Asian populations tend to have greater body fat and visceral adiposity than Caucasian populations at a similar BMI, contributing to their increased metabolic disease risk (1). Ethnic differences in energy homeostasis may contribute to these disparities. Although meal induced thermogenesis (MIT) contributes approximately 10% of total daily energy expenditure, even modest differences may have implications for energy balance over time. While MIT is influenced by meal size and composition, obesity and age (2), the influence of ethnicity is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare MIT between Asians and Caucasians. A cross-sectional pilot study was undertaken in healthy Asian and Caucasian adults aged 18–40 years. Participants consumed a standard breakfast (603 kcal; 55% carbohydrate, 13% protein, 28% fat). Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured using indirect calorimetry at baseline and MIT was measured for four hours postprandially. Subjective appetite assessed using 100-mm visual analogue scales (hunger, fullness, satisfaction, how much, and desire) was measured at baseline and four hours postprandial. Area under the curve (AUC) was analysed using independent samples t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests and time-course analysed using mixed ANOVA. Outcome data presented as mean ± SEM. Participants were n = 12 Asians (8 females, 4 males) and n = 12 Caucasians (8 females, 4 males). Baseline characteristics, including age, weight, BMI, fat and fat-free mass and RMR did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Visceral fat was significantly greater in Asians than Caucasians, mean (SD) 1.45 (0.33) vs. 0.43 (0.23) L (p < 0.001). The % of energy of the breakfast as MIT did not differ between groups (9 ± 1% vs. 8 ± 0%, p = 0.559). MIT showed an effect of time (p < 0.001), but no effect of group (p = 0.078), and MIT AUC did not differ between groups, 54.4 ± 6.8 vs. 49.8 ± 3.8 kcal·4 h, p = 0.559). Appetite measures showed an effect of time (p < 0.001) with time × group interactions for hunger (p = 0.033) and desire (p = 0.040), characterised by a pattern of greater and more prolonged postprandial satiety in Caucasians. AUC for change in hunger (-2857 ± 1958 vs. -8083 ± 1309 mm·4 h, p = 0.037), desire (-4806 ± 1635 vs. -9848 ± 1276 mm·4 h, p = 0.024) and fullness (7851 ± 1467 vs. 11796 ± 1150 mm·4 h, p = 0.046) also differed between groups. Despite greater visceral adiposity in Asians, MIT following a standardised meal was similar between groups, suggesting that differences in postprandial thermogenesis are unlikely to account for the observed difference in visceral adiposity. In contrast, differences in postprandial appetite responses were observed between groups, warranting further investigation of ethnic differences in appetite regulation.