Around the World with Omelets

Europe

Andorra

Truite de carreroles is a traditional mushroom omelet. It is prepared with eggs, butter, mushrooms, scallions, tarragon, and grated cheese. When done, the omelet is folded.

Denmark

Flæskeæggekage translates as bacon and egg cake. It is made on the stovetop with a thick batter made with eggs, milk, and flour. When cooked, strips of pre-fried bacon are placed on top, and the dish is garnished with chopped chives.

Germany

Bauernomelett, or farmer’s omelet, is a dish eaten for breakfast or lunch or dinner. The egg dish is made with eggs, milk, bacon, onions, potatoes, and parsley. The bacon, onions, and potatoes are sauteed slowly until the potatoes are browned. Then the eggs with milk are poured in until set. While cooking, the omelet can be enriched with grated Emmentaler cheese.

Greece

Staka me ayga is an omelet dish from Crete. Eggs are fried or poached and mixed with local staka (a type of buttery cream mixed with flour). The eggs are seasoned with salt and pepper and eaten warm for breakfast. They are accompanied by apaki, or smoked pork.

Strapatsada, or kagianas, is a popular dish in Greece. It is prepared with diced, sauteed tomatoes seasoned with fresh herbs, then combined with lightly beaten eggs and topped with crumbled feta cheese.

Asia

China

Oyster omelet is a savory dish that originated in the coastal regions of southern China. The dish is prepared with small fresh oysters, beaten eggs, and starch batter. The omelet should be crisp on the outside and soft inside. It is complemented with herbs, sauces, or spicy condiments.

Egg foo young is an omelet-like dish made with lightly beaten eggs and mixed with ingredients like chopped ham, chicken, crispy-chewy bits of char siu pork, beef, shrimp, or even lobster, and an assortment of vegetables such as bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, sliced cabbage, carrots, spring onions, celery, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. You can pick and choose which you prefer.

India

Masala omelet it a traditional egg-based dish that originated in South India. The dish is a mix of eggs, onions, green chili peppers, coriander, chili powder, and turmeric. All the ingredients are whisked together and cooked on both sides in a pan. The edges should be crispy. It can be rolled in hot chapati flatbread. Additional ingredients can be tomatoes and cheese.

Indonesia

Kerak telor is a traditional egg-based street food from Jakarta. It is made with chicken or duck eggs mixed with glutinous rice, dried shrimp, and fried shallots and seasoned with a spice paste that includes ground coconut, pepper, salt, and kencur (aromatic ginger). The bottom of the omelet is crispy and caramelized when cooked slowly in a small iron pan without oil.

Iran

Kuku is the universal term for a broad group of Iranian dishes resembling a thick omelet. The most recognized variety is kuku sabzi. It is prepared with herbs or vegetables and grated potatoes or zucchini. The chopped ingredients are seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices like turmeric or cumin and mixed with eggs. Then fried until set.

Japan

Omurice is a short form of "omelet and rice," which are two essential ingredients in this Japanese fusion dish. The rice is pan-fried with chicken and ketchup and wrapped in a thin omelet. Once done, the dish is covered with ketchup.

Philippines

Tortang talong is a combination of roasted eggplants and lightly beaten eggs. The eggplant is dipped into the egg mixture and pan-fried until the dish looks like a crispy omelet. Additional ingredients can be added, such as ground meat and vegetables. The dish is usually accompanied by steamed rice and tomato or banana ketchup.

Thailand

Khao khai chaio is a Thai-style omelet traditionally served over rice. The omelet is made with eggs, fish sauce, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, some soy sauce, cornstarch, or rice flour. The mixture is fried in vegetable oil until slightly browned.

Africa

Egypt

Eggah is a thick and heavy Egyptian omelet. Eggs are used as a binding for the filling, which can include chicken, lamb, or various vegetables like eggplants, leeks, spinach, or potatoes. The omelet is flavored with turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, and fresh herbs.

North America

The US

The Denver omelet is an American dish. It is prepared with eggs, ham or bacon, onions, and green peppers. The mixture is poured into a frying pan, cooked until set, and folded. (pictured above)