Every country has its own breakfast, and the UK is no different. But did you know each country in the UK has its own variant of the classic Full English Breakfast? I’m no stranger to an English breakfast — be it morning or brunch — but as we travel across the UK, I’m looking forward to discovering how the Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish fare in their versions too.
The Classic Full English 🇬🇧
The English breakfast comes with a wide range of food: sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast — all washed down with a cup of tea! Some include black pudding, hash browns, or fried bread. I once even had chips on a fry-up, and even to me, that was weird!
My favourite combination would be sausages, bacon, a double serving of mushrooms, fried bread, and black pudding. Honestly, I dislike cooked tomato on its own, so that’s one I’ll happily skip.
The Welsh Breakfast 🐉
The one I’m probably most looking forward to — mainly because of laverbread! It’s made from seaweed, and I love seaweed. They also have cockles, which I like too, though I’m not sure about them for breakfast. It’s paired with the usual suspects of sausage and bacon, and some include eggs, mushrooms, and black pudding, just like the English version.
The Scottish Breakfast 🏴
Scotland puts their iconic haggis, which I already love, right on the breakfast plate. They also include tattie scones and square sausage (called Lorne sausage). Then they add the traditional items, making it sound like the perfect breakfast for a cold morning in the Highlands.
The Ulster Fry 🇮🇪
The Ulster Fry is Northern Ireland’s version of the fry-up. It swaps traditional toast for soda bread and includes potato farls — which I’ll admit I’ve never tried, but I won’t shy away from anything potato! Everything is golden, crispy, and just a little indulgent. Definitely one I’d love to try with a hot cup of tea on the side.
My Thoughts ✨
What I love about these variations is that they all celebrate local ingredients — it’s the same comforting idea, but each region adds its own twist. I think trying all four will be a delicious way to explore the UK through food.
So maybe one day soon, Erika and I will have our own “Great British Breakfast Tour”, tasting each version in its home country. I’ll be sure to report back with our favourites.
Couch Potato to World Getter 
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