Share
Believe it or not, waffles have been around since ancient Greece. That's right, those toga-wearing philosophers knew a thing or two about breakfast. Back then, they made something called "obelios," which was essentially a wafer made from grain and water that was cooked between two hot metal plates. It was a simple and practical way to make a quick and portable snack for soldiers and travellers.
Fast forward a few centuries to medieval Europe, and the waffle really started to take off. The Belgians, in particular, became known for their delicious waffles. They added yeast to the batter, which made it rise and gave the waffles a light, fluffy texture. They also started using fancy iron presses with intricate designs, which made the waffles as beautiful as they were tasty.
But it wasn't until the 18th century that waffles really became a mainstream breakfast food. That's when Thomas Jefferson brought a waffle iron back to the United States from France, and Americans quickly fell in love with the crispy, golden treats. In fact, the first U.S. patent for a waffle iron was granted in 1869, and by the early 20th century, waffles were a staple in American households.
Today, waffles have become a global phenomenon, with countless variations and toppings. From the classic butter and syrup combo to the more exotic chicken and waffles, there's a waffle for every palate. And while the origin of waffles may be ancient, their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. So, the next time you sink your teeth into a warm, crispy waffle, remember that you're taking part in a culinary tradition that stretches back thousands of years.
Belgian Waffles:
Belgian waffles are perhaps the most well-known type of waffle. They are typically thick, fluffy, and crisp on the outside. They are made with yeast, which gives them their light, airy texture, and they are usually served with whipped cream, fruit, and syrup.
Liege Waffles:
Liege waffles are another type of Belgian waffle, but they are made with a dough rather than a batter. They are denser and sweeter than Belgian waffles, and they have small pockets of caramelised sugar throughout. They are often served plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Stroopwafels:
Stroopwafels are a type of Dutch waffle that consists of two thin waffle layers with a layer of caramel syrup in between. They are typically served warm, and the caramel filling becomes gooey and delicious when heated. They are often paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Bubble Waffles:
Bubble waffles, also known as egg waffles, are a popular street food in Hong Kong. They are made by pouring a batter into a special waffle iron that creates small, egg-shaped bubbles in the waffle. The waffles are typically crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they can be filled with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings.
Savoury Waffles:
Waffles don't have to be sweet! Savoury waffles can be made with ingredients like cheese, herbs, and vegetables to create a delicious and filling breakfast or brunch option. They can be served with toppings like bacon, eggs, and avocado for a savoury twist on the classic waffle.
