Bram ReusenIn the unlikely case that you don’t know what a waffle is; here is a brief explanation. A waffle is essentially dough or batter that is cooked until it is crisp and golden coloured between two hot metal plates, a so-called waffle iron. The metal plates can have a variety of shapes and patterns, but the most common pattern is squares.
Waffles are a dish that’s eaten all over the world. They can be eaten for breakfast, for lunch or as an afternoon snack. Nowadays waffles can be had on every continent, but they are particularly popular in northwestern Europe and North America, although there are some varieties in Asia as well. There are many different types of waffles, with Belgium, of course, as the country with by far the highest number of varieties—there are more than ten local varieties in this small country alone, with the Belgian waffle, which is technically a Brussels waffle, as the most famous waffle of them all.
What follows now is an overview of the most popular types of waffles around the world. Read on and indulge!
Brussels waffle
Image credit: Mario Cutroneo
The Brussels waffle is internationally referred to as the Belgian waffle, even though there are several different varieties of Belgian waffles. A Brussels waffle is characterised by larger and deeper pockets than other waffles and is much lighter and crisper. Often served as a dessert or snack, a Brussels waffle doesn’t need any other garnish than simply a dusting of powdered sugar. It may, however, also be served with a topping of chocolate sauce, fruit and/or whipped cream.
Liège waffle
Image credit: iris
Liège waffles are associated with the town of Liège in Wallonia, the southern part of Belgium. This is the second major type of waffle in Belgium, a lot different from the Brussels waffle. A Liège waffle is denser, much richer and sweeter. It can be considered as Belgium’s equivalent of a doughnut; something that is eaten with your hands as a snack. Liège waffles feature chunks of sugar that caramelise when the batter gets cooked in the waffle iron.
Pizzelle
Image credit: Steve Snodgrass
A pizzelle is essentially a waffle cookie, made in Italy from a batter that is flavoured with ingredients such as anise, lemon zest or vanilla. Cooked in a typical pizzelle iron, a pizzelle has a typical decorative pattern and is a flat, crispy cookie that is sometimes sprinkled with sugar.
American waffle
Image credit: Ron Dollete
American waffles are denser and thinner than Belgian waffles. Unlike the Belgian varieties that are leavened with yeast, they are leavened with baking powder. Berries or chocolate drops may be mixed into the batter, much like American pancakes. American waffles are generally eaten for breakfast, again like pancakes, and are often topped with butter, maple syrup, bacon, honey or fruit. They are sometimes also eaten with chicken, fish or stews.
Hong Kong waffle
Image credit: Jeremy Thompson
Hong Kong waffles are only known as such outside of Hong Kong—in the city itself they are referred to as grid cakes. Somewhat similar with the classic waffles, a Hong Kong waffle is round in shape and divided in four quarters. These soft waffles are served as street food, often with peanut butter and sugar spread on one side. They are then folded double and eaten warm.
Also read: Munch on Disney Edibles in Tokyo! Mickey Waffles, Little Green Men Mochi and More
Scandinavian waffles
Image credit: Josefine Stenudd
Although there are small differences between waffles eaten in the Scandinavian countries, they are similar in shape. Scandinavian waffles are generally heart-shaped and topped with a wide range of sweet and savoury things. Popular toppings, which vary by country, include whipped cream, sour cream, jams, berries, sugar, ice cream, salmon and cheese.
Potato waffle
Image credit: Mr.TinDC
Popular in Great Britain and Ireland, potato waffles are essentially a waffle-shaped version of potato pancakes. They are vastly different from the batter- and dough-based waffles that are eaten elsewhere in the world.
Syrup waffle
Image credit: Jocelyn & Cathy .
Syrup waffles, officially called stroopwafels, are little sweet waffles that are popular in Belgium and the Netherlands. They were invented in the town of Gouda in the Netherlands, which is also renowned for its cheese. The waffles are made from a thick batter that is cooked on a waffle iron. After cooking, when the waffle is still warm, it is cut in half and filled with a layer of syrup. The sticky syrup then glues the two halves back together. Sold in packets in many stores in the Low Countries, syrup waffles are eaten like cookies.
Kempen waffle
Image credit: Koken.be
This is another one of the Belgian waffles, named after the Kempen region in northern Belgium where they are made. I have to include this type of waffle because this is the region where I was born and grew up! Also known as gallettes, the thin oval-shaped Kempen waffles with their many small pockets are crunchy, buttery and crumbly—they are a joy to eat as a quick snack.
Also read: 10 Amazing Bakeries Around the World Every Foodie Must Visit
