This past Sunday was International Waffle Day (March 25). A waffle is batter or cake cooked in a waffle iron that results in a distinctive grid pattern. There are several varieties including American, Belgium, Hong Kong, Pandan (Vietnam), and Scandinavian. It can be enjoyed anytime of the day, most commonly for breakfast and dessert.
I celebrated the food holiday by enjoying Belgian liege waffles at Saus in Boston. Although known for the Belgian frites, Saus also serves a variety of other Belgian foods, including the liege waffle, known for its rectangular shape. I tried one with their homemade nutella topping and another with lemon cream sauce. Both were served warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and were absolutely delicious! The other choices for sauces were “Berry Berry” and salted caramel. The waffles are small and make a great snack on-the-go.
My favorite and probably most nostalgic memory of a delicious waffle is the one from Cabot’s in Newton. This family-owned business has been serving ice cream and desserts for over 40 years in a cute, old-fashioned ice cream parlor. My childhood friend used to live in the neighborhood, and when we were kids we would walk over to Cabot’s for some ice cream on a warm day. Flash forward to years later, I still get the ice cream but I’ve also discovered the Strawberry Waffle Sundae, formerly known as “Mr. and Mrs. Cabot’s” (photo above). It is a huge waffle, topped with rich vanilla ice cream, strawberry compote, whipped cream, and of course, a maraschino cherry on top. It is definitely shareable and worth indulging. Cabot’s is also participating in Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer this year, May 7-13!
Sometimes, I just enjoy eating a simple waffle with maple syrup and powdered sugar, without all the heavy toppings. The other day when I was having brunch at Geoffrey’s Cafe in Back Bay, I ordered just that – a side of Scandinavian waffle (photo above). Scandinavian waffles are known for being thin and multi-hearts-shaped. It was my first time trying it, and I would gladly order it again next time!
I have also tried chicken and waffles at the famous Roscoe’s House of Chicken’ N Waffles in California before. This savory and sweet pairing is a Soul Food dish that has made its way to the East Coast. The buttermilk waffles are served with a dollop of butter, maple syrup, and fried chicken. Hard to say which of the two is the bigger star on the plate, but I enjoyed them both. In Boston, you can find them served at Hen House Wings N Waffles and Fill Belly’s in Jamaica Plain.
If you didn’t get a chance to help yourself to a serving of waffles on Waffle Day, then remember to eat it at your nearest brunch restaurant, diner, or in your own home this weekend! Happy belated Waffle Day!
