Asian breakfasts offer a vibrant and diverse range of flavors, textures, and ingredients that reflect the rich culinary traditions across the continent.
From comforting rice porridges and savory steamed buns to flavorful noodle soups and crispy pancakes, Asian breakfast recipes provide wholesome and satisfying ways to start your day.
Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or hearty and indulgent, this collection of over 24 Asian breakfast recipes showcases the best morning meals from countries like China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond.
Dive into these authentic dishes to explore new tastes and bring a delicious cultural twist to your breakfast table.
24+ Flavorful Asian Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
Exploring Asian breakfast recipes is a wonderful way to experience the depth and variety of flavors that make morning meals so special across different cultures.
Whether you prefer the smooth comfort of congee, the spicy kick of kimchi fried rice, or the delicate sweetness of Thai mango sticky rice, these 24+ recipes offer something for every palate.
Incorporating these dishes into your breakfast routine not only expands your culinary horizons but also introduces nutritious and satisfying meals to start your day right.
Give these recipes a try and enjoy the rich heritage and delicious tastes of Asian breakfasts.
congee
Congee is a classic Asian rice porridge that’s warm, comforting, and incredibly versatile.
Often enjoyed as a breakfast staple across many Asian countries, congee can be customized with a variety of toppings like meat, eggs, and fresh herbs to suit your taste.
Its smooth texture and mild flavor make it gentle on the stomach, ideal for starting the day.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Water or chicken broth
- Ginger slices
- Salt
- Optional toppings: shredded chicken, scallions, soy sauce, boiled eggs, fried shallots
Instructions:
Rinse rice and add it to a pot with plenty of water or broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add ginger slices and cook until rice breaks down into a thick porridge, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt.
Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as shredded chicken, chopped scallions, soy sauce, or boiled eggs.
Congee is a soothing, customizable breakfast that provides warmth and nourishment.
It’s perfect for those chilly mornings or when you want a light yet satisfying meal to start your day.
miso soup with rice
Miso soup with rice is a simple and nourishing Japanese breakfast that combines the umami-rich flavor of miso broth with the heartiness of rice.
This dish is light, savory, and easy to prepare, offering a perfect balance to begin your morning.
Ingredients:
- Miso paste
- Dashi stock or vegetable broth
- Tofu, diced
- Wakame seaweed
- Cooked rice
- Scallions
Instructions:
Heat dashi stock until warm but not boiling.
Whisk in miso paste until dissolved.
Add tofu cubes and wakame seaweed and gently simmer for a few minutes.
Serve the miso soup alongside a bowl of cooked rice, garnished with chopped scallions.
This combination provides a comforting, umami-filled breakfast that’s both gentle on the stomach and energizing. It’s a great way to enjoy traditional Japanese flavors in a quick and satisfying morning meal.
savory steamed buns
Savory steamed buns, or baozi, are fluffy, warm, and filled with delicious savory fillings like pork, vegetables, or mushrooms.
Popular throughout China and other parts of Asia, these buns make a filling and flavorful breakfast option that’s portable and fun to eat.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour or bao flour
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Water
- Filling: ground pork, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, scallions, and sesame oil
Instructions:
Prepare dough by mixing flour, yeast, sugar, and water, then knead and let it rise until doubled.
Cook filling by sautéing ground pork with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, scallions, and sesame oil until cooked through.
Divide dough into small portions, flatten, and fill each with a spoonful of filling.
Seal buns and steam them until fluffy and cooked, about 15 minutes.
Savory steamed buns offer a delightful combination of soft, pillowy dough and flavorful filling.
They are perfect for a hearty breakfast that’s traditional, satisfying, and great for sharing.
kimchi fried rice
Kimchi fried rice is a flavorful and spicy Korean breakfast dish that makes use of leftover rice and fermented kimchi.
It’s quick to prepare and packed with bold, tangy flavors, making it a satisfying start to the day.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Kimchi, chopped
- Eggs
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Green onions
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add chopped kimchi and cook for a few minutes.
Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce, frying everything together until heated through.
Push rice to the side of the pan and scramble eggs on the other side, then mix into the rice.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Kimchi fried rice is a vibrant and hearty breakfast option that combines spicy, savory, and tangy notes.
It’s a great way to kickstart your morning with authentic Korean flavors and a satisfying meal.
Vietnamese pho
Vietnamese pho is a fragrant and flavorful noodle soup often enjoyed for breakfast in Vietnam.
It features a clear, aromatic broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced meat or tofu, offering a warm and nourishing way to begin the day.
Ingredients:
- Beef or chicken broth
- Rice noodles
- Thinly sliced beef or tofu
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Hoisin and sriracha sauces
Instructions:
Prepare broth by simmering bones and spices for several hours for depth of flavor.
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
Place noodles and raw sliced beef or tofu in a bowl.
Pour hot broth over to cook the meat.
Top with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and sauces as desired.
Pho is a comforting and complex breakfast dish that balances savory broth with fresh, bright herbs and spices.
It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal that energizes and warms you for the day ahead.
Japanese tamagoyaki
Japanese tamagoyaki is a sweet and savory rolled omelette traditionally served at breakfast in Japan.
Made by layering thin sheets of cooked egg, it’s tender, slightly sweet, and easy to prepare, perfect for a quick and elegant morning meal.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Soy sauce
- Mirin (sweet rice wine)
- Sugar
- Oil for cooking
Instructions:
Whisk eggs with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar until combined.
Heat a non-stick pan and lightly oil it.
Pour a thin layer of egg mixture and cook until partially set.
Roll the egg to one side of the pan, then pour another layer of egg under the roll.
Repeat layering and rolling until all egg mixture is used.
Slice the rolled omelette and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tamagoyaki is a delicate and flavorful breakfast dish that’s both sweet and savory.
Its light texture and balanced taste make it a delightful addition to any morning meal or bento box.
savory congee with century egg
Savory congee with century egg is a traditional Chinese breakfast that combines creamy rice porridge with the rich, unique flavor of preserved century eggs.
This comforting dish is often enjoyed with fresh herbs and soy sauce, providing a warming and satisfying start to the day.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Water or chicken broth
- Century eggs, diced
- Ginger slices
- Scallions
- Soy sauce
- White pepper
Instructions:
Cook rice in water or broth until it breaks down into a creamy porridge, stirring occasionally.
Add ginger slices and season with salt and white pepper.
Stir in diced century eggs just before serving.
Garnish with chopped scallions and a splash of soy sauce.
This savory congee is a hearty and flavorful breakfast option that’s deeply rooted in Chinese culinary tradition.
The creamy texture combined with the distinctive century egg flavor offers a unique and nourishing meal to start your morning.
Malaysian roti canai with dhal
Malaysian roti canai with dhal is a popular breakfast pairing consisting of flaky, pan-fried flatbread served alongside a fragrant lentil curry.
It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that balances crispy bread with rich, spiced dhal.
Ingredients:
- Roti canai dough (flour, water, oil, salt)
- Red lentils
- Coconut milk
- Onion
- Garlic
- Curry powder
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Prepare and stretch roti canai dough, then pan-fry until golden and crispy.
Cook red lentils with onions, garlic, curry powder, and coconut milk until thick and creamy.
Serve roti canai hot with a side of dhal for dipping.
Garnish dhal with fresh cilantro.
This combination is a beloved Malaysian breakfast that offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
The crispy flatbread paired with creamy, spiced dhal makes for a comforting and filling start to the day.
Korean vegetable pancake (pajeon)
Korean vegetable pancake, or pajeon, is a savory, crispy pancake made with scallions and a variety of vegetables.
It’s a popular breakfast or snack in Korea, often enjoyed with a tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour or rice flour
- Water
- Scallions
- Carrots, julienned
- Zucchini, julienned
- Eggs
- Soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes for dipping sauce
Instructions:
Mix flour and water to create a thin batter.
Add scallions, carrots, zucchini, and beaten eggs to the batter.
Pour mixture into a hot, oiled skillet and cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes.
Pajeon is a crispy, flavorful breakfast option that balances savory vegetables with a satisfying crunch.
Its easy preparation and delicious taste make it a perfect introduction to Korean cuisine in the morning.
steamed rice rolls
Steamed rice rolls, known as chee cheong fun in Cantonese cuisine, are silky, soft rice noodle sheets rolled and often filled with shrimp, pork, or vegetables.
Served with a savory soy-based sauce, they make a light yet satisfying breakfast popular in many parts of Asia.
Ingredients:
- Rice flour
- Tapioca starch
- Water
- Filling: shrimp, char siu pork, or mushrooms (optional)
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
Mix rice flour, tapioca starch, and water to form a smooth batter.
Steam thin layers of the batter on a flat tray until set and translucent.
Place filling on the steamed layer, roll gently, and transfer to a plate.
Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil before serving.
Steamed rice rolls are a delicate, comforting breakfast with a smooth texture and savory flavors.
They’re a great option for those who enjoy light, flavorful dishes that highlight traditional Asian tastes.
Thai mango sticky rice
Thai mango sticky rice is a beloved breakfast and dessert that pairs sweet, ripe mango with creamy coconut-flavored sticky rice.
This dish balances sweetness and richness, offering a refreshing and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients:
- Glutinous (sticky) rice
- Coconut milk
- Sugar
- Salt
- Ripe mangoes
Instructions:
Soak sticky rice and steam until tender.
Simmer coconut milk with sugar and a pinch of salt until combined.
Pour coconut milk mixture over cooked sticky rice and let it absorb.
Serve with sliced ripe mango on the side.
This breakfast offers a sweet and creamy taste experience that’s deeply rooted in Thai cuisine.
The combination of fragrant sticky rice and juicy mango makes it a perfect morning treat or snack.
Japanese rice balls (onigiri)
Japanese rice balls, or onigiri, are compact, portable, and often filled with savory ingredients like pickled plum, salmon, or seaweed.
They are a convenient and traditional breakfast or snack option that’s simple yet delicious.
Ingredients:
- Cooked Japanese short-grain rice
- Fillings: pickled plum (umeboshi), cooked salmon, or seaweed
- Salt
- Nori sheets (seaweed)
Instructions:
While rice is still warm, season lightly with salt.
Shape rice into triangles or balls, placing filling in the center.
Wrap with a strip of nori if desired.
Serve immediately or pack for on-the-go breakfasts.
Onigiri are a versatile, satisfying breakfast that’s easy to prepare and customize.
Their portability and variety of fillings make them a staple in Japanese breakfast culture and perfect for busy mornings.
savory soy milk soup
Savory soy milk soup is a popular breakfast dish in parts of East Asia, especially China and Taiwan.
It features warm, creamy soy milk seasoned with ingredients like pickled vegetables, scallions, and sometimes bits of fried dough, offering a comforting and nutritious start to your day.
Ingredients:
- Fresh soy milk
- Pickled mustard greens or pickled vegetables
- Scallions, chopped
- Fried dough sticks (optional)
- Soy sauce
- White pepper
Instructions:
Heat fresh soy milk gently without boiling.
Add chopped pickled vegetables, scallions, soy sauce, and white pepper to taste.
Serve hot, optionally topped with pieces of fried dough for added texture.
This soup provides a savory and warming breakfast experience, rich in protein and flavor.
It’s a traditional, comforting dish that’s both simple and satisfying.
Malaysian nasi lemak
Malaysian nasi lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, traditionally served with spicy sambal, hard-boiled eggs, peanuts, and anchovies.
It’s a beloved breakfast staple throughout Malaysia and neighboring countries, offering a rich and flavorful start to the day.
Ingredients:
- Jasmine rice
- Coconut milk
- Pandan leaves
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Sambal (spicy chili paste)
- Fried anchovies
- Roasted peanuts
- Cucumber slices
Instructions:
Cook jasmine rice with coconut milk and pandan leaves until fluffy and aromatic.
Serve rice with sambal, hard-boiled eggs, fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, and cucumber slices on the side.
Nasi lemak is a hearty and flavorful breakfast that combines creamy, spicy, salty, and fresh elements.
Its rich coconut aroma and bold accompaniments make it a satisfying and iconic morning meal.
Filipino garlic fried rice (sinangag)
Filipino garlic fried rice, or sinangag, is a simple yet flavorful breakfast staple made by stir-frying leftover rice with plenty of garlic.
It’s typically served alongside eggs and cured meats, making it a beloved comfort food in Filipino households.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- Garlic, minced
- Oil
- Salt
- Optional: eggs and cured meats (tocino, longganisa)
Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until golden and fragrant.
Add cooked rice and stir-fry, breaking up any clumps.
Season with salt to taste.
Serve with fried eggs and cured meats for a complete breakfast.
Sinangag is a quick, easy, and aromatic wheat-free breakfast that pairs perfectly with savory sides.
Its rich garlic flavor and satisfying texture make it a comforting way to start your day Filipino-style.
miso soup with tofu and seaweed
Miso soup with tofu and seaweed is a classic Japanese breakfast dish that’s light, nourishing, and full of umami flavor.
Made from fermented soybean paste, this soup is easy to prepare and pairs well with rice or other breakfast dishes.
Ingredients:
- Miso paste
- Dashi stock or vegetable broth
- Soft tofu, cubed
- Wakame seaweed
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions:
Heat dashi stock until warm but not boiling.
Dissolve miso paste into the broth by whisking gently.
Add tofu cubes and wakame seaweed and simmer for a few minutes.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
This soup offers a comforting and healthy start to your day with protein and probiotics from the miso, making it a staple in Japanese morning meals.
Chinese scallion pancakes
Chinese scallion pancakes are savory, crispy flatbreads loaded with fresh scallions and a hint of sesame oil.
They are popular breakfast or snack items across China and provide a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Water
- Scallions, finely chopped
- Sesame oil
- Salt
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Make a dough by mixing flour and water, then let it rest.
Roll out the dough, brush with sesame oil, sprinkle chopped scallions and salt.
Roll and flatten the dough into pancakes.
Pan-fry in hot oil until golden and crispy on both sides.
Scallion pancakes are a delicious, wheat-based breakfast treat with a satisfying texture and aromatic flavor, perfect for enjoying with soy sauce or chili paste.
Vietnamese banh mi breakfast sandwich
Vietnamese banh mi breakfast sandwich is a flavorful fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines.
It features a crispy baguette filled with eggs, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory meats or tofu for a balanced, vibrant morning meal.
Ingredients:
- Baguette or French roll
- Eggs (fried or scrambled)
- Pickled carrots and daikon
- Cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
- Mayonnaise
- Optional: grilled pork, tofu, or cold cuts
Instructions:
Lightly toast the baguette.
Spread mayonnaise on the inside.
Layer with cooked eggs, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and jalapeño slices.
Add your choice of protein if desired.
This sandwich is a satisfying and flavorful breakfast option that combines crunchy bread with fresh and tangy ingredients, reflecting the unique culinary heritage of Vietnam.
Japanese okayu
Japanese okayu is a simple, comforting rice porridge commonly eaten for breakfast or when feeling under the weather.
It’s mild, easy to digest, and can be flavored with toppings like pickled plums, green onions, or soy sauce to suit your preference.
Ingredients:
- Short-grain rice
- Water or dashi stock
- Salt
- Optional toppings: umeboshi (pickled plum), scallions, soy sauce
Instructions:
Rinse rice and cook it in a large amount of water or dashi until it breaks down into a thick, creamy porridge.
Season lightly with salt.
Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as umeboshi, scallions, or a drizzle of soy sauce.
Okayu is a soothing and gentle breakfast, providing warmth and hydration while being easy on the stomach—a traditional way to start the day in Japan.
Chinese youtiao with soy milk
Youtiao with soy milk is a classic Chinese breakfast pairing, featuring crispy, deep-fried dough sticks served alongside warm, slightly sweet soy milk.
This combination balances crunchy and creamy textures and is beloved for its simplicity and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients:
- Ready-made youtiao (Chinese fried dough sticks)
- Soy milk
- Sugar (optional)
Instructions:
Heat soy milk until warm but not boiling.
Fry or heat youtiao until crispy.
Serve youtiao alongside warm soy milk for dipping.
Optionally, sweeten soy milk lightly with sugar.
This breakfast offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, perfect for those who enjoy traditional Chinese morning meals that are both filling and comforting.
Korean soft tofu stew (soondubu jjigae)
Korean soft tofu stew, or soondubu jjigae, is a spicy and savory stew featuring silky soft tofu, vegetables, and often seafood or pork.
It’s a warm and hearty breakfast option that’s rich in flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- Soft tofu
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) or chili flakes
- Garlic
- Onion
- Seafood or pork (optional)
- Green onions
- Soy sauce
Instructions:
Sauté garlic and onions in a pot.
Add gochujang or chili flakes and stir to release aroma.
Add broth, soft tofu, and your choice of seafood or pork.
Simmer gently until flavors meld.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Soondubu jjigae is a comforting, spicy breakfast stew that’s perfect for chilly mornings and offers a flavorful start with a good balance of protein and spice.
Chinese steamed dumplings
Chinese steamed dumplings, also known as jiaozi, are a beloved breakfast option across many regions in China.
These delicate dough parcels are filled with seasoned meat or vegetables and steamed to juicy perfection, making them both satisfying and light.
Ingredients:
- Dumpling wrappers
- Ground pork or chicken
- Cabbage or napa cabbage, finely chopped
- Ginger and garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
Combine ground meat, chopped cabbage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl to make the filling.
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper and seal the edges.
Steam the dumplings for about 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
Steamed dumplings are a flavorful and nourishing breakfast that delivers a wonderful mix of textures and tastes. They’re perfect for sharing and can be dipped in soy sauce or chili oil for added flavor.
Filipino champorado
Filipino champorado is a sweet chocolate rice porridge traditionally enjoyed for breakfast.
Made with glutinous rice and cocoa powder or tablea (chocolate tablets), it’s creamy, comforting, and often paired with salty dried fish to balance the flavors.
Ingredients:
- Glutinous rice
- Cocoa powder or tablea
- Sugar
- Water or milk
- Salted dried fish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook glutinous rice with water until soft and porridge-like.
Add cocoa powder and sugar, stirring until combined and creamy.
Serve hot, optionally paired with salty dried fish for contrast.
Champorado is a deliciously indulgent breakfast that combines sweet and salty in a uniquely Filipino way.
It’s perfect for cooler mornings or when you want a comforting treat.
Thai jok (rice porridge)
Thai jok is a traditional rice porridge popular for breakfast throughout Thailand.
It’s typically served with minced pork, ginger, and fresh herbs, creating a savory and warming dish that’s easy to digest.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Water or broth
- Ground pork
- Ginger, minced
- Garlic
- Fish sauce
- Green onions and cilantro
Instructions:
Cook rice in water or broth until it breaks down into a creamy porridge.
In a separate pan, cook ground pork with garlic and ginger.
Add cooked pork to the porridge and season with fish sauce.
Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.
Thai jok is a comforting and hearty breakfast option that balances savory flavors with the creamy texture of porridge.
It’s ideal for those seeking a flavorful yet gentle start to the day.
Conclusion
With such a wide array of Asian breakfast recipes to choose from, mornings don’t have to be mundane or repetitive. From savory dumplings and flavorful soups to sweet porridges and crispy pancakes, these dishes bring warmth, comfort, and vibrant flavors to your first meal of the day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family and friends, the variety in these 24+ Asian breakfast recipes ensures you’ll find plenty of inspiration to create memorable and nourishing breakfasts. Embrace the delicious diversity of Asian cuisine and transform your mornings with these authentic recipes. flavorful soups anytime. These recipes highlight how simple it is to prepare nutritious meals that don’t compromise on taste or texture. Whether you’re seeking warming, spicy bowls or creamy, mild blends, the Ace Nova blender streamlines the cooking process, making it easy to whip up soups that satisfy and comfort. Embrace these recipes to enhance your culinary repertoire and make soup-making a quick, enjoyable part of your routine.
