Weekend Brunch Around the World: 4 Ideas to Try

Brunch is the happiest meal of the weekend: relaxed, shareable and a little bit indulgent. In my family, weekends always began late, with the smell of chai and something sizzling in the kitchen. Since moving to London, I’ve come to love how many different brunch traditions there are around the world, and how easily many of them can be brought to your own table. Here are four to try, plus plenty of tips for hosting a brunch that feels effortless.

Shakshuka (Middle East and North Africa)

Eggs gently poached in a spiced sauce of tomatoes, peppers and onions, served with crusty bread. It cooks in one pan and feeds a crowd. The sauce can be made ahead, and you simply reheat it and crack in the eggs when guests arrive. Cumin, paprika and a little chilli give it warmth, and crumbled feta and fresh herbs finish it beautifully. Try my Shakshuka recipe.

Huevos rancheros (Mexico)

Fried eggs on warm corn tortillas topped with a smoky tomato salsa, often served with beans. Bright, hearty and full of flavour, it’s a wonderful dish to build at the table, with bowls of avocado, coriander, lime and hot sauce for everyone to add as they like. See my Huevos Rancheros recipe.

The full English breakfast (United Kingdom)

A big plate of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, grilled tomato, mushrooms, baked beans and buttered toast. It’s the classic cooked breakfast for a slow weekend morning, and living in the UK, I’ve grown very fond of it. The secret to a great fry-up is timing: start with the items that take longest, such as sausages and mushrooms, and keep them warm in a low oven while you cook the eggs last. For a vegetarian version, swap in halloumi, hash browns and a good veggie sausage.

A Mediterranean-style spread

Skip the single dish and set out several small plates: olives, cheese, sliced vegetables, dips, fresh bread and fruit. Everyone builds their own plate, and the host can relax. Read more in my Mediterranean breakfast ideas.

Don’t forget an Indian-style option

Indian breakfasts make wonderful brunch dishes too. A pan of hot poha, a plate of crisp dosas or buttery aloo paratha with curd and pickle will delight guests who haven’t tried them before. Try my guide to fluffy kanda poha or the South Indian breakfast guide for ideas.

How to host a relaxed brunch

• Choose one hot main dish and a few easy cold sides.
• Prepare sauces, dips and chopped vegetables the night before. Most of the work should be done before guests arrive.
• Serve plenty of good bread, since it goes with everything.
• Offer a mix of drinks, such as fresh juice, coffee, masala chai and sparkling water.
• Finish with something sweet like fruit, yogurt and honey, or a simple cake.
• Set the table the evening before, so the morning feels calm.

A sample brunch menu

If you’d like a plan, here’s one that works for six people. Make shakshuka as the hot main, and serve it with warm bread and a bowl of labneh. Add a platter of sliced tomatoes, cucumbers and olives, a plate of fruit and a jug of fresh orange juice. For something sweet, serve yogurt with honey and pistachios. Most of it can be ready within an hour, and you’ll have time to sit down with your guests.

Planning for dietary needs

Ask your guests ahead of time about allergies and preferences. Many brunch dishes are naturally vegetarian, and it’s easy to offer gluten-free bread or dairy-free options alongside. Label dishes if you can, especially those containing nuts, eggs or dairy.

Making it memorable

The best brunches are about people, not perfection. A few flowers on the table, good music and a relaxed host are all you need. Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a dish or help in the kitchen, as that’s part of the fun.

Want more inspiration? Browse all our breakfast and brunch recipes, and tell me which brunch you tried through the contact page.