Eggs

Upon disembarking from the train and entering the Vasco da Gama train station, the ros omelets prepared near the station entrance are too enticing to pass up. The aroma of the omelet begins to waft through the air from vendor stalls throughout Goa when the sun begins to set and doesn’t stop until well after midnight, after tourists and locals alike have satisfied their cravings. Ros means “gravy” in Hindi and it’s this spicy element that makes this a unique specialty of the region. The coconut gives the gravy a tropical vibe and the tomatoes and chiles add depth and heat. Goa is like the Ibiza of India, and this omelet, with its rich, comforting, fiery gravy, is enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Of course, you could also whip it up deep into the night, the time when most Goan partygoers looking for something to fuel their endless dancing sessions seek it out on the lively Goan streets.

Take just a few extra minutes, and plain scrambled eggs are transformed into this vibrant eggs bhurji (also spelled "bhurjee") breakfast, flavored with onions, chiles, ginger, tomatoes, and spices. A squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkling of cilantro add a final dose of brightness. It’s delicious enjoyed with roti or paratha, or served with toast.

This version riffs on Julia Child’s classic hollandaise—and skips the poaching, too.

The secret to this super-simple eggs Benedict? Cornstarch. It stabilizes the emulsion in the hollandaise, helping to prevent the sauce from breaking while it cooks over direct heat. Easier than poaching, gently steaming eggs results in delicately tender whites and smooth, creamy yolks.

“The first time that I ate one of these omelets was on the street in Thailand,” says Leah Cohen, chef of New York’s Pig & Khao. “I had never eaten a deep-fried egg and I was shocked that it was crispy but still tender. My mind was blown and [the] low-and-slow egg cooking that my French training taught me was turned on its ear.” Two important tips: Whisk the eggs well until light and frothy and uniform in color, and make sure that the oil is smoking hot.

Eggs poached in a savory sauce are livened up with the addition of silky, sweet escarole and tangy feta. A deliciously bright addition to your breakfast or brunch spread, serve with crusty bread or toast for sopping.