Oh, the humble egg! At once a versatile ingredient, meal component and tasty snack, do we ever take the time to recognise the importance of the egg? We at Expat Explore sure do! In fact, you may as well call us Eggs-pat Eggs-plore on World Egg Day. Taking place on October 13, this day aims to highlight the nutritional value of one of the world’s most affordable, accessible and, of course, delicious food sources.
While eggs are eaten all over the world, the way in which they are prepared can vary greatly. We’ve been on somewhat of an eggs-ploration and have delighted in egg-centric dishes across the globe. Read on to find out our favourites!
These are the world’s top 10 eggs (in no particular order):
1. Tortilla de Patatas, Spain
While eggs are a popular ingredient in Spain, they are rarely eaten for breakfast. Rather, they are popular as tapas or for dinner. Spain’s most beloved egg dish is the tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette in English).
Traditionally, tortillas are made with only eggs, olive oil and potatoes. However, there is quite a heated debate amongst Spaniards as to whether or not onion should be included in this mixture. Another debate is how the tortilla should be cooked – should the eggs be gooey and runny or should they be more “well done” and solid? The choice is yours when you travel to Spain as most tapas bars will ask you how you want it done!
Related: Delight in more tasty tapas at these must-try Spanish spots!
2. Shakshuka, Middle East & North Africa
The origin of shakshuka is hotly debated with Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia and Yemen all claiming it as their own! It also became and remains very popular in Israel after North African Jews migrated there in the 1950s and 60s. We can certainly understand why. This eggy treat is absolutely irresistible!
The word shakshuka is a Maghrebi Arabic term translating to “mixture”. The mixture in question usually consists of eggs poached in a tomato sauce loaded with peppers, onion and garlic and generously spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper. Depending on where you enjoy your shakshuka, it could be very spicy or more mildly tangy. Some variations include the addition of cheese, olives and minced meat.
Related: Explore the Middle East with Expat Explore and seek out your favourite shakshuka!
3. Egg Coffee, Vietnam
Vietnam combines two beloved breakfast buddies (eggs and coffee) to create the country’s signature beverage. However, Cà phê trứng is more of a dessert than your average cuppa. Strong Vietnamese robusta coffee is mixed with sugar and condensed milk and topped with egg yolks that are heated and whisked to form a custard-like consistency. It may sound like an unusual combo, but trust us – just one sip of this indulgent treat and you’ll be hooked.
Maybe it’s the caffeine, maybe it’s the slightly higher-than-average amount of sugar. Whatever it is, it is simply impossible to visit Vietnam without wanting to stop in every single café and order one after another!
Related: Discover more unique coffee creations!
4. Onsen Tamago, Japan
For those who think Japanese cuisine is just raw fish, think again! Japan offers a wealth of variety when it comes to fresh flavours. Eggs are a very popular source of protein in Japan and are used in a wide array of dishes from hearty ramen bowls to sushi! One of the most popular and most unique egg dishes is the onsen tamago.
Onsen are Japanese hot springs, renowned for their healing properties. To make an onsen tamago, the egg is boiled at a low temperature in the hot waters of an onsen. This creates an eggs-traordinary texture making the white of the egg soft and light and the yellow super creamy. Onsen tamago are commonly served in dashi (broth) for breakfast or a light sauce and spring onions over rice.
Related: These are the dishes you simply have to try in Japan!
5. Scotch Eggs, United Kingdom
Many may think of boiled eggs as the least eggs-citing way to eat an egg. You may even have disturbing flashbacks of being served grossly overcooked hard-boiled eggs at boarding school or camp! However, one bite of a Scotch egg and your negative feelings towards the hard-boiled variety may just disappear.
There’s nothing boring or tasteless about a Scotch egg. With the boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs and then deep fried, it’s an indulgent flavour explosion! It’s unclear where exactly this genius invention was developed. Food historians have theorised that British chefs may have been influenced by similar dishes from India. Others claim that it was developed by the iconic Fortnum & Mason department store. However it landed up in the UK, we’re glad it did!
Related: Embark on a tour of Great Britain and discover more classic British dishes.
6. Carbonara, Italy
It wouldn’t be a foodie list without a trip to Italy! As champions of fresh, natural ingredients and healthy fats, it’s no wonder that Italy loves cooking with eggs. That’s why the egg is the true star of pasta alla carbonara, a classic Italian dish. This pasta favourite is considered a quintessential dish to try in Rome, Italy’s iconic and ancient capital city.
The secret is in the sauce when it comes to carbonara. Raw eggs (usually just the egg yolks for extra richness) are whisked with Pecorino romano cheese and black pepper. This sauce is mixed with hot pasta which essentially “cooks” the sauce without scrambling the eggs. The dish is then topped with crispy guanciale (pork cheek). Bellissimo!
Related: When in Rome, give these unique pasta dishes a try!
7. Çilbir, Turkey
Turkey boasts some truly egg-cellent dishes such as the above-mentioned shakshuka, mememen (similar to shakshuka but with scrambled eggs) and our next entry: Çilbir. Often referred to as Turkish eggs outside of Turkey, this is arguably the signature egg dish of Türkiye.
This deceptively simple combination of poached eggs and yoghurt gets its kick from melted butter infused with Aleppo pepper, a hot yet slightly fruity spice. This also gives the dish its enticing colour. If you’d like to try making Çilbir yourself, you can substitute Aleppo with chilli or paprika.
Related: Discover Turkey’s many culinary, historical and cultural delights on our Highlights of Turkey tour!
8. Dan Bing, Taiwan
One of the best parts of travelling is discovering unique street foods. Seriously, is there anything better than seeing the sights with a delicious treat in hand? Taiwan is an amazing country to try street food with its capital Taipei being renowned for its night markets. Here, you can indulge in the crispiest fried chicken, the sweetest bubble tea and one of the world’s best egg dishes!
Dan Bing is essentially an omelette baked on top of a very thin dough made of flour, potato starch and glutinous rice flour. The dough is cooked on a large wok until golden brown and crispy and then rolled up along with the omelette and an addictive spicy sauce. Other toppings like meat, cheese and spring onions can also be added. While you’ll certainly find Dan Bing in Taiwan, you’ll also find it all over China and it is becoming quite popular in the USA too.
9. Eggs Benedict, USA
As the long-reigning Queen of Sunday Brunch, it would be criminal not to include the beloved Eggs Benny on this list! The traditional recipe features two halves of an English muffin topped with Canadian bacon, poached eggs and bright yellow hollandaise sauce. Hollandaise is made with egg yolks, butter and lemon juice which means that this dish is essentially eggs on eggs.
While it is unclear of the eggs-act origins of the Benny, Delmonico’s restaurant in Manhattan, New York claims that it was first created in their restaurant in 1860. Today, it is common to find breakfast and brunch menus full of variations on the Eggs Benedict. There’s the vegetarian-friendly Eggs Florentine which substitutes bacon for spinach, the Eggs Royale which replaces bacon with smoked salmon and many more!
Related: Enjoy three nights in New York when you join this Eastern USA & Canada Escape!
10. Croque Madame, France
Last but certainly not least on our list is a French sandwich that puts your usual ham and cheese toastie to shame. The Croque Madame (meaning crispy lady) is a variation on the Croque Monsieur (meaning crispy gentleman). This is hot sandwich of boiled ham, sharp Gruyère cheese and béchamel sauce. The Croque Madame takes the Monsieur to the next level by adding a lightly fried egg on top!
The Croque Monsieur became popular in France in the early 1900s while the Croque Madame is believed to have become popular around 1960. Many other countries and cuisines have been inspired by the Croques such as Portugal with the Francesinha and the Chilean Barros Jarpa.
Related: Want to order a Croque Madame in French? Use our handy French travel phrase guide!
There you have it, 10 egg-ceptional dishes that range from simple to complex, from light and healthy to luxuriously indulgent! Did we leave out your favourite egg dish? Let us know in the comments below.
Are you feeling egg-stra egg-cited to start trying all of these delicious dishes around the world? Book a tour with Expat Explore and start your next foodie adventure now!