We have to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third. -Leslie Knope
What I've Learned About Waffles
There are two different types of Belgian Waffles
Brussels Waffles
These waffles are probably most similar to the kind that you might make on Sunday morning with your family. These start with a batter that has eggs blended into the mix. The batter is then spooned into the waffle iron and the cooking begins! These waffles are perfectly rectangular with large square pockets that are excellent for holding toppings. Unlike the waffles you eat on Sunday mornings, there is no maple syrup found on Brussels waffles. The toppings here can be anything from powdered sugar and Nutella to towers of fruit and whip cream.
Liege Waffles
These waffles are different from any waffle I have ever eaten before. They don’t start with the same batter as a Brussels waffle. These are made of a dough that is refrigerated often overnight. Inside of this dough is sugar! This sugar then caramelizes as the waffle cooks and the result is heavenly! Liege waffles don’t turn out as perfect little rectangles like the Brussels waffle. Liege waffles are a little rough around the edges. When I tried this kind of waffle I didn’t add any toppings and enjoyed it plain. The Liege waffle is extremely filling and, in my opinion, doesn’t need toppings.
Where to Enjoy Belgian Waffles
Maison Dandoy- Brussels
When you google Belgian Waffles in Brussels, Maison Dandoy is sure to pop up. Our first evening in Brussels we walked past and the line was out the door and literally around the corner. The next morning we wandered past again and there was no line. The one near the main square has an upstairs restaurant but it was full at the time. We enjoyed this waffle while standing in the shop. We opted for powdered sugar and Nutella on this one. You’ll notice this is the Brussels waffle.
Go.Fre - Bruges
Waffles on a stick! How amazing is this? While in Bruges we saw a giant line outside of a place and the most beautiful waffles on a stick coming out of the shop. We knew that we had to queue. While waiting in line you wrap around shelves filled with pre-made waffles that you can purchase already in a beautiful box. Then when you approach the counter there is a large TV with all of your options. Then you get a fresh waffle on a stick and they make it right there and custom it with exactly what you want. I opted for milk chocolate with sprinkles. It was the best thing I have ever eaten. ever… well until I tried my next waffle.
Waffle Factory - Brussels
This was my favorite waffle I ate on the trip. You’ll notice this is not a Brussels waffle but instead a Liege waffle. It was so delicious and legit. It is so fluffy and the sugar is perfect and I love it. The sugar is mixed into the dough so it has this wonderful sugary but not overpowering taste. It isn’t the prettiest waffle I ate but it is so good. I enjoyed it more than the one at Maison Dandoy. I highly recommend waffle factory or just a Liege waffle.
Churros?
Los Churros & Waffles - Brussels
Natasha, churros? Yes, churros! I love churros and when I saw that Churros were also an option in Brussels I knew I had to have them. They were so delicious. I got them smothered in powdered sugar (as seen above). They were made fresh to order and tasted so delicious! So, maybe you’re not craving a waffle in Belgium, you always can try some churros.
