Did you know that the waffle has roots that reach all the way to Belgium, and that there isn't just one kind? Today we're introducing the different types of waffles.
A waffle is made by cooking batter between two patterned plates, which give it the size, shape and surface of the particular waffle iron, and there are many different recipes. Waffles are eaten all over the world, especially in Belgium, where they are enjoyed fresh and hot.
Where Waffles Came From
Waffles have been a favourite of Americans for hundreds of years. Going back to the 13th century, the first waffle irons featured a honeycomb pattern, similar to Thai honeycomb cake. This distinctive design appeared around the year 1200, when craftsmen designed and adapted the original waffle irons with a signature hinged design. The word "waffle" comes from the Old French "guafre", which became "wafla" in Old English. Over the years, waffles were sold everywhere at street stalls across Europe. Today there are countless variations on the waffle recipe, such as filled waffles, crispy waffles, ice cream waffles and Hong Kong egg waffles (eggettes).
Types of Waffles
- American waffle: square, often eaten with all kinds of savoury and sweet toppings. It's made from flour, water and baking soda, which makes it fluffy and thick. Sugar may or may not be added to the batter.
- Brussels waffle: similar to the American waffle but larger. It uses egg whites or yeast to make it light, thin and crisp, and is often dusted with icing sugar before eating.
- Liège waffle: small and golden when cooked, with a soft, dense texture and a caramelised sugar coating on top. It is often flavoured with vanilla for extra aroma.
- Stroopwafel: two thin, crisp round wafers sandwiched with a filling of syrup or caramelised sugar.
- Hong Kong waffle: made from milk, butter, eggs, sugar and flour, baked in a mould with round bumps, a little like a khanom krok (coconut pancake) pan. It has a thin, crisp shell and a soft inside, and is often eaten with ice cream or whipped cream.
