皆さん、こんにちは！
During my recent trip to Japan, my mom and I had a few opportunities to go out to eat breakfast. In nearly all of these breakfast excursions, I encountered a Japanese meal concept called “morning.” No, I’m not just talking about the time of day (although these items are served exclusively in the morning). In Japan, “morning” refers to a specific type of breakfast service that’s become a popular experience.
What is “Morning”?
“Morning” (モーニング), also called “Morning Set” (モーニングセット) or “Morning Service” (モーニングサービス), is essentially a coffee (usually with options to substitute with another drink) paired with a light, quick breakfast typically served in cafes and coffee shops across Japan. Mainly targeted towards people with corporate jobs, they are cheap and fast to order, perfect for a bite to eat before the day.
History
The concept of serving “morning” food started in the coffee shops of Nagoya in the 1970s. These shops wanted to attract customers early in the day, so they began offering simple, affordable breakfast sets served along with coffee. The idea soon became popular throughout the nation.
What to Expect
In a typical morning set you might see:
- A cup of coffee (or another drink such as tea or juice)
- Toast (often the thick-cut kind seen in Japan, with butter and jam)
- A boiled egg or other protein
- A small salad or some fresh vegetables
The contents depend on the shop, with some places also serve small pieces of fish, yogurt, fruit, or sandwiches. When I had “morning” breakfast in Japan, I was able to choose from a variety of drinks instead of being limited to just coffee. The meal was either a breakfast sandwich or toast with unique toppings. The key is simplicity and speed — it’s designed for busy folks who need a quick bite before rushing off to work.
Ayumi’s notes: The classic morning set can be found in Nagoya, where it originated. Items include coffee, thick-cut toast with anko (a sweet red bean paste), and a boiled egg.
Unfortunately, not all eateries in Japan offer this service. Fancy hotels and restaurants and large coffee chains like Starbucks generally don’t offer it. You’ll likely find these in local (read: not super touristy) cafes and family restaurants.
Be aware: some places may advertise a morning set for an expensive buffet—these are not the same!
Another important note is that most places limit the hours morning sets are available, so be sure you’re up early if you want to try some!
How to Order
If you are studying Japanese, asking for a morning set is a great way to practice!
Note that some places might offer a selection of morning sets, and they can be labeled as the “A,” “B,” or “C” set for simplicity.
Next time you’re in Japan, why not start your day with a classic morning set? It’s a tasty way to immerse yourself in a unique aspect of Japanese culture before you run off to the day’s activities.
Have you ever tried a morning set in Japan?
Until next time, happy exploring and いただきます (itadakimasu – let’s eat)!
– Ayumi
