The One Meal Europeans Wish They Could Do As Well As Americans, According To Rick Steves

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Chocolate croissants in Paris. A cornetto filled with pistachio cream in Italy. Warm Weggli rolls in Switzerland. There is no arguing that Europe certainly knows how to deliver a memorable pastry, but when it comes to breakfast as a whole, even seasoned travelers agree that Americans do it better than Europeans. Travel writer, author, and television personality Rick Steves has spent decades traveling through Europe, diving deep into the continent's culture, history, and cuisine.

During a visit toItaly, Claudia -- a friend andRoman tour guide -- shared her fondness for American cuisine with Steves onRick Steves' travel blog.She especially loved the culture of meeting for breakfast, something she says makes American mornings uniquely inviting.In most parts of Europe, breakfast is light and simple. Italians, for example, often start their day with little more than an espresso and a sweet pastry.In France, it's a similar story: A croissant and café au lait are typical, enjoyed standing at a bar or on the go. Northern Europeans lean more savory -- think pumpernickel or classic rye bread with cheese and cold cuts in Germany or Denmark -- but even then, portions and variety rarely match the all-out abundance of an American spread.

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More Than A Meal

Table filled with breakfast foods, glasses of orange juice, and cups of coffee - Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

In the United States, cafes and diners hum with life in the morning, filled with clinking cutlery, friendly banter, and the nearly extinct free coffee refill. There is a social spirit that continues to leave a lasting impression on visitors from across the globe. On dining tables across the country, you can find scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, hash browns, toast, fruit, cereal, maybe even biscuits and gravy if down South. What sets American breakfast dishes apart isn't just their variety -- it's the intention behind them. Unlike much of Europe, where breakfast is a quick stop, Americans treat it as something to savor. A traditional breakfast is often a comforting ritual in America, not something to rush.

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Of course, American food culture isn't always about authenticity. As one Italian, Roberto, joked to Rick Steves on Steves' travel blog:"In America, a restaurant is looking not for what is good food. What is good is what sells." While Europeans may not be accustomed to the excess, that same generous, bigger-is-better mindset is exactly what makes the American breakfast feel so distinct and beloved. Countries across the globe contribute different cultural values to the morning table, like simplicity and practicality, but as Steves and his guests observed, the American breakfast stands out for its emphasis on abundance. The hospitality and the feeling of being well-fed are what keep breakfast in the U.S. a unique experience enjoyed by Americans and visitors alike.

Read the original article on Chowhound.