TOP WAFFLES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

FROM CLASSIC DESSERTS TO SAVORY INVENTIONS, THESE DISHES DESERVE A PLACE ON ANY CULINARY BUCKET LIST

Homemade honey butter and seasonal jam come alongside the famed waffles at iconic Chicago restaurant The Publican. A puffy, unadorned waffle—crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside— provides a blank canvas that gives chefs endless options, spanning all flavors of the spectrum from sweet to savory. However you like it, seek out these topof-their-class waffles and you’ll develop an entirely new appreciation—waffles aren’t just for breakfast and brunch anymore.

Ask any waffle lover the top destination to prioritize, and they’ll inevitably point toward Belgium. From the casual shacks and stands that dot every town square to gourmet purveyors who have been drawing crowds for generations, Belgium is awash in waffle vendors, most of whom stay open throughout the day and into the evening to satisfy cravings for a hot-off-the-grill waffle.

First-time visitors might be surprised to discover that in Belgium they generally have a choice between two styles. Some prefer the Brussels waffle, which is larger and rectangular in shape, with a light interior, crispy exterior, and a sprinkling of icing sugar. Others are loyal to the smaller, more plump Liège waffle, which usually has caramelized corners and beads of sugar melted into its dough, yielding a sinfully rewarding crunch with every bite.

BELGIUM Top contenders for the unofficial waffle crown in Brussels include the Waffle Factory, which serves meat-stuffed “lunchwafs” with Provençal herbs just steps away from the iconic Manneken Pis statue; Mokafé, a small cafe nestled in the King’s Gallery; Maison Dandoy, an old artisanal biscuit shop in the city with a lovely tearoom; and Pardon Brussels, which delights trendy crowds with toppings such as candied fruit, fresh herbs, and cured meats.

NEW YORK CITY New York’s historic Harlem neighborhood lays claim to being the original home of chicken and waffles. A trio of notable Harlem eateries specialize in authentic, down-home plates of chicken and waffles: Melba’s is a soul- food stalwart famous for its eggnog waffles, which have a rich and nutty flavor; Sylvia’s is a neighborhood institution renowned for its take on classic chicken and waffles (best paired with the weekly Sunday gospel brunch with live music); and Amy Ruth’s has won national recognition for its waffle menu, with each dish named after local celebs and dignitaries.

From its origins in the heart of Greenwich Village, the Frenchaccented Buvette has expanded globally, bringing its buzzy “gastrothèque” creations to London, Paris, Tokyo, and—with its newest location having opened in late 2021—Mexico City. One constant across all its outposts is its duo of mouthwatering buttermilk waffle dishes. Traditionalists opt for the Belgian buttermilk waffle with jam, berries, and crème fraîche, while heartier appetites prefer the Instaworthy waffle sandwich, filled with a sunny-side egg, bacon, and cheese in between one halved waffle, dripping with butter, bacon fat, and maple syrup.

CHICAGO One of Chicago’s culinary stalwarts, the James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Kahan, serves one of America’s most lauded waffles at his iconic restaurant, The Publican. A vision of simplicity executed flawlessly, Kahan’s signature waffle—served with homemade honey butter and seasonal jam—has been a weekend brunch staple for years. Born out of a Belgium trip to study up on farmhouse fare, Kahan and his team perfected a Liège-style yeasted recipe. In response to demand from fans living outside of Chicago, the waffle mix can be shipped nationwide via Goldbelly.

LOS ANGELES Located in the heart of the Hollywood action on Sunset Boulevard, The Waffle has become a neighborhood staple over the past 15 years for its retro, dinerlike environs and inspired culinary inventions. The kitchen bakes

everything from raisins and walnuts to bacon and jalapeños directly into the waffles. Signature varieties include red velvet, blueberry lemon, and strawberry cheesecake, and for those looking to splurge there’s a chive waffle topped with cream-cheese dill sauce, capers, red onion, and smoked salmon.

For a more refined waffle option, Angelenos head to one of the city’s toniest hotels, The Peninsula Beverly Hills. The Belvedere, the hotel’s California-style brasserie, attracts seeand-be-seen crowds for one of SoCal’s most luxurious weekend brunch options. While the $99 poached egg parfait with white sturgeon caviar appeals to celebratory types, it’s the kitchen’s take on fried chicken and waffles that sets heads turning. The sweet tea-brined chicken impresses, but it’s the pillowly gourmet waffle, topped with spicy Cholula butter, that’s the star of the show.

L.A. is also home to one of the most famous, and influential, vegan restaurants in the world: Crossroads Kitchen. Countless diners, including plenty of meat eaters, swear by Crossroads’ take on traditional chicken and waffles, with crunchy plant-based “chicken” and delectable housemade waffles getting a sweet kick from warm maple hot sauce.

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING One of the world’s most scenic waffle spots can be found at an elevation of 10,450 feet, high above the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. A visit to Corbet’s Cabin for its Top of the World waffles is a culinary rite of passage. This year-round operation is perched at the top of a mountain, serving as a memorable hangout for skiers and winter-sports aficionados. Heated on a vintage wood stove, the waffles are especially light, thanks in part to the altitude. After devouring a hot and steamy waffle topped with bacon and peanut butter, adrenaline junkies can burn off the calories by zooming down a world-class ski run.

From its origins in New York’s Greenwich Village, Buvette has expanded around the world, bringing its popular buttermilk waffles with it.