Qureec

Qureec (also called quraac) is the first meal a person eats during the day, commonly eaten in the morning after the night's sleep. The word refers to breaking a long period without food; many languages base their word for this meal on that concept—for example, English 'breakfast'.

The type of food eaten at qureec varies by region, culture, and household resources. Generally it includes a hot drink, grains or bread of some kind, and sometimes meat, eggs, or dairy products. Some people skip qureec altogether, depending on their work schedule and habits.

Qureec in Somalia and the Horn of Africa

In Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, qureec typically consists of canjeero (a fermented bread cooked on a griddle), malawax, or sabaayad, eaten with butter, sugar, sauce, or gravy. Sweet milky tea with cloves and cardamom is the standard drink. In some areas, muufo, boorash, or meat with cooked fat is eaten.

Variation worldwide

In East and Southeast Asia, qureec typically comprises rice or noodles with sauce, which do not differ greatly from other meals of the day. In Europe, bread, jam, cheese, and coffee or tea are common, while in North America eggs, processed meat, and juice are popular. The Middle East favors hummus, foul (fava beans), olives, and white cheese.

Health and debate

Many researchers have examined the relationship between eating qureec, body weight, and cognitive performance, particularly in schoolchildren. The findings are not entirely consistent, and it cannot be conclusively established that skipping qureec causes specific diseases. School programs in many countries distribute qureec to students to reduce the impact of hunger on learning.