This post is brought to you by the letter ‘W.’
What I am about to describe to you right now is a waffle that achieves the most scrumptious and delectable balance of chewy and crispy – a waffle so fresh, so rich, that it orchestrates some sort of Dutch (or French, or German)* symphony in your mouth as you consume it, bite-by-bite, in all its caramelized, corrugated beauty. I present to you, the Belgian Liège waffle.
What’s so special about the Liège waffle?
Well, according to David and Nicole, owners of Waffle Gone Wild, which just opened recently on 2967 West Broadway, the two most common types of Belgium waffles are the Brussels and Liège waffles.
As opposed to the Brussels waffle (which is made from batter), Liège waffles are made from a yeast-dough that gives rise to its smaller, denser form and chewier texture. The dough also contains a Belgium-imported pearl sugar, which has a higher melting point and is the key secret behind the crispy, caramelized effect.
Though we are not in the streets of Belgium, where Liège waffles are most often bought from vendors and enjoyed hot off the press, we are fortunate to have places like Waffle Gone Wild to help us appreciate the authenticity of this tasty, tantalizing treat.
All Liège waffles from Waffle Gone Wild are baked fresh right in front of your eyes when you make your order. Their menu has lots of options to add flavours within the waffle (e.g. cinnamon, cheese, coconut, etc.) as well as a variety of sweet and savoury toppings. Come in the mornings, and you can have your waffle with a poached egg for a delicious and hearty breakfast!
I’ve already tried the cheese and cinnamon flavour waffles, as recommended by David and Nicole, respectively, both of which were so mouth-watering and exquisite. I will definitely be going back to indulge in some more Liège waffle goodness.
You know something’s gotta be good when it inspires you to write a poem about it, alliteration-style:
When whimsical wanderings warrant mouth-watering wins,
waste no while!
Waltz t’ward the wholesome waft,
Be wooed, by these waffles, gone wild!
*Dutch, French, and German are the three official languages of Belgium.
Waffle Gone Wild, 2967 West Broadway, 604-568-5679, Wafflegonewild.com
Photos: Youna Choi
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Youna is currently a third year UBC pharmacy student and Kitsilano resident. She collects succulents and terrariums. In her free time she loves to run, take photos, and jam out on her guitar.
Last modified: March 22, 2013
This looks amazing! I’m going to go try it when I have time! 😀
Went there a few days ago. Was very impressed. Their plain waffles are very flavourful and filling (and sweet). I hope they do well, there has been a steady churn of business through the storefront and I hope they are able to last.
The previous tenant succeeded a waffle joint gone broke-how long will this one last?
Went here the other day and had the savory ham & chesse waffle set. It was pretty good, though I wish the cheese inside had melted a little. The owners were very friendly. We had to wait about 15 min until a new batch of waffles was ready.
Went there last weekend, the place was fully packed. The flavour waffles were amazingly tasty and at a decent price. Both owners were very nice with service and the place was very clean.