Waffle Around The World: 10 Different Types

Brussels waffles are big rectangular or squared waffles, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with large deep pockets. This kind of waffle is usually referred to as the Belgian waffle in the international community; they are made with a yeast-leavened batter that makes them super light and crisp. They have deep pockets for the chocolate sauce traditionally served with some powdered sugar, fruit, whipped cream, or even ice cream. This type of waffle has a particular rivalry with the Liege waffle, and both are the most popular type in Belgium.

Belgian waffles (from the U.S.)

A Belgian waffle in the United States is called a Brussels waffle in Belgium. This waffle is lighter and crisper than the Liège waffle (see below), has deep pockets, and is typically served for dessert. Brussels waffles are rectangular or square and much larger than American waffles. Belgian waffles can be garnished with confectioners' sugar, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and strawberries, bananas and nuts.

Belgian waffles can be eaten for breakfast as well as dessert. Like their Brussels equivalent, these waffles are thicker than traditional American waffles. As with American waffles, they are made using baking powder instead of yeast.

American waffles

American waffles are leavened with baking powder instead of yeast. A traditional American waffle is much thinner and denser than a Belgian one made with yeast. American waffles also have much smaller pockets, which make them ideal for holding syrup or gravy along with the usual waffle toppings of fruit, powdered sugar or whipped cream. They come in various shapes and sizes. Unlike the Belgian, they can be enjoyed not only as breakfast and not always with a sweet topping — you can eat them with chicken, fish, bacon, and whatever else you fancy, like this brunch idea with a twist: chorizo waffles.

Potato waffles

Waffles made out of potatoes are very popular in Great Britain and Ireland and are an excellent choice for those trying to get healthier, change their diet, or just for something different. In essence, it is a waffle-shaped potato pancake that is great with cheese, sour cream, diced tomato, onions, carrots, and chilli flakes if you like it spicy. You can also add avocados, mushrooms, fried eggs and sausages.

Toaster waffles

A toaster waffle is simply a frozen waffle that can be toasted straight from the freezer. Invented by the Dorsa brothers in 1953, they were originally called Froffles, which meant 'frozen waffles'.

Vegan waffles

Anything you can eat, you can eat vegan. If you loved eating waffles for breakfast when you were a kid, then as a vegan, you simply need to figure out how to create amazing waffles that are just as good as those you ate as a child. Jessica in the Kitchen shares her simple, delicious plant-based waffles that are crispy, fluffy, and simple to make with only pantry ingredients. 

Hong Kong waffles

Hong Kong egg waffles are often called bubble waffles, egg puffs or eggettes. Rather than traditional pockets indenting a waffle, the Hong Kong egg waffle has egg-shaped bubbles that can be easily broken off for snacking, or the entire waffle can be consumed at once. In Chinese, they’re called 'little eggs', and they’re one of the long-standing popular street foods in Hong Kong. They are topped with peanut butter and sugar or filled with fruit. It is traditional to cook Hong Kong egg waffles over charcoal fires. Most people, however, now cook them on electric stovetops.

Liege waffles

Liege waffles are smaller than Brussels waffles, with a denser texture and a caramelised sugar coating on the outside that prevents the waffle from becoming soggy when topped with fruit or cream. The Liège waffles are made from a yeast dough adapted from brioche bread dough. They’re also sweeter and heavier than the Brussels waffles and have irregular edges, as compared to the Brussels waffles, which are rectangular or square with even sides. The Liège waffle is the second most popular waffle in Belgium — although it claims to be the 'original waffle' with a 600-year history. While the Brussels waffle is a crisp dessert waffle, accompanied by sweet toppings and eaten with a knife and a fork, Liège waffles are smaller, handheld snack foods.

Waffle cones

The waffle cone is an ice cream cone where the waffle is larger, fluffier, thicker, and made from white sugar to produce a waffle-like appearance and flavour.

Made in a special press, they are a staple of small and large ice cream shops. These are usually the cones that get something special added - sprinkles, nuts, crushed cookies, or anything else you can think of.

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