Belgian waffle history: a tasty tale through time

The Belgian waffle is more than a sweet treat — it’s part of our heritage. Each crispy edge and fluffy bite tells a story that stretches across generations. A story that begins in medieval marketplaces and rises to global fame, from Liège to New York.

From Iron Plates to Market Stalls

Picture this: a medieval town square, the smell of fresh batter in the air. Among traders and craftsmen, the ancestor of today’s waffle is born. No sugar, no fancy ingredients — just a humble mix of flour and water, baked between heavy iron plates over open flames. Early waffles, known as “wafele,” often bore religious or symbolic engravings.

They were more than food — they were a communal experience, a staple at feasts and fairs, passed from hand to hand.

The Brussels Waffle: Light Elegance

By the 18th century, the waffle evolves. Enter the Brussels waffle: light, crisp, and neatly rectangular. Some say the recipe originated in Ghent, but it’s in Brussels where it earned its name and fame.

It’s often served simply with powdered sugar — no toppings needed. That simplicity is its charm. Today, it remains a crowd favorite at fairs and in tearooms across Belgium.

The Liège Waffle: Rich and Sweet

In the south of the country, a different story unfolds. Legend has it that a Prince-Bishop of Liège once asked his chef for something sweet and original. The result? The Liège waffle: dense, buttery, and filled with pearl sugar that caramelizes into little bursts of sweetness.

Round and hearty, it’s ideal for eating on the go — and deeply beloved.

Belgium to the World

In 1958, Belgium hosts Expo 58 in Brussels, and the waffle gets its first taste of international attention. But it’s at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York that the real breakthrough comes. Maurice Vermersch, a Belgian from Brussels, serves his version with strawberries and whipped cream under the name “Bel-Gem Waffle.”

The American public falls in love. A humble treat from Belgium becomes a global icon — but the real thing? You still taste it best right here, in Belgium.

From Mechelen to Liège: Waffle Culture Lives On

Whether you’re strolling through the Mechelen Saturday market or grabbing a hot waffle on a cold day in Liège, the smell and flavor are unmistakable. Nostalgia. Comfort. Belgian pride. The waffle is not just a snack — it’s part of who we are.

Conclusion

The Belgian waffle is a story of humble beginnings that grew into a symbol of delicious abundance. A culinary treasure that continues to evolve, while always staying true to its roots: bringing people together through something truly tasty.

And like the best stories — this one is far from over.