Top 10 List Of Places You Can Find The Best Waffles In Belgium
Facts: When in Belgium, calories do not count.
Let me get this straight, if you visited Belgium and didn’t eat the Belgian waffle, did you even visit Belgium? In fact, leaving Belgium without them should be comparable to a crime. Belgian waffles, after all, are one of the most famous things about the country. Not to mention, they are delicious.
It’s true that there are hundreds of places there that sell “Belgian waffles”, but a few stand out from the rest. Waffles are popular in Belgium, but figuring out how to find the most flavorful, crispy, and sweet of these deep-fried, sugar-soaked snacks can be challenging. If you are visiting Belgium, this post is an excellent place to begin searching for the best waffles in Belgium. You can also try Belgium waffle cookies and Belgian butter waffles there.
Of course, pancakes are great too, but there’s just something scrumptiously delicious about the crispness of the waffles that will satisfy the palate as no other treatment can. There is something magical about the way they hold syrup, ice cream, fresh cream, butter, etc. Butter and maple syrup are both traditional toppings, many people add a variety of other toppings to their waffles including blueberries, chocolate chips, strawberries, and whipped cream.
What Is Waffle?
The best Waffles in Belgium are made from leavened batter. The batter is poured between two hot, patterned plates. Waffles are available in many shapes and sizes, and they are enjoyed all over the world. Waffles are traditionally consumed for breakfast, but they can also be eaten for snacks, dessert, etc. There is no disputing the fact that waffles are delicious whether eaten savory or sweet, smothered in syrup, or dusted with powdered sugar.
There is no one recipe for waffles. It can vary depending on the types of waffle one is making or the ingredients used in the batter. Traditionally, the waffle batter is made from brown sugar, flour, yeast, milk, butter and eggs. Unlike pancakes, waffles often have a crispier exterior because of their high sugar and fat content.
The History Of Waffles: Where It Began
Waffles have been a popular food for hundreds of years, probably dating back to the 13th century. It is no exaggeration to say that foodies have developed some kind of charm, perhaps even attachment to waffles.
Waffles have their roots in ancient Greece when chefs would roast flat cakes between plates with handles attached. These cakes were called obelios by the Ancient Greeks, and they weren’t sweet like modern waffles.
In the 1200s, the very first waffle irons appeared when a craftsman designed and forged cooking irons in honeycomb patterns. The original iron showed a hinged design. Consequently, the waffle batter was poured between the two iron plates, pressed together, and cooked over an open hearth fire.
A grid pattern was introduced to rectangular plates by Dutch waffle makers in the 15th century. Waffle grids are said to have evolved naturally over time as a way to cook less batter on a greater surface area, although no one is sure for sure.
Gradually, over the years, waffles became increasingly popular and began to be sold by street vendors. Consequently, by the end of the 16th Century, waffles became a common breakfast and snack. The poor used to make them using pretty much flour and water which resembled a thick biscuity cake. Whereas, the privileged classes used flour, milk, eggs, honey, etc. in the batter.
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Belgium Waffles Origin
That was All About Waffle and its Origin in General but Let Us Know About Belgium Waffles Origin.
Waffles are known as “gaufres” in French or “wafels” (in Flemish). Funnily, it is not called ‘Belgian waffles there’. It is just waffles. If you’re looking for a crunchy, sugary, and crispy treat that will melt in your mouth, then the Belgian Waffle is for you. With yeast or baking powder, Belgian waffles are leavened in a hot cast iron machine.
These waffles are often sold on the street and eaten with your hands in Belgium, but they can also be eaten in a more formal setting. Belgian waffles aren’t served with maple syrup, unlike the American custom of eating waffles. They taste just as good on their own as they do with maple syrup or any other topping for that matter.
Where Does The Belgian Waffle Come From And What Is Its History?
Belgian waffles were introduced to the United States by Walter Cleyman after they were featured at the Brussels World Fair in 1958. At the 1964 New York World’s Fair, Maurice Vermersh introduced his recipe, further popularizing the recipe. It is interesting to know that the Belgian waffles were originally known as Brussels waffles. During that time, several Americans were unaware that Brussels was the capital of Belgium, and for this very reason, Vermersch changed the name. Interesting, right?
The choices for topping c are endless, ranging from powdered sugar and strawberries to ice cream and warm chocolate syrup. Mouthwatering, right? In Belgium, you can find waffles for as cheap as 1 euro, and believe me they are worth every cent.
So, if you ever find yourself walking on the streets of Brussels, in a quest for a taste of pure happiness, bless your taste buds with a waffle!…or two…or three…
Brussels Waffles Vs Liège Waffles Vs American Waffle
Who doesn’t like a delicious Belgian waffle? But did you know there are two types of Belgian waffles? We have the Brussels waffle and the Liège waffle, both named after a city.
1. Brussels Waffles:
Brussels waffles are what the international community pictures when they think of Belgian waffles because they are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Brussels waffles are made with a yeast-leavened batter. Because the batter is leavened and the squares are larger, they have a fluffier texture. Most often, these rectangular waffles feature either 15 or 24 square pockets.
The best one is the Brussels Waffles. This one is bigger, crispier, lighter and more airier from the inside.
With the deep pockets, you can add the chocolate sauce that is traditionally accompanied by it, along with powdered sugar and perhaps some berries or other fruits, and a whipped cream topping to finish it off.
2. Liège Waffles:
Waffles like these come from eastern Belgium and are extremely popular. A rich and crispy caramelized sugar coating coats Liège waffles, which are made with a thick brioche batter that includes pearl sugar. They have distinctively rounded corners surrounding a 3-by-4 square pattern.
This one is more doughy and sweet. Liege waffles are made from thicker batter, which makes them richer and sweeter. The dough in the dough also contains sugar chunks, which caramelize as the waffle cooks, leaving them sweet and crunchy. It comes in different flavors like vanilla, caramel etc.
3. American Waffle:
In contrast to the Belgian waffles, the old American waffle is denser and thinner. There is a fundamental difference between the two, although they both have pockets to hold sauces and syrups. This type of waffle is leavened with baking powder rather than yeast, and unlike its Belgian counterpart, this one isn’t always accompanied by a sugary topping such as the classic chocolate sauce, butter, or fruits.
You can serve it with chicken, fish, bacon, and whatever else you imagine, like whatever flavor of ice cream you like, or you can make it even healthier using a whole grain batter and top it with Greek yogurt or almond butter.
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Top 10 Best Places To Find The Best Quality Waffles In Belgium
Let Me Share with You Some of The Best Places To Find the Best Waffles In Belgium.
After having spent 2 months in Belgium, I’ve done my due diligence and I’m confident enough to say that I’ve explored all the best Belgian waffle places. If you’re looking for an authentic Belgian waffle this is the list you need.
1. Maison Dandoy –
“We want to make your senses twinkle and dance.” is the motto of this waffle heaven.
Maison Dandoy (pronounced: may-SON don-DWAH) is one of those ultimate waffles destinations in Brussels that you CAN NOT absolutely miss out on. Can you even overlook eating at a waffle establishment with a slogan like that? Because I can’t.
This waffle establishment has been family-owned for several generations. Serving the best artisan waffles in Brussels, they use 100% all-natural ingredients. Sure, you could get a Leige waffle just about anywhere, but the one at Dandoy is unparalleled. Here you can get the best waffles in Belgium.
You can try them out at these two outlets:
- Address:
- Maison Dandoy – Tea Room & Waffles: Rue Charles Buls 14, Brussels 1000 Belgium
- Maison Dandoy – Galeries: Galerie du Roi 2, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
- Contact: +32 2 669 52 12
- Website: https://maisondandoy.com/
- Opening Hours:
| Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 11am–7pm |
| Saturday | 10am–7pm |
| Sunday | 10am–7pm |
| Monday | 11am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 11am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–7pm |
| Thursday | 11am–7pm |
2. The Waffle Factory –
Some people might consider this waffle establishment as just a chain, but The Waffle Factory
is by no means an ordinary place. Of course, they do sell traditional Brussels and Leige waffles, but they have a twist of their own. For example, a lunch waffle stuffed with vegetables, meats, cheeses, and even curry. If you have a sweet tooth, you will love their crispy waffles stuffed with Nutella and little bits of white chocolate. They have a unique menu. No doubt! You will get the best waffles in Belgium.
- Address: Rue du Lombard 30, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
- Contact: +32 2 502 31 47
- Website: http://www.wafflefactory.com/
- Opening Hours:
| Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 9am–9pm |
| Saturday | 9am–9pm |
| Sunday | 9am–9pm |
| Monday | 10am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–8pm |
3. Le Funambule –
If you are someone who likes variety when it comes to your waffle, then this establishment is for you. They have self-service here. You can smother your waffle in whatever combination you like.
Different varieties of best waffles in Belgium are available here.
- Address: Rue de Tabora 9, Brussels 1000 Belgium
- Contact: Not Available
- Website: Not Available
- Opening Hours:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 12–8pm |
| Saturday | 12–8pm |
| Sunday | 12–8pm |
| Monday | 12–8pm |
| Tuesday | 12–8pm |
| Wednesday | 12–8pm |
| Thursday | 12–9pm |
4. Los Churros & Waffle –
The waffles at Los Churros & Waffle are super delicious and come with a variety of options such as toppings such as nutella, strawberries, bananas, whipped cream, chocolate, speculoos syrup, etc. Upon reaching you might be greeted with a long but it will be worth it.
- Address: Rue de Tabora 4, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
- Contact: +32 477 55 02 98
- Website: https://www.loschurros.com/
- Opening Hours:
| Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 11am–10pm |
| Saturday | 11am–10pm |
| Sunday | 11am–10pm |
| Monday | 11am–10pm |
| Tuesday | 11am–10pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–10pm |
| Thursday | 11am–10pm |
5. The Smallest Waffle Shop In The World –
Quite worth the wait since they make the waffles fresh to order. They sell Liege waffles only, crunchy on the outside and mochi on the inside. They are so good, they don’t need topping; complete in itself. Though they have a small outlet, here you can easily get the best waffles in Belgium.
- Address: Meirbrug 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Contact: Not Available
- Website: Not Available
- Opening Hours:
| Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 10:30am–6:30pm |
| Sunday | 10:30am–6:30pm |
| Monday | 10:30am–6:30pm |
| Tuesday | 10:30am–6:30pm |
| Wednesday | 10:30am–6:30pm |
| Thursday | 10:30am–6:30pm |
| Friday | 10:30am–7pm |
6. Mokafé –
If waffles are part of your balanced breakfast, Mokafé is the place for you. Their large tea room provides plenty of sitting space, making it perfect for a mid-morning waffle and cup of tea. No matter what option you choose on the menu, it’ll melt when you bite into one of these crisp, fluffy waffles topped with fresh fruit or a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar. And don’t forget the chocolate, of course.
Mokafé now delivers at home.
- Address: Galerie du Roi 9, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
- Contact: +32 2 511 78 70
- Opening Hours:
| Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 8am–10pm |
| Saturday | 8am–10pm |
| Sunday | 8am–10pm |
| Monday | 8am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 8am–10pm |
| Wednesday | 8am–10pm |
| Thursday | 8am–10pm |
7. Vitalgaufre –
They are an authentic Belgian establishment famous for their mouth-watering Liège waffles – glazed to perfection, delicately caramelized, and odor sweetly of vanilla, each bite is moist and crispy with the perfect amount of crunch. Since the early 1900s, Vitalgaufre’s recipe has never been altered and is prepared exclusively with natural ingredients. Definitely here you will get the best waffles in Belgium.
- Address: Rue Neuve 23/29, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
- Contact: +32 2 428 80 25
- Website: http://www.vitalgaufre.com/
- Opening Hours:
| Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 10am–8pm |
| Saturday | 10am–8pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 10am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–8pm |
8. Peck 47 –
Their menu is known for having some unique ingredients that will make you feel like you’re out for brunch on a Sunday afternoon in New York City. Peck 47 is in downtown Brussels, in a Greenwich Village-style cafe that serves “fresh food made with lots of love.”
- Address: Rue du Marché aux Poulets 47, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
- Contact: +32 2 513 02 87
- Opening Hours:
| Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 9am–4pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | 9am–5pm |
| Monday | 9am–4pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–4pm |
9. Eight and Three –
Exceptional and excellent quality waffles. Excellent customer care and incredibly reasonable price considering the quality. Very nice waffle shops in Brussels with a wide variety of choices. Fresh and tasty waffles.
- Address: Rue du Marche aux Herbes 21 dichtbij de Grote Markt van Brussel, Beurs en Brouckere, Brussels 1000 Belgium
- Contact: +32 488 47 43 17
10. Wafelhuis Van Hecke –
If you are imagining the best Belgian waffles, then just walk over to the Wafelhuis Van Hecke and make your dreams come true. They’re absolutely amazing! In fact one of the best Belgian waffles in Belgium. It’s like eating a crispy cloud. So light and full of flavor. This is one of the choices where you can find the best waffles in Belgium.
- Address: Nationalestraat 88, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Contact: +32 3 233 19 72
- Website: http://www.hof.be/english.html
- Opening Hours:
| Days | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 12–7pm |
| Saturday | 11:30am–6pm |
| Sunday | 1pm–6pm |
| Monday | 12–7pm |
| Tuesday | 12–7pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 12–7pm |
Other List Of Famous Waffle Shops In Belgium
Not just these above, you can even try out the below waffle shops in Belgium. The restraurant names and the corresponding addresses are given below:
- Pannekoeken: Bissegemsestraat 45-47, 8501 Heule Belgium
- Chez Albert – Gauffres – Waffles: Breidelstraat 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Be Waffle: Rue de l’Etuve 41, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
- Veganwaf’: Galerie Agora 48, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
- Le Pain Quotidien Galerie de la Reine: Galerie de la Reine 11, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
- Une Gaufrette Saperlipopette: Rue des Mineurs 20, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Brussels Boutique Waffle Mania: Rue de l’Etuve 24, Brussels 1000 Belgium
- Aux Gaufres De Bruxelles: Rue du Marché Aux Herbes 113, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Where To Get Gluten Free And Dairy Free Belgian Waffles In Belgium?
Who doesn’t just love a waffle with crispy edges and a light fluffy interior? Many people assume you can’t get that level of perfection with gluten free Belgian waffles. The good thing is that it is absolutely possible. You can find gluten-free and dairy-free Belgian waffles in Belgium.
Here are some establishments:
- Eugene Glutenvrije bakkerij: Volkstraat 15, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Chambelland: Avenue de l’Université 42, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium 1050
- The Sister Brussels Café: Rue Chair et Pain 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium 1000
- Italia in Tavola: Chaussée de Waterloo 790, 1180 Uccle, Belgium 1180
- Simply Natural Lab: Rue des Alexiens 71, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
- The kind coconut: Geitestraat 23, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
When Is The Best Time To Eat Belgian Waffles?
When most people think about waffles, they immediately think of breakfast. Belgians, however, are different. A great way to gain a better understanding of another culture is to Embrace the Local Food and Eating Traditions when you travel. Belgian waffles are eaten the Belgian way – one could even say the proper way.
Waffles are often enjoyed as a dessert or tea time treat in the time period after lunch but before dinner. No matter how many waffles you crave, you’ll miss the chance to feel like a true local if you don’t stick to midday waffles.
Are You Being Careful With The Toppings?
So, a lot of you might think it would be better to enjoy Belgian waffles with/without topping. So, here’s the thing. Keep it basic, keep it simple. The proper way to enjoy and experience authentic Belgian waffles is, well, with almost nothing.
Most locals in Belgium eat their waffles garnished with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Liège waffles are in fact already a little sweet due to the extra sugar content. So, they don’t need anything else. Although, sometimes people do add a bit of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, etc.
To conclude, if you want to give yourself a classic Belgian waffles experience, do not let the flavors of the toppings overpower the taste of Belgium. Sometimes, the sauce and whipped cream can even make the waffle soggy. You might find American-style waffles available in the streets of Belgium which are loaded with toppings and other things; you might want to avoid them.
In fact, to avoid that “heavy, sitting like a rock in your tummy shortly after eating” feeling, keep it light. Simply enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, warm, light, satisfying waffles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Top 5 “CAN NOT MISS OUT ON” Belgian waffle establishments in Belgium?
Although all the ones mentioned above are amazing, answering your question — Maison Dandoy, The Waffle Factory, Le Funambule, Mokafé, and Peck 47.
2. Waffle vs Belgian waffle? What is the texture of a goof Belgian waffle?
A Belgian waffle recipe and the ingredients in the Belgian waffle batter are different from regular ones.
A good Belgian waffle is thick and fluffy. It has a hint of golden crispness on the outside. And if you talk about the traditional waffle, it is thin and dense and is quite rich in flavor. In Belgian waffles, you will find deep pockets, whereas in regular waffles you will find smaller pockets.
3. How to store waffles?
To store waffles, you need to keep them in a ziplock bag or plastic food storage container. Remember, waffles have to be stored within two hours of making. This will prevent it from harmful bacteria.
4. Can I order packaged Belgian waffles?
For those who are not visiting Belgium anytime soon, you can satisfy your taste buds with the packaged one. Although the real fun and taste lies in one freshly made and eaten in the meantime you can enjoy this.
5. How to reheat Belgian waffles?
To reheat the waffles, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In an oven, heat them to 350°F for 15 minutes or until heated through.
6. Which Belgian waffles are the most common?
Chocolate Belgium waffle is widely popular and enjoyed by people of all ages.
7. How to freeze waffles?
To freeze and store waffles for a longer period of time, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2-3 hours until they turn hard. This will help you stack the pieces into a ziplock/plastic bag with each waffle separated by the baking sheet. Remember to squeeze as much air out of the ziplock bag as possible before storing.
8. What to serve with Belgian waffles?
Honestly, serve it with whatever you like but depending on the time of the day you serve it with pork chops, sliced pears, fried chicken, avocado, salsa and jalapeno, sandwich, bacon, egg & cheese.
Final Words
Belgian waffles are widely craved. It is difficult to find someone who does not like waffles, especially Belgium waffles. So, if you have been fooled into eating the regular waffle in the name of Belgian waffle, maybe it is time you eat the authentic one.
I have listed here the best waffles in Belgium. I hope this blog post helps you choose the best Belgian establishments for yourself. I hope you have a wonderful time experiencing the real taste of Belgian waffles.
