Belgium is the undisputed birthplace of the waffle. These soft, thick delights come in two iconic styles: the rectangular Brussels waffle, often topped with whipped cream, hot chocolate, ice cream, or fresh fruit (or all together for indulgence), and the denser Liège waffle, typically enjoyed plain or lightly flavored with cinnamon or vanilla. Pair them with hot chocolate for breakfast, afternoon tea, or any sweet craving—they're simply irresistible.
Lesser-known but exceptional, the Lille waffle stands as one of France's finest—arguably the best. At the legendary Maison Meert, a renowned northern French bakery-pastry shop, they're still crafted artisanally. Unlike Belgian varieties, these are flat, elongated, and filled with a luscious blend of sugar and vanilla butter. Great news for fans: Meert has expanded beyond Lille with a new Paris outpost in the 3rd arrondissement.
Can't travel to Brussels, Lille, or Paris? Whip up restaurant-quality waffles yourself. The recipe is straightforward, and modern waffle makers make it foolproof. For the batter: Mix 375 grams of flour with a packet of vanilla sugar and a pinch of salt. Form a well, add 2 eggs, a sachet of baker's yeast, and 20 cl of warm milk; stir to combine. Incorporate 150 grams of melted butter and 100 grams of pearl sugar. Let rest for at least one hour, then cook in your waffle iron.
