--- The Cook Up with Adam Liaw airs weeknights at 7pm on SBS Food (Ch.33). All episodes are available to stream anytime on SBS On Demand. ---
"Breakfast should be fun," says Adam Liaw, when he's about to cook up his cracking-good (literally) jian bing on The Cook Up. We agree. Breakfast definitely doesn't need to be boring. Inspired by his Chinese breakfast pancakes, which have crunchy fried wonton wrapper pieces inside, here are some of our favourite Asian breakfasts.
There are so many ways to enjoy this classic Malaysian breakfast of coconut rice and punchy extras (and not only at breakfast). "When I was still living in Malaysia and in primary school, nasi lemak is what I had for recess every day. Traditionally, these are packaged in banana leaf, but at school, it was plastic-lined newspaper. I’m always amazed when I eat this dish because it shows how little you need to create mammoth amounts of flavour. It’s such a great example of traditional eating, with rice at the centre of every meal. The accompaniments are designed to be punchy and well-seasoned, so you need very little to bring the rice to life, a clever device for a humble existence," says Poh Ling Yeow, who shared this recipe in Poh & Co. You can also try versions by Adam Liaw here and Luke Nguyen here.
If you lean to sweet over savoury at breakfast, this Filipino favourite - enjoyed by adults and children alike - is for you. The rice is cooked with milk and cocoa, and then topped with chopped chocolate and a drizzle of condensed milk.
Crisp fried wonton wrappers are crushed and folded inside these pancakes, and add a wonderful crunchy texture. Jian bing is a hugely popular street food in China, with the folded shape making them easy to eat on the move, but they also make a fast, tasty home-made breakfast. "The thing that really makes it come alive is the little crispy bits," says Adam Liaw, when he makes them in The Cook Up. Try it for yourself and see what he means.
There are many versions of this soup-meets-porridge bowl in Asia, and it makes an excellent breakfast. Some are hearty, others a simpler and lighter option. Arroz caldo is a Filipino favourite for breakfast and other times of the day too.
Jok is the Thai take on the idea of comforting rice porridge. This version has pork meatballs and just-poached eggs, garnished with ginger and spring onions.
A wholesome breakfast that's packed with vegetables and a hint of spice, this Indian breakfast is studded with cashew nuts, potato, capsicum, carrot and peas. Squeeze over some lemon juice just before serving to add a bright citrus note.
Toast and coffee is a classic breakfast combination and we're not knocking it. Mmm, thick-sliced sourdough with butter and fresh lemon curd, and a warm brew. But if you'd like to take your breakfast toast on tour, here's a combination from Singapore that will change things up nicely. Kaya is a sweet coconut jam popular throughout Singapore and parts of Malaysia. Here, a recipe from Destination Flavour Singapore, is served with wholemeal toast, a soft-boiled egg and strong black coffee.
Get your noodle on with this popular Cambodian breakfast bowl. This version, from Jerry mai, has rice noodles topped with fish curry, served with crisp raw vegetables.
Beaten egg whites give the lift and lovely fluffiness to these popular Japanese hotcakes. This recipe can make one large hotcake, cooked in the oven, or four small ones, cooked in a frying pan. Top as you like - maple syrup, fresh fruit, cream.
This list barely scratches the surface - there are so many more great Asian breakfasts! Look for more inspiration in the SBS Food breakfast recipes collection.
SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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