【Brunch Cultures Around the World】A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese, Hong Kong, and Italian Brunch Styles

Hong Kong-style brunch blends the essence of Chinese and Western cuisine, representing a unique local culture that emphasizes diverse choices and rich flavors. The most iconic venues for this experience are Hong Kong’s cha chaan tengs, serving diners an array of classic dishes:

• Scrambled Eggs with Toast: Fluffy scrambled eggs paired with crispy toast—a quintessential Hong Kong combination.
• Pineapple Bun: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a slice of butter that releases a rich aroma.
• Satay Beef Noodles: A rich satay broth paired with tender beef and noodles, offering a satisfyingly hearty meal.
• Hong Kong-style Milk Tea, Lemon Tea: The rich blend of tea and milk aroma perfectly complements brunch.

Hong Kong-style brunch portions are generous, typically keeping you full until afternoon, making it ideal for the fast-paced lives of busy urbanites. No matter which Hong Kong-style café you visit, you’ll almost always find these classic dishes, embodying the convenience of Hong Kong’s food culture.

British Brunch is renowned for its hearty, classic offerings, emphasizing ingredient pairing and ritualistic presentation. A traditional British brunch typically includes:

• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon and sausages
• Baked beans in tomato sauce
• Roasted tomatoes and mushrooms
• Black pudding (blood sausage)
• Toast

Beverages typically consist of tea, coffee, or juice. British Brunch emphasizes nutritional balance and satiety, perfect for leisurely enjoyment. It remains a traditional weekend gathering for British high society.

Essential Etiquette for English Brunch

English brunch places great importance on dining etiquette, reflecting the British attention to culinary detail. When enjoying an English brunch, use a knife and fork separately for different items: cut bacon and sausages with a knife, and use a fork to eat baked beans, vegetables, etc., demonstrating an elegant dining approach.

When seasoning, sprinkle salt and pepper separately onto individual items rather than over the entire plate. This preserves the natural flavors of the ingredients and aligns with the spirit of refined dining.

Italian Brunch is renowned for its fresh ingredients, minimalist style, and elegant presentation. Common dishes include:

• Handmade Pasta: Al dente pasta served with various sauces.
• Cold Cuts (Antipasti): Such as Parma ham, cheese, olives, etc.
• Signature Main Courses: Seafood, steak, risotto, and more.
• Desserts (Dolci): Tiramisu, cheesecake, gelato, and other Italian sweets.
• Beverages: Espresso, wine, cocktails.

Italian brunch emphasizes slow living and sharing, valuing dining ambiance and social interaction. Some restaurants even feature dessert carts to elevate the dining experience.

Japanese brunch centers on “health, balance, and seasonal flair,” adhering to the traditional “one soup, three dishes” combination that emphasizes balanced pairings of staple foods, soup, and diverse side dishes. Typical offerings include white rice, miso soup, grilled fish, rolled omelet, assorted pickles, natto, and nori seaweed, with beverages primarily consisting of green tea or miso soup.

Japanese brunch prioritizes fresh ingredients and low-oil, low-salt cooking methods to preserve natural flavors, while vibrant colors and presentation reflect seasonal transitions. Modern interpretations incorporate Western elements like Japanese-style sandwiches and curry rice, catering to diverse cultural tastes.