITALY: Savory Tarts and Stuffed Breads
Italians add substance and flair to brunch through savory tarts and breads. Picture slices of a quiche-like frittata dotted with vegetables, meat or cheese served alongside a frothy cappuccino. Other options include tomato and mozzarella tartes or bruschettas – grilled bread brushed with olive oil and topped with tomatoes, basil and pecorino cheese. Paninis pressed hot and crispy may contain eggs, sautéed greens and melty fontina. Whatever form it takes, expect the flavors to really sing.
GERMANY: Cold Cuts and Hearty Rolls
The Germans have an affinity for heartiness with their baked goods and cold cut platters. Pair thin slices of salami, smoked ham, roast beef and flavorful cheeses with crispy rolls and nutty butter. Or try a loaded German pancake called kaiserschmarrn – a sweet shredded pancake with rum-soaked raisins and almonds. Finally, a rich pork and beef meat spread called fleischsalat adds protein between slices of pumpernickel bread.
THE NETHERLANDS: Pancakes and Herring
Don’t let its diminutive size fool you – the Netherlands punches far above its weight class when it comes to brunch in continental style. The famous Dutch baby pancake has a puffy, eggy base topped with powdered sugar and lemon or syrup. Savory buckwheat pannenkoeken may come filled with cheese, bacon, onions or herbs. Finally, the iconic pairing of pickled herring with chopped onion on rye or brown bread makes for a briny, satisfying start to brunch.
SPAIN: Churros and Chocolate
Spain keeps things sweet with the beloved midmorning snack of churros con chocolate. These piped dough fritters get doused in thick hot chocolate for dipping. The cinnamon-sugar coating provides a contrasting texture. Flaky Spanish tortillas with potato and eggs also make frequent brunch appearances, served warm or at room temperature with aioli. For a regional specialty, try pan con tomate – grilled bread rubbed with garlic and tomato then topped with Jamón Serrano ham and extra virgin olive oil.
Make Brunch a Movable Feast
Part of brunch’s appeal comes from its flexibility – dishes can be light or substantial, quick or leisurely. The brunch in continental style moves seamlessly from sweet baked goods to eggy sandwiches to hearty meat and cheese boards. The atmosphere also morphs to suit the mood, from quiet cafes to buzzing hotel restaurants. Indian brunch-goers can sample continental classics right at home through pop-ups or themed menus at local restaurants.
Trying new eateries for brunch is part of the fun. The Hogr app makes it easy to discover brunch hotspots nearby and book a table instantly. Users can browse menus, reviews and availability in real time, then choose a spot and invite friends effortlessly. So gather your crew and make brunch into a movable feast wherever your appetite takes you! The continental tradition guarantees a little something for all tastes – from fluffy pancakes to crusty baguettes.
Also Read- The Delicious Secret Behind Garlic Chutney Vada Pav
