The popularity of Eggs Benedict throughout the world comes as no surprise. Creamy, salty, crispy and soft, the harmony of textures and flavours in the dish have turned it into an international staple of brunch menus. A combination of grilled ham and hollandaise sauce over a poached egg on a toasted English muffin, bun or other bread base, Eggs Benedict is à rich and comforting dish with a history to match. 

With its origins shrouded in mystery and legend, there seems to be no definitive account of the creation of Eggs Benedict. The most popular theory however, states that the dish was first cooked up in the kitchen’s of the illustrious Delominco’s Restaurant of Lower Manhattan around 1860. A couple of regular diners, the Benedicts, had become bored of the regular menu and asked their waiter for the chef to create something new. 

[The dish was an instant success, and rapidly spread through New York, catching the attention of Oscar Tschirky, then maitre-d’hotel at the Waldorf Hotel. Impressed by the dish, he added it to the breakfast menu, where it became an instant success. Its gentle, comforting flavours as well as the amount of fat and salt make Eggs Benedict particularly popular as a hangover cure, combined with a mimosa for some hair of the dog. Perfect for waking up to a relaxed weekend after a long week and à heavy Friday night out. 

Here are some popular variations of Eggs Benedict:

• Eggs Florentine: This variation features wilted spinach instead of Canadian bacon. The iron-rich spinach adds a nice nutritional boost and a pop of green color to the dish.
• Eggs Royale: Smoked salmon takes the center stage in Eggs Royale, replacing the Canadian bacon. The smokiness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy hollandaise sauce.
• Eggs Blackstone: For a heartier option, Eggs Blackstone combines Canadian bacon with a slice of tomato, adding another layer of flavor and texture.
• Avocado Eggs Benedict: This trendy variation swaps the English muffin for toasted bread and adds sliced avocado for a creamy and healthy twist.
• Crab Cake Eggs Benedict: Seafood lovers will enjoy this variation that features a delicious crab cake instead of Canadian bacon.

Today, Eggs Benedict is à mainstay of brunch menus throughout the world. While variations like Eggs Florentine or Eggs Royale are popular, the base formula of English muffin, hollandaise sauce and a poached egg forms a pillar of Western breakfast culture, so much so that there now exists a celebration on April 16th in honour of the dish. Come celebrate International Eggs Benedict Day at Au Parc, with a special brunch menu for you to experience the unique culinary creation to its fullest.