Breakfast In Latin America: A Country-by-Country Guide

South America’s beauty and diversity leaves many travelers enchanted. However, many people when contemplating going somewhere a little different can be anxious about the food - but if you use common sense then you should avoid wasting days of your holiday lying in bed dealing with a bad stomach. All countries are unique and starting the day with a region’s specialist dish is a great way of getting to know a place. This article looks at five of the most popular - and possibly challenging - breakfast options in Latin America.

Mexico - Huevos Rancheros

Huevos rancheros or Rancher's Eggs - traditionally a hearty breakfast for farm workers - consisting of fried eggs which are placed on top of corn bread and topped with a tomato and chilli sauce. This is accompanied by refried beans, avocado, guacamole and rice mixed with tomatoes, green chillies, garlic and onions and chicken stock, boiled together with herbs and spices. It might sound a bit much but if you’re going to be out and about all day it’ll certainly keep you going.

Peru – Ceviche and Coca Tea

Ceviche has its origins in Peru, but can also be enjoyed in many other countries throughout South America, with each country having its own variation on the dish. Traditionally in Peru, it is made from fresh raw fish which has been marinated in lemon juice. Spices and chilli peppers are added, together with chopped onions, coriander and salt. Ceviche will normally be accompanied by side dishes such as sweet potato, plantain, lettuce and avocado. It may seem a surprising breakfast choice but ceviche is eaten  all times of day in Peru. Coca Tea, made from the Coca plant certainly packs a punch and in Peru it is drunk with most meals as it is considered a great prevention/remedy for altitude sickness.

Argentina – Facturas with Dulche de Leche and Mate

For those with a sweet tooth, there is nothing finer than facturas, which are delicious rolls which can be filled with wonderful combinations, such as custard, dulce de leche and jam. Dulce de leche is a sweet milk which can be made into either a thick jam or a caramel. Facturas are normally served together with Mate which is a brew of dried yerba mate leaves and served with a metal straw called a bombilla, from a hollow calabash gourd.  You won’t fail to see mate drinkers on an Argentina holiday -it’s very popular with young and old alike.

Brazil - Queijo Coalho and Mortadella

Dairy is not consumed or produced in Brazil in the quantities that it is in Europe but one of  the country’s most popular is Queijo Coalho which can vary from a delicate soft and creamy taste to the very strong aged varieties, but whatever your preference, it is delicious when eaten with mortadella, a type of smoked sausage, served with a chunk of crispy white bread and a cup of the local, very strong, nutty tasting coffee.

Bolivia - Saltenas and Bolivian Tea

Bolivia is famed for its saltenas, which are similar to empanadas, and are pastries which contain a filling of spiced beef or chicken and vegetables. They are great for breakfast or as a snack, but be sure to enjoy them with a cup of very special Bolivian tea, which is very similar to Peru’s coca tea and will leave you with great memories of breakfast time in South America.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source 
•  License: Creative Commons image source 
•  License: Creative Commons image source 
•  License: Creative Commons image source 
•  License: Creative Commons image source 

This article was written by Annie P - a UK based food and lifestyle blogger.