The Marcel Waffles food truck has been going all around the Valley and has found a temporary home in downtown Phoenix’s Civic Space Park. People of all ages run toward it as soon as it parks. College students, parents, kids and even businessmen walking by stop and read the menu located on the side of the truck. The orders start coming in as hungry customers hand over their cash and credit cards in exchange for a delicious Friday afternoon treat. What better way to start the weekend?
The Belgian waffle has a fascinating evolution because of all the changes it has gone through. Waffles were first made in the Middle Ages when vendors would sell them outside of churches in Belgium.
When we hear the term, “Belgian waffle,” we tend to think it is only one type of waffle. However, there are two types of Belgian waffles: the Brussels waffle and the Liege waffle.
The Brussels waffle is most commonly known as the Belgian waffle and was introduced into the United States in 1962 during the World’s Fair in Seattle. However, it became a popular food during in 1964 during the World’s Fair in Queens, New York. Belgium native Maurice Vermersch and his family helped the waffles become popular that year. There was a very high demand and the family ended up having to use 24 machines. They also had to hire a team of ten people to cut strawberries. During this time, many Americans did not know where Brussels was located and this treat was a great introduction to Belgian culture.
There are very few places in the United States where the Belgian waffle is made correctly. It is supposed to be an airy, fluffy treat one can eat with their hands. Most food vendors in Belgium do not offer cutlery for the waffle so their customers can enjoy the treat correctly. However, it is usually excessively sweetened and eaten with cutlery in the U.S.
The most common type of waffle in Belgium is the Liege waffle. Unlike the Brussels waffle, the Liege is made with thicker batter similar to bread dough and has uneven edges. Pearl sugar is mixed in with the dough, which caramelizes the waffle when it is cooked. These waffles are chewier than the Brussels waffle.
The Brussels waffle is made with yeast-leavened batter, which is why they are lighter and crispier. They are rectangular shaped with defined edges and deeper pockets.
Popular toppings include ice cream, powdered sugar, whipped cream, chocolate or strawberry syrup, bananas and different types of berries.
Besides the Marcel Waffles truck at Food Truck Friday, Belgian waffles can be found in other places in Phoenix such as Matt’s Big Breakfast, Over Easy and Ncounter.