The Belgian Waffle-Breakfast, Snack, Or Both?

Ah, the sweet smell of chocolate and sugary batter intoxicates the air as you stroll down the charming, bustling streets. Crisp waffles straight off the iron are placed into their paper beds and accompanied by chocolate sauces, strawberries, or whipped cream. No, this is not a dream; this is Brussels, Belgium, and for many, a sweet tooth lover’s paradise brought to life. But, did you know that while this beloved treat dates back to even before the 1800s, it was only first introduced nearly 65 years ago at a world expo in Brussels? A Belgian man named Walter Cleyman first presented the waffle to North America in 1962 at a world fair in Seattle, Washington. Just two years later, the waffle gained even more popularity when Maurice Vermersch, a Belgian cook, brought it to the world fair hosted in Queens, New York. Realizing that Americans had a bit of a sweet tooth, fresh strawberries and whipped cream were placed atop the waffle. The demand became so high that the Vermersch family needed to hire ten people just to slice the strawberries! With the waffle starting to soar and many Americans not knowing much about Brussels or where it was on the map, the original “Brussels Waffle” was changed to the waffle we know and love today, the “Belgian Waffle.” So, Mr. Cleyman, and Mr. Vermersch, thank you for sharing this sweet gift with the world that so many now devour and love.

Not your average waffle.

These gooey, crisp, sweet, delicious waffles are unlike any other treat and can arguably be enjoyed at any time of the day. Unlike other waffles, Belgian waffles are made thicker than your typical waffle and in a rectangular shape with deep square pockets, meaning even more room for extra yummy goodness to sink in. The Belgian waffle is made with a few simple ingredients plus a specialty pearl sugar, giving the waffle that extra sweet crystallized texture. Crisp on the outside and fluffy and airy on the inside. Every day these waffles bring smiles of delight to people of all backgrounds and ages, and the waffles have no bounds. Originally introduced plain or with strawberries and whipped cream, the Belgian waffle today can be dressed up as little or as much as you’d like with syrups, fruits, chocolates, and nuts, and even enjoyed with savory flavors.

Visit Belgium or bring it home to you.

So how do you get one of these mouthwatering waffles? Waffles have a global popularity, and you can usually find a decent waffle just about anywhere today, but there is nothing like an authentic Belgian waffle. So, of course, take a trip to Belgium! With travel returning to normal and tourist season starting to dwindle, now might be the perfect time to make that Belgian waffle dream a reality. There will be no shortage of options or difficulty finding waffles as shops and carts line the streets across the country of Belgium, similar to looking for a slice of pizza in New York City. Suppose you’re not (yet) convinced about the delicious satisfaction-inducing waffle. In that case, Belgium is also the birthplace of the universally loved “french fries” and is home to the most chocolate factories in the world, making it all the more reason to plan that trip. And don’t fret. If you can’t quite get to Belgium just yet, there are other fun ways to bring a taste of that Belgium waffle home to you.

• Visit Wafels & Dinges to get your taste buds excited. A single bite of one of these warm and gooey waffles will surely move Belgium to the top of your travel list. They even ship worldwide!
• Take an online cooking class with a local! Wherever you are in the world, gather the family and treat yourself to an authentic Belgian waffle-making experience led by a local Belgian. Be sure to have a strong wifi connection, the right ingredients, and maybe an apron. This is sure to be an activity that everyone will love.

With so many options and fun ways to savor the Belgian waffle, it’s safe to say that regardless of the time of day, it is always waffle-o-clock. After all, who wouldn’t love a decadent waffle coated with chocolate for breakfast or an afternoon snack? Add some fruit, and some might say it’s even a balanced meal.