What’s a Liege Waffle Anyway?

You wouldn’t ordinarily think of waffles as “food on the go.” Traditional Belgian waffles the way we think of them are a sit down breakfast, served warm, with syrup, whipped cream, fruit, and other fixings. They’re a staple of diners, pancake houses, and similar establishments across the country. But if you’re looking for authentic Belgian food, NYC has a better, more versatile option: Liege waffles.
What we think of today as Belgian waffles are actually an American version of a type of waffle made in Brussels. While American-style Belgian waffles are thick, with large pockets, Brussels waffles are thinner and crispier. Liege waffles, on the other hand, are denser and sweeter than either type, similar in consistency to French Brioche. There’s a very specific and detailed method of preparation for them as well. They’re made with chunks of pearl sugar, which melt and caramelize as the waffle cooks, making it slightly crispy outside, but soft and chewy inside.
The versatility of Liege waffles makes them good not only for breakfast, but any time, for any meal , or as a quick snack or dessert. They can be eaten warm or at room temperature, with a variety of different toppings: with fruit, with ice cream and chocolate syrup, or with just a light dusting of powdered sugar. Or, due to their natural sweetness, Liege waffles can be enjoyed by themselves, with no toppings at all. They can also be made in other flavors, such as vanilla or cinnamon.
The Liege waffle was first developed in the Liege area of Belgium over 600 years ago, and it’s been a staple of Belgian cuisine ever since. It’s  the most popular type of waffle in Belgium, making it a much better candidate for the term “Belgian waffle.” They can be found in restaurants, but more commonly they’re sold by street vendors, made hot and fresh to be taken on the go. The popularity of these waffle stands has also spread throughout Europe. And recently, Liege waffle stands and food trucks have been cropping up on the streets of New York as well. Made in the same Liege tradition, they’re perfect for a bite on the go. So if you truly want to experience the best Belgian food NYC has to offer, don’t go to a trendy diner. Instead, hit the streets to find a neighborhood waffle stand, like Augustin’s Waffles in Soho, and order up some authentically Belgian Liege waffles.