10 Things Brits Would Find Strange About an American Sunday Breakfast

Save to Find It Later!

If you’re from the UK and find yourself in the US for a Sunday breakfast, you might notice some pretty big differences. Americans have a unique way of doing things when it comes to their morning meals, especially on a Sunday. From the size of the portions to the social atmosphere, let’s take a look at what might surprise a Brit about an American Sunday breakfast.

1. Going out for breakfast rather than simply eating at home

In the UK, Sundays are often a day for a quiet, homemade breakfast. However, in the US, it’s quite common to see families heading out to a local diner or breakfast spot. This shift from home-cooked to restaurant-served meals might be a bit of a surprise. Eating out adds a festive air to the start of the day, making it more of an event than a simple meal.

2. Waiting for a table at a popular brunch spot

Americans don’t mind waiting in line for a table, especially at a trendy brunch spot. In the UK, waiting might be a bit bothersome, but over here, it’s part of the experience. People chat, catch up, and anticipate the good food coming their way. It turns breakfast into more of a social outing than just a necessary start to the day.

3. Ordering pancakes alongside eggs and bacon

While a full English breakfast has its charm, the American breakfast often includes pancakes on the same plate as eggs and bacon. This might seem unusual for a Brit who is used to more segmented meal components. The combination of sweet pancakes with savory bacon and eggs creates a delightful contrast that many Americans love.

4. Drinking endless coffee refills

Another thing that might catch a Brit off guard is the endless coffee refills offered in many American eateries. It’s common to see waitstaff roaming with coffee pots, offering to top off mugs. This continuous flow of coffee keeps the conversation lively and the mood energized.

5. Eating breakfast portions large enough to skip lunch

The portion sizes in the US can be quite generous, especially compared to what you might find in a British café. It’s not unusual for an American breakfast plate to be filled with enough food to keep you full until dinner. This might be surprising for someone used to smaller, more measured portions.

6. Ordering biscuits and gravy in parts of the country

Biscuits and gravy is a classic American dish that might be unfamiliar to a Brit. This hearty meal typically consists of soft dough biscuits covered in a thick, savory meat gravy. It’s a staple in many Southern states and is something you really should try if you’re visiting.

7. Having breakfast potatoes with almost everything

American breakfasts often include a side of breakfast potatoes. Whether they’re hashed, roasted, or pan-fried, these potatoes are a staple side that complements almost any main dish. This might come as a surprise for someone used to beans as a side for a full English breakfast.

8. Meeting extended family at a diner

It’s not uncommon to see entire families, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, gathering at a diner for Sunday breakfast. This family-oriented approach to breakfast is a nice way to start the week, keeping family ties strong and giving everyone a chance to catch up in a relaxed setting.

9. Going for breakfast after church in many communities

In many parts of the US, it’s traditional to head out for breakfast after Sunday church services. This practice turns breakfast into a community event where you can meet friends and neighbors. The social aspect of these gatherings can be quite different from the more reserved Sunday mornings some Brits might be accustomed to.

10. Turning Sunday breakfast into a regular social event

Finally, the concept of turning a meal into a regular social gathering is something deeply ingrained in American culture. Sunday breakfast isn’t just about eating; it’s a time to socialize, meet new people, and enjoy the company of others. This social dimension of dining is something that might be quite different from the typical British experience.