No more waffling: Choose these waffles when in Vancouver
In Vancouver’s ever-evolving food trend wars, from cupcakes to croissants to doughnuts, we now seem to be in the era of the waffle. Giving these other sweet pastries a run for their money, waffles nicely bridge the sweet-savoury divide, as is clear in many of these Belgian offerings. [Image courtesy of Cafe Medina]
Café Medina
780 Richards St, Vancouver BC V6B 3A4If you can brave their epic line-ups, then a couple of their misshapen, crispy-edged, fluffy-centred waffles are worth the wait. Served with little fanfare on a small rectangular white plate, the taste of these Belgian pastries and their accompanying toppings speak for themselves. Sauces like peach & bourbon butterscotch, white chocolate pistachio rosewater, salted caramel and more, come as sides for dipping and licking clean. Or pour over your dimpled delicacy for a satisfying pool in each bite.
Patisserie Lebeau
1728 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver BC V6J 1H6Famous for their Liège waffles, Belgian waffles with a sweet-dough base and studded with large chunks of pearl sugar, Patisserie Lebeau has been winning over waffle enthusiasts since it opened in the Armoury district in 1995. Pastry chefs and husband and wife team, the Lebeaus take their craft very seriously. Available in a variety of different flavours, their goods are baked fresh daily and ready to eat. Planning Sunday brunch? Grab a package from their case and heat them at home.
Nero Belgian Waffle Bar
1703 Robson St, Vancouver BC V6G 1C9Whether you prefer the crisp, light feel of the traditional Belgian or the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth taste of the Liège, Nero in the West End wants you to finish your waffle with all manner of tasty toppings. Fruit, chocolate or whipped cream, cheese, egg or vegetables, they’ve got your sweet and savoury options covered. This small café is great for breakfast or a late dessert or take your waffle to go to fuel you for a stroll down Robson.
Just Waffles
3531 Hastings St E, Vancouver BC V5K 2A8The name says it all at this unassuming waffle counter east of the PNE grounds on Hastings. It may look like a fast food joint complete with plastic trays and fluorescent lights, but the waffles are standouts. Choose from plain or batters mixed with strawberries, blueberries, chocolate, maple, Nutella or cinnamon. All can be topped with more sweetness. Or try their breakfast bennies or pizza waffles on an herb and garlic base. You’ll see why this has fast become a cult favourite.
Scandilicious Foods Inc
25 Victoria Dr, Vancouver BC V5L 4C1One could claim that the waffle at this north Victoria Drive diner is simply a vehicle for toppings — from peanut butter to ginger spread, apple pie filling to poached egg to smoked salmon. And it’s true that this Belgian staple forms the basis of almost everything on the menu here. But the waffle itself is nothing to gloss over. Available in five varieties — Liege, Belgian (or Brussels), Vaffler (the classic Norwegian snack), gluten free or vegan/gluten free — each is light, crisp and golden. Enhanced by delicious toppings, sure, but also (Scan)delicious on its own.
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