The Breakfast Rush

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day"—a phrase we’ve heard so often it practically echoes in our heads. Whether it’s a nutritionist selling the never ending healthy breakfast options on Instagram or our mothers urging us to eat something before heading out the door, the message is loud and clear. But let’s be honest: Do we really crave that bowl of fruit or slice of crunchy toast? Not always. Most days, we’re gulping down our coffee or chai, burning our tongues in the process, as we charge into the day like warriors—late, of course.

Then comes that rare, blissful day when the warriors take a break. After scouring travel apps and claiming victory with the best “room with breakfast” deal, we book a stay. And just like that, we’re welcomed into a temporary world of calm—smiling faces at the lobby, a magical key card, crisp linen, squishy pillows, and those tiny hotel toiletries that somehow smell like luxury.

Waking up without a 6:30 a.m. alarm (plus the 6:45, 7:00, and inevitable snooze at 7:15) gives us a kind of glow no face mask ever could. But like clockwork, our internal breakfast radar kicks in. Despite complaining that serving breakfast till 10 a.m. is criminally early, we find ourselves fully alert and ready to attack the buffet.

The morning sun streams in, and the aroma of melting butter and freshly baked bread hits us before we even reach the double doors of the breakfast hall. Weak at the knees, we head to our table, note the number (because that’s crucial), and embark on the hunt.

Some start with a detox—cucumber juice and fruit—telling themselves it’s a cleanse before the real indulgence. But soon, the call of Indian delicacies becomes impossible to ignore: paranthas, pooris, bhajis, poha, and the ever-popular South Indian counter with idlis and crisp vadas. The spread is so extravagant, we find ourselves negotiating with our stomachs, promising it’s the last plate, only to refill again. After all, the next meal is far far away.

Then, like a breakfast genie, a waiter appears—ready to whip up eggs, pancakes, waffles, and yes, eggs Benedict or Nutella-drenched waffles. Who says no to that? Not me.

As the feast begins to overwhelm us (not emotionally, but physically), we order a masala chai or a cappuccino, pretending we’ll “switch to continental” next. And we do—chole bhature gives way to baked beans, grilled tomatoes, sausages, and crispy hash browns. Just when we think we’re done, we remember: dessert. How can we walk away from soft donuts and those little squares of chocolate that feel like a sweet hug?

Stuffed and semi-conscious, we pause to observe our fellow breakfast adventurers. Some are early risers, savoring their meals poolside. Others are suited corporate types, confidently navigating the spread. And then there are those last-minute legends who slide in at 9:59 a.m., triumphant.

Meanwhile, waiters in crisp shirts weave gracefully through the crowd, balancing trays and pouring piping-hot Darjeeling tea or freshly brewed coffee. It’s chaos—but beautiful chaos.

As we drag ourselves out of our food coma, we nod at strangers, whispering a quiet “Bon appétit,” knowing this experience—this morning marathon of indulgence—is universal. Because no matter where we go, from luxury resorts to city hotels, one thing remains constant: the sacred saga of the breakfast rush.

After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.