It’s a British term where the “traditional” English fried breakfast is large with eggs, bacon,fried bread, fried tomato, and a few other things. The “continental” breakfast is traditionally served cross the channel (I.e. on “the continent”) which is a smaller fare just to get you going. This is something like coffee/hot chocolate, croissant/toast, etc.
The true European continental breakfasts I experienced may also include sliced meat or cheese. But it’s a lot smaller that the bigger breakfasts we tend to have in North America.
It’s referring to continental Europe where breakfast is typically a lighter meal than the traditional English breakfast. American and international hotels picked up the term and began using it as well. Essentially it’s things like coffee, tea, juice, toast, muffins, croissants, pastries, fruit, and sometimes cold meats, and cheeses, and cold cereals. It’s also served buffet style. Generally anything that’s served hot or cooked is not included.
Edit because smartasses gonna smartass: OBVIOUSLY hot drinks are served hot and all the things that have been baked or cooked have been doneso beforehand. Cooked means things like eggs, pancakes, waffles, sausage, bacon, oatmeal…etc. I’m fairly certain given the context of the question and my own answer, you all knew this already.
Latest Answers