Why We Eat Late, Late Dinners — or Should We Call Them Really Early Breakfasts

Midnight Meals Around the World: The Culture of Late-Night Eating

But as with all indulgences, balance is essential.

BY STAFF @the Brimly Test Kitchen

September 20, 2023

Image Source/Editors @ Brimly

6 minute Read

INFO GUIDE

FEATURE ARTICLE

objective View

Have you ever noticed how food just tastes better after dark?

If you find yourself dancing the night away or simply working the late shift, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of that post-midnight snack. Let's take a whirlwind tour of the world's best late-night eats. Put on those comfy pants, and let's get snackin'!

Let's kick it off with Spain, where nighttime is fiesta time! Tapas bars are popping with energy even after midnight. If there's one thing the Spaniards know, it's how to party with their palate.

And then there's Japan. Think you're about to wrap up your evening out in Tokyo? Not so fast! The night's not done until you've indulged in a Shime-Parfait, a dessert that is, oh-so-divinely, the cherry on top of your evening.

It's More Than Just a Meal

Imagine breaking your fast at the crack of dawn in Morocco. During Ramadan, families come together for Suhoor, a peaceful meal symbolizing strength and spirituality. This isn't just about eating; it's about bonding and reverence.

Conversely, in buzzing cities like New York, London, and Mumbai, nighttime munching becomes almost a necessity, thanks to those endless to-do lists and ever-lit cityscapes. Whether you're craving a slice of classic NY pizza or a spicy Indian vada pav, the world's cities have got your late-night cravings covered.

Late Night Noshing

Let's talk drool-worthy bites. Ever tried a spicy taco at a street corner in Mexico at 2 AM? Or maybe a piping hot bowl of Bak Kut Teh in Singapore as the night starts to fade?

And brace yourselves, adventurous eaters – Turkey offers up Kokoreç, a sandwich that might seem a tad daring but is a beloved treat for the locals. Not your vibe? No worries, how about sinking your teeth into a sugary Belgian waffle as the evening chills set in? Yum!

Fact or Fiction

Hold up, before you side-eye that late-night snack, let's address the elephant in the room. We've all heard that "eating after 8 will make you gain weight" talk. While, sure, a midnight three-course meal might have you tossing and turning, it's more about what you eat rather than the clock's tick-tock. So, feel free to indulge, but keep it balanced. Oh, and if you've found the secret to guilt-free late-night chocolate, let us know!

Starry-Eyed Chicken Over Rice

Let's get personal. A few weeks ago, while hard at work at the test kitchen, a recipe we had been working on kept turning out, let's just say, "weird," and so, on-and-on; we kept at it into the wee hours of the morning. It was 3 AM, and we had finally rounded up, and bless our hearts, the cream had stopped curdling. In a moment, we realized we craved Halal Cart-style Chicken over rice. We jumped into action, whipping up some yogurt sauce, rice bubbling on the stove, and slicing up fresh cucumbers. In no time, the best-ever tasting meal was set and served! Let me tell ya, that spontaneous 3 AM meal? Absolute heaven. There's just something about late-night cooking that adds a sprinkle of magic to every bite.

Show-Off Move

Did you know that back in the day in ancient Rome, having a late-night banquet was a show-off move? Only the elites did it. Now, thanks to our 24/7 lifestyles and the magic of food delivery apps, anyone, anywhere, can have a midnight feast fit for an emperor.

Our round-up is:

No matter where you are in the world, there's a universal love for that perfect late-night bite. Regardless of whether it's a cheesy slice in Brooklyn or a slurp-worthy ramen in Osaka, it's all about the joy of the journey and the story behind every bite. So, here's a toast to all our fellow moonlight munchers!