Weekend Brunch Specials: Weekends have a special significance in everyone’s life. While the rest of the week is spent in rush, office, school and responsibilities, Saturday and Sunday give us a golden opportunity to take out some special time for ourselves and our family. And if this special time starts with a delicious and healthy breakfast, then the day starts on a great note. As the old saying goes – “Breakfast like a king, Lunch like a prince and Dinner like a beggar”, it simply means that the day should start with the best and most filling food.
I myself completely agree with this idea. Especially when it comes to eating out, I prefer brunch over dinner because early morning food not only digests well but also keeps you full of energy throughout the day. So in this article, I will introduce you to such breakfast options from different parts of India and some corners of the world that are the best in both taste and health.
Maharashtra’s Taste of Morning: Thalipeeth, Batata Poha and Misal
Having grown up in the streets of Mumbai, I am well aware of the traditional cuisine of Maharashtra. The food here is not only spicy, but also has a depth of locality and tradition. Thalipeeth, a special type of bread made from roasted pulses, grains like chickpeas and millets, is completely gluten-free and extremely beneficial for health. It is often served with curd or butter, and consuming it early in the morning fills the body with protein and fiber.
Along with this, Batata Poha is a dish that is the life of every Maharashtrian household. It is prepared with poha, potatoes and mild spices and is perfect to satisfy the hunger pangs in the morning. On the other hand, if you want to eat something spicy and tasty, then Misal is the best for you. This spicy lentil-based gravy, farsan, is a combination of onions and lemon, which makes for a perfectly balanced and flavourful snack.
Sweetness and Health of Gujarat: Thepla, Muthia and Dhokla
Gujarat cuisine is a treasure trove of flavour and health. I have family ties with Gujarat, and hence, I have a special love for the traditional recipes of the state. Thepla, a spicy flatbread made with fenugreek, atta and curd, is an ideal travel food as it is non-perishable and light to eat. It is said that no Gujarati travels without a thepla—and that is very true!
Moong Dhokla, which is made from moong dal, is not only delicious but also a good source of protein. It is steamed, which does not contain added oil and is beneficial for health. Muthia, made with a variety of vegetables and gram flour, is a healthy snack that is steamed and topped with a mustard tadka. Patra, made with arbi leaves, is a little heavy but a must-have for special occasions.
North India’s Taste: The Invaluable Taste of Parathas
When it comes to North India, the aroma of parathas is mouth-watering. Whether it is full of potatoes, a juicy layer of paneer, or the crunchy texture of cauliflower and cabbage—parathas are a dish that everyone loves. Start your morning with a hot aloo paratha, topped with a layer of butter and curd—and you are set for the day.
Paneer parathas, a great source of protein, are not only delicious but also a great breakfast option for kids. Broccoli and cauliflower parathas, which are now trending among health conscious people, are a perfect combination of taste and nutrition. Serve them with a little desi ghee, and if there is a sweet chutney or pickle, then it is great!
Sanjeevani of South India: Dosa, Idli and Upma
If you want to eat something light, easily digestible and traditional, then there is nothing better than South Indian breakfast. Masala dosa, which comes with spicy potato stuffing and crispy crust, makes breakfast special. When served with coconut chutney and sambhar, the taste experience increases manifold.
Ragi idli has become a great option, especially in today’s health-conscious world. It is rich in calcium and iron and keeps the body active throughout the day. Upma, which is made from semolina and lots of vegetables, is a balanced breakfast that is good for people of all ages.
A glimpse of the world: International breakfasts that will win hearts
When food has become a global experience, why not add some new flavours to breakfast? Avocado omelette panini, which is full of healthy fats and protein, is very popular among the youth. It is light on the stomach and tastes great.
Creamy oatmeal, to which you can add cinnamon, apples, nuts and milk, is perfect for both children and the elderly. Buckwheat banana pancakes, which are gluten-free, bring both sweetness and nutrition to breakfast. If you want something fresh and sweet, Apple Delight is a quick recipe that is especially loved by children.
Special tea sip: Mornings are incomplete without masala chai
Now let’s talk about that special thing that makes breakfast complete—masala chai. Made from ginger, basil, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves, this tea is not only delicious in taste but also protects against cold and flu and keeps the body energetic throughout the day. A cup of tea in the morning keeps you mentally refreshed. It makes you feel refreshed and energized.
Conclusion: The sweetness of the weekend is double the sweetness of breakfast
Every weekend gives us an opportunity to sit down with our family, talk to each other, and cook something together that tastes good, is healthy and strengthens relationships. Breakfast is not just a way to fill the stomach, it is a tradition, an occasion—where we can share laughter, memories and taste with our loved ones.
So try something new this weekend. Be it Indian or foreign, healthy or a little indulgent—but made with your own hands. Believe me, your family will surely appreciate your efforts.