Best Guide to Authentic Belgian Waffles

Last Updated on March 26, 2025

Belgian waffles are a popular part of the American culinary landscape. They first hit the national zeitgeist as a dessert served up hot from cast iron pans—bedecked with strawberries and whipped cream—at the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle. A follow-up appearance at the 1964-5 World’s Fair in New York City cemented Belgian Waffles’ popularity on this side of the Atlantic.

Travel to the capital city of Brussels and authentic Belgian waffles are available everywhere, from street kiosks to swanky old-world cafes. Waffles there date back to medieval times, are first referenced in 16th-century cookbooks, and even appear in paintings by artists Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Brueghel.

But in the Belgian capital there’s more to these gaufres (as they are known locally) than deep pockets. For starters, authentic Belgian waffles are not served at breakfast, nor is maple syrup in the vicinity. To complicate things further, there are two different varieties of gaufre, each with a distinct consistency and shape. We spent three weeks exploring Brussels, “researching” waffles to provide a primer on enjoying these classic treats—a tough job, but someone’s got do it. 

Authentic Belgian Waffles Muscles in Brussels

While the strawberry-laden delicacies were called Belgian waffles at the world’s fairs, in Belgium itself there is no such thing; there they are known as Gaufres de Bruxelles (Brussels waffles). Rectangular, they are crafted from yeast batter with a light, crispy texture and a slight tang from the yeast that’s a perfect complement to a sweet topping. (Most American waffles use baking powder for leavening rather than yeast.)

Brussels waffles were originally dusted with powdered sugar, however today they come smothered in a wide range of toppings that have traveled far afield from their simple origins. Traditionalists may be aghast, but you can now devour a Brussels waffle slathered in kiwi fruit, nutella or even M&M’s. Think of it as a sundae minus the ice cream. 

Most guafreries (waffle shops) have samples on display showing the various toppings and will make you a fresh one to order. Avoid spots that just hand you a pre-made waffle; they won’t be warm, and the toppings will have rendered them soggy. Seek guafreries where you can sit down to enjoy your Brussels waffle properly—these fluffy treats piled-high with goodies are a bit messy without a knife and fork.

Waffles, My Liège

For more of a walking treat, consider gaufres de Liège, or Liège waffles (pronounced “lee-EZH”.) Also made with yeast, these waffles, which originated in the town of Liège in eastern Belgium, have a much denser dough, like a buttery brioche. The resulting waffle is firmer, with a free form shape akin to a deflated football, more suited to eating by hand than its “Brussels” counterpart.   

Liège waffles are sweet, making complex toppings unnecessary. That sweetness is attained by a unique ingredient: Belgian pearl sugar. Clumps of sugar resembling mini sugar cubes are folded into the dough before baking. These crisp little flavor bombs melt on the griddle, giving the waffles their distinctive caramelized coating and sugary crunch.

Although you will find Liège waffles with multiple toppings like shown above, we suggest sticking with a plain version—the locals’ preference. You’ll taste the buttery, caramelized yumminess more, and the knowing smile from the Belgian gaufre vendor will make it that much sweeter.

Suggested waffle shops:

Le Roi de la Gaufre, Rue de la Fourche 41. This unassuming spot for Liège waffles is just two blocks north of the tourist packed Grand-Place.

Maison Dandoy, Galerie du Roi 2. The flagship location of this local chain is nestled in the ornate circa 1840s Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries shopping arcade. Grab a seat for some people watching while enjoying a Brussels or a Liege waffle. Okay, keen eyed readers might notice that we broke our rule and enjoyed a chocolate topping on the Liege waffle below. We’re only human.

Gaufres De Bruxelles, Rue du Marché aux Herbes 113. Tea room near the Place d’Espagne that serves both Brussels and Liège waffles, with a dining room and a walk-up window.

Making Authentic Liege Waffles at Home

After this trip, Michael tried making his own authentic Liege waffles using pearl sugar. He’s been making waffles for years but has never liked how waffle irons were such a pain to clean, particularly when using pearl sugar that crystalizes and hardens into the ridges of the waffle iron. Then he found the Cuisinart 2-in-1 Waffle Iron with Removable Plates. Bingo. Now it’s easy to remove the plates and soak them for cleaning.

The Cuisinart also comes with two sets of plates, one for making thick Belgian waffles and the other for thinner American style waffles. You can buy the Cuisinart 2-in-1 Waffle Iron on Amazon. It also stores standing up, making it an easy addition to tight kitchens. More supermarkets carry pearl sugar these days. If it’s not available in your area, you can also buy authentic Belgian Pearl Sugar on Amazon.

One secret he learned from a Liege waffle recipe in America’s Test Kitchen is to roll the dough in some regular granulated sugar just before placing it on the hot griddle. That creates more crystalized sugar and makes the removable plates even more important for cleanup.

Belgian Waffle Buying Tip: If you see so called “authentic” Belgian waffles in the supermarket from companies like the Belgian Boys, check the ingredients first. Their product, and many others, are made with margarine, not butter like real Belgian waffles. Great if you’re a vegan, not so great if you want to taste the real thing.

For more sweet treats, here are some of our favorite Paris pastries.

We’re Larissa and Michael: a typical middle-aged couple from Philadelphia who’ve been traveling the world full-time since 2011. We seek off-beat, historic and tasty sights. To receive our free quarterly newsletter with updates and valuable travel tips subscribe here.