Full English! A Fry Up! Full Monty! You will often hear these terms used in many luxury hotels, B&Bs, local restaurants and cafes throughout the UK for ‘A Full English Breakfast’. It is one of the most popular British dishes not just in UK, but in many parts of Europe.

This picture was clicked in January having my vegetarian version in a local café in North London – baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, vegan sausages, tomatoes toast with piping hot tea. Hash browns have become a part of this traditional English breakfast, however this is more of an American concept.

When I was fairly new to the UK, I was really fascinated by this ‘kinda heavy’ classic breakfast and now it has become my staple leisure brunch spread in the weekends. As classic as fish and chips, it is one of the most internationally recognized British dishes. And because of its popularity, many restaurants and pubs offer this meal at any time of day as an “all-day breakfast”.

Though it has different regional modifications in name and the items served, while it it traditionally includes bacon, eggs, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast with coffee or tea, we vegetarians also have a fairly good option. Simply swap out the pork sausages to vegan ones and take out the bacon. Many add black pudding to the menu too.

The concept of the English breakfast as a national dish goes right back to the 13th century and the country houses of the gentry. In the old Anglo-Saxon tradition of hospitality, households would provide hearty breakfasts for visiting friends, relatives and neighbours. Breakfast was always considered a leisure meal, and it was well spent with friends, family and newspapers. Yes, newspapers! Amazingly, reading newspapers is accepted as a part of this meal as it is usually a relaxed meal of the day with chit chats, conversations and good company. But yes, only for breakfast, not accepted in any other meals.

So, what are your breakfast options? How do you like to have your breakfast? How often you indulge in a heavy breakfast? What are your thoughts?