Way before we landed in Brussels - even just around the time that we first thought that maybe we might go to Belgium, we had one main food in mind. The Belgian Waffle! Both Mike and I absolutely love desserts, so you won't be surprised to know that we are big fans of the humble waffle. So we went to Belgium, and it's fantastic capital city, to get our hands on the very best, authentic Belgian Waffle - made to a completely plant based recipe! There was a lot that we loved about our time in Belgium, from the incredible historic buildings, to the beautiful parks - and, of course, the amazing Atomium - but top of both of our lists of our top memories from Brussels will always be getting our hands on these vegan waffles!
But wait, what exactly is a Belgian Waffle?
Waffles are absolutely legendary in Belgium. In the capital, Brussels, you can't go anywhere without the beautiful aroma of waffles drifting around the corner. So many shop fronts are packed with beautifully decorated waffles, they are on the menu at so many restaurants - and there are even waffle vans parked on the main streets! Like an ice cream van, but serving hot and fresh Belgian Waffles!
Now, while outside of Belgium we think that the Belgian Waffle is just one specific kind of waffle. This sweet dessert, usually made from eggs, flour, milk, sugar, and butter, is usually served hot from a waffle press. The Belgian Waffle known across the world is a little rounder and deeper than the American waffle - but in Belgium there are actually a couple of different types of waffle you can find.
Brussels Waffles (like the one Mike is hugging in the photo above) are rectangular, a little more crisp, and with much deeper pockets. The Liège waffle, on the other hand, has a more rounded and less even shape, they're smaller and often have a sugar coating. Generally, because of their sweetness, the Liège waffle will be eaten plain, while the Brussels waffle is normally served with a selection of delicious toppings. While there are so many different toppings you can choose from, the traditional one that was presented to the world at the 1964 World's Fair was strawberries and whipped cream. This remains a favourite across the world to this day!
Where did we try a vegan Belgian Waffle in Brussels?
There was one place that we knew that we had to head to while we were in Brussels: Veganwaf'! This little, completely vegan, waffle house is contained in a little arcade not too far from The Grand Place. You'll know it when you see it: this stall often has a pretty big queue, with vegetarians, vegans, and waffle lovers keen to try their legendary desserts! Veganwaf' make all of their Brussels Waffles fresh to order: there's a real joy of watching them add the batter to the waffle iron, and smelling it as it cooks! Their friendly staff offer a range of different toppings: you can have vegan Belgian chocolate, whipped cream, syrup, caramel sauce, strawberries, and more!
So come on - tell us all about the Belgian Waffle! How did it taste?
INCREDIBLE!! Genuinely, these waffles were so good that we went back for more on our last day in Brussels. The batter was warm and crisp, with a delicious sweetness coming from the toppings we chose. On our first try, I picked the traditional strawberries and whipped cream, while Mike went for Belgian chocolate and whipped cream.
But disaster struck while we were filming! As I was photographing Mike and his waffle, the cream slipped off his waffle and splat onto the ground! We were devastated! But this was how we discovered that the Belgian chocolate, on its own, is absolutely delicious on these waffles - and even though I loved the strawberries and whipped cream combination, it was the Belgian chocolate on its own that we both went back to on our return trip to Veganwaf'!
How much did this plant-based Belgian Waffle cost - and was it worth it?
Now, these are artisan waffles made to a perfect, specialist vegan recipe - so they are a little more expensive than just your standard waffle on the streets of Brussels. The price depends on the number of toppings you choose, and the toppings themselves. A waffle on its own (no toppings) costs €4 (approx. £3.45 or $4.29); with one topping you will pay €5.50 (approx. £4.74 or $5.90); two toppings is €6.50 (approx. £5.60 or $6.97) and so on. There is an additional supplement for fresh fruit. While this price is a little more than we'd pay for an everyday snack, there is no question that we adored Veganwaf's tasty waffles as a treat - and would definitely go back next time we're in Brussels!
Have you tried a vegan Belgian Waffle in Belgium? Or elsewhere in the world! Where did you go and what did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below.
Recommendations
This section contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Where should I stay?
With Brussels being a capital city it is definitely not short of places to stay! For a small and friendly hotel that is only a short walk from the main attractions, check out The Sun Hotel. Or if a social hostel vibe is more your scene, Generation Europe is the highest rated hostel in Brussels, with a good choice of private and dorm rooms to fit all group sizes.
Tours & Experiences
Brussels is an incredible city packed full of things to see and do - however, some of the main attractions (including our favourite, The Atomium) are a little far apart. So why not take advantage of this bicycle tour, which shows you the highlights of the city on the convenience of your own two wheels. Or if that's not for you, check out some of the top-rated Viator tours below!
Please note that the tours displayed below are automatically selected for their popularity by Viator, not chosen or recommended by us. Please check whether any food or drink based tours are suitable for your dietary requirements before booking!
Comentarios