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TOP WAFFLES FROM AROUND THE WORLD FROM CLASSIC DESSERTS TO SAVORY INVENTIONS, THESE DISHES DESERVE A PLACE ON ANY CULINARY BUCKET LIST
puffy, unadorned waffle—crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside— A provides a blank canvas that gives chefs
endless options, spanning all flavors of the spectrum from sweet to savory. However you like it, seek out these topof-their-class waffles and you’ll develop an entirely new appreciation—waffles aren’t just for breakfast and brunch anymore. Ask any waffle lover the top destination to prioritize, and they’ll inevitably point toward Belgium. From the casual shacks and stands that dot every town square to gourmet purveyors who have been drawing crowds for generations, Belgium is awash in waffle vendors, most of whom stay open throughout the day and into the evening to satisfy cravings for a hot-off-the-grill waffle. First-time visitors might be surprised to discover that in Belgium they generally have a choice between two styles. Some prefer the Brussels waffle, which is larger and rectangular in shape, with a light interior, crispy exterior, and a sprinkling of icing sugar. Others are loyal to the smaller, more plump Liège waffle, which usually has caramelized corners and beads of sugar melted into its dough, yielding a sinfully rewarding crunch with every bite.
BELGIUM
Top contenders for the unofficial waffle crown in Brussels include the Waffle Factory, which serves meat-stuffed “lunchwafs” with Provençal herbs just steps away from the iconic Manneken Pis statue; Mokafé, a small cafe nestled in the King’s Gallery; Maison Dandoy, an old artisanal biscuit shop in the city with a lovely tearoom; and Pardon Brussels, which delights trendy crowds with toppings such as candied fruit, fresh herbs, and cured meats.
chicken and waffles: Melba’s is a soulfood stalwart famous for its eggnog waffles, which have a rich and nutty flavor; Sylvia’s is a neighborhood institution renowned for its take on classic chicken and waffles (best paired with the weekly Sunday gospel brunch with live music); and Amy Ruth’s has won national recognition for its waffle menu, with each dish named after local celebs and dignitaries. From its origins in the heart of Greenwich Village, the Frenchaccented Buvette has expanded globally, bringing its buzzy “gastrothèque” creations to London, Paris, Tokyo, and—with its newest location having opened in late 2021—Mexico City. One constant across all its outposts is its duo of mouthwatering buttermilk waffle dishes. Traditionalists opt for the Belgian buttermilk waffle with jam, berries, and crème fraîche, while heartier appetites prefer the Instaworthy waffle sandwich, filled with a sunny-side egg, bacon, and cheese in between one halved waffle, dripping with butter, bacon fat, and maple syrup. CHICAGO
One of Chicago’s culinary stalwarts, the James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Kahan, serves one of America’s most lauded waffles at his iconic restaurant, The Publican. A vision of simplicity executed flawlessly, Kahan’s signature waffle—served with homemade honey butter and seasonal jam—has been a weekend brunch staple for years. Born out of a Belgium trip to study up on farmhouse fare, Kahan and his team perfected a Liège-style yeasted recipe. In response to demand from fans living outside of Chicago, the waffle mix can be shipped nationwide via Goldbelly. LOS ANGELES
NEW YORK CITY Homemade honey butter and seasonal jam come alongside the famed waffles at iconic Chicago restaurant The Publican.
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New York’s historic Harlem neighborhood lays claim to being the original home of chicken and waffles. A trio of notable Harlem eateries specialize in authentic, down-home plates of
Located in the heart of the Hollywood action on Sunset Boulevard, The Waffle has become a neighborhood staple over the past 15 years for its retro, dinerlike environs and inspired culinary inventions. The kitchen bakes