Destinations Europe
Matt Berry
When it comes to the world’s great culinary exports, Belgium is world-famous for its beer, chocolate, and of course, waffles. While some Americanization has shaped the modern Belgium waffle — especially in terms of copious amounts of toppings — Belgian waffles are typically thicker and fluffier than their American cousins. The recipe for Belgian waffles includes yeasted batter and egg whites, which gives them a crunchy and air-light texture, while the buttermilk and baking powder of the American waffle creates a denser, cake-like consistency. And, while not a complete no-no when visiting Belgium, you’ll typically pass on maple syrup when eating waffles in Belgium. You won’t need it.
According to the Kipos Cafe in Greece, food historians trace waffles back to the ancient Greeks, which was more of a griddle cake cooked between metal plates. The modern Belgian wafel dates back to the Middle Ages, when Dutch wafelers began creating a sweeter version using hinged cooking irons with a honeycomb pattern, giving waffles their iconic look, per Time.
In Belgium, the “Belgian” waffle is unsurprisingly called just a waffle. However, there are two major types: the Brussels waffle and the Liège waffle. (There’s also the stroopwafel, which is more of a cookie.) When Americans think of Belgian waffles, they probably think of the Brussels waffle, which is thick, square, and typically eaten with a knife and fork, while the Liège waffle is denser and a popular on-the-go snack. Both types are delicious, and when in Belgium, we recommend these spots to satisfy your craving for pillowy, sweet goodness.
Maison Dandoy
Founded in 1829, Maison Dandoy is probably the most famous and historic Belgian waffle destination in the country. Passing their waffle and cookie recipes down for generations, Maison Dandoy boasts multiple locations in Brussels. Although based in that city, the establishment specializes in both Brussels and Liège waffles, so if you’re only in Brussels for a quick stop, Maison Dandoy offers quality examples of both types.
You can choose from a variety of waffles and toppings at Maison Dandoy, but if you’re looking for a classic example of a Belgian waffle, we recommend choosing (at least) one with only powdered sugar, which is considered the original topping. We also recommend grabbing a speculoos cookie, another iconic offering of Maison Dandoy.
Maison Dandoy has two locations near the Grand Place and in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, and since they’re one of the most popular Belgian waffle-makers in the world, their lines can be tough. While it’s worth the wait, Maison Dandoy also operates multiple on-the-go spots throughout the city with lines that move much more quickly.
Wafelhuis Van Hecke
Wafelhuis Van Hecke is the oldest waffle spot in Antwerp, which is about an hour’s train ride north of Brussels. Founded in 1905, Wafelhuis Van Hecke’s waffles have been made the same way since the bakery’s founding. Their thick, pillowy waffles are even cooked on the original waffle irons.
Unlike most Belgian waffle places on this list, Wafelhuis Van Hecke is best viewed as a sit-down establishment to enjoy a filling brunch. Although most people in Belgium tend to prefer grab-and-go waffles to enjoy on the street, Wafelhuis Van Hecke specializes in large, Brussels-styled waffles, so they’re not the easiest things to walk around with.
You can choose from a variety of toppings, including fruits, powdered sugar, and shaved chocolate. As a bonus, Wafelhuis Van Hecke is also celebrated for their homemade ice cream, making their ice cream and waffle combinations some of the best in Belgium.
Chez Albert
Although it doesn’t share the same storied history as Wafelhuis Van Hecke or Maison Dandoy, Chez Albert is famous in its own right. With locations in Antwerp, Brussels, Ostend, and Bruges, Chez Albert has fully leaned into the concept of on-the-go Belgian waffles. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to stroll through Brussels without passing crowds of Chez Albert enthusiasts — You can always tell by the Belgian flag placed in every grab-and-go waffle.
But portability isn’t the only reason both Belgians and tourists alike appreciate Chez Albert waffles. Operating out of small storefronts, Chez Albert prepares waffles that tend to blend the smaller, hand-held convenience of Liège waffles with the fluffier, lighter batter of Brussels waffles.
Before taking your waffle to go, you can choose to add your preferred sauces and toppings. Along with its fresh creams, Chez Albert uses locally grown strawberries and chocolate from Belgium’s century-old chocolatier, Callebaut, to top their waffles, offering a bit of extra authenticity.
Vitalgaufre
In Brussels, there’s no shortage of Belgian waffle shops, but not many spots specialize exclusively in making Liège waffles. Since 1998, Vitalgaufre has only served Liège waffles, and many Belgians agree they’re the best in Brussels.
According to Moose Trackers Ice Cream and Confections, the Liège waffle was created in the 18th century by the chef of Prince-Bishop of Liège, who asked the chef to create a waffle using a new ingredient to Belgium called pearl sugar. Today, Liège waffles use pearl sugar and vanilla, and when heated on waffle makers, these ingredients create a crunchy, caramelized crust on the outside. Liège waffles also feature a brioche-like dough, making these types of waffles denser than the Brussels-styled waffle.
Along with its classic vanilla recipe, Vitalgaufre also creates waffles in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, cinnamon, apple cinnamon, and raspberry. The sweet flavors and divine texture of the Liège waffles make toppings totally optional.
Veganwaf
Veganwaf isn’t the only place in Brussels to get a vegan-friendly and gluten-free Belgian waffle (maybe one or two other places), but it’s definitely the best. Located in the city center near the Grand Palace, Veganwaf serves plant-based waffles using natural ingredients.
Although vegan, their waffles retain a nice texture and consistency, and you’ll have plenty of vegan-friendly toppings to choose from. In fact, Veganwaf also serves plant-based ice creams, so vegans won’t need to skip the indulgence of eating a Belgian waffle when visiting.
Whether you sit for a Brussels-styled waffle for brunch with a mountain of toppings or grab a Liège waffle to munch on while strolling the streets, eating a Belgian waffle surrounded by the country’s charm is pretty great. And, when leaving, if you find it hard to L’Eggo, as the prospect of waffle inferiority awaits you outside of Belgium, remember that you can always grab a stroopwafel to take with you.
