7 British Breakfast Customs That Meghan Markle Will Learn to Love
Updated: Nov. 23, 2023
British customs are very different (charmingly so!) from ours when it comes to how they start the day. See what unusual food and widgets the new American royal is likely to encounter.
Will British breakfast customs win Meghan’s American heart? Have a look at the unusual food, drink and gadgets that may grace the breakfast tray of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.
Eating “Dippy Eggs”
A soft-cooked egg served in a tiny cup is a British classic. Toast that’s cut into narrow strips is served alongside for dunking into the runny golden yolk. The Brits call this duo Boiled Egg & Soldiers. You can make dippy eggs at home using this set of egg cups with a shell cutter (for neatly trimming the tops) and a pink egg timer.
Using a Toast Rack
If Meghan’s mom was like mine, she stacked the toast high on a plate. It not only kept the toast warm while Mom did other things, it also helped melt the too-cold butter we inevitably forgot to pull out of the fridge. (Turns out it’s OK to leave butter on the counter.)
Leave it to our tidy friends across the pond to file their toast in a pretty rack instead!
Having a Full English Breakfast
The British take breakfast seriously, and a full English breakfast includes everything you see here. Most notably, you’ll find bacon and sausages (aka bangers), eggs, tomatoes, toast and beans. Fried mushrooms and crispy breakfast potatoes sometimes make an appearance, too.
Eating Beans for Breakfast
Oddly enough, beans make a tasty side to eggs scrambled with fresh herbs from the garden atop buttered toast. Not too sweet, Heinz Beanz are a staple in UK homes.
Using a Tea Cozy
They may seem frivolous, but quilted tea cozies like this one keep that pot of English breakfast tea nice and toasty. Swaddling the pot in a pretty dish towel will also do the trick.
Making Scotch Eggs
What’s not to love about eggs wrapped in sausage, coated with crumbs and cooked til crispy? This handheld is popular with pub-goers and on-the-go travelers all over England. Americans like Meghan would likely fancy them in the morning instead of the afternoon. You can bake your own Scotch eggs for a British-themed brunch (they’re great with bubbly!).
Sipping Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks
Like jet fuel compared to American drip-style coffee, most British coffee drinks begin with espresso. Brits love café culture. They’ve embraced lattes, cappuccinos and, at home, the easy-to-make Café Americano. (To make an Americano, add hot water to a cup of espresso.) A stylish espresso pot always looks at home on the stovetop.
No espresso maker? Fake it with our easy espresso recipe. Cheerio!
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