Seeking the best waffles in Brussels? Here are 4 tasty tips

Belgian waffles have a long and delicious history. The first mention of waffles dates back to 1604, and a specific Brussels variety has been talked about since at least 1874. Today, waffles are a symbol of the city. Here are four tips to help you find the most authentic and delectable versions of this crispy cultural treasure.

What exactly makes a waffle the best in Brussels is a matter of personal opinion, and it could come down to what topping you’re craving at a particular time. But some tried and tested waffle spots remain well-reviewed year after year.

One such locale is Le Roi de la Gaufre, a snug shop set amid eclectic international restaurants in the Old Town—perfect if you’re seeking out waffles for dessert (especially as it’s open late). If you visit during the day, grab your chosen waffle and devour it at one of the stand-up tables outside the shop, observing the bustle of life in the heart of Brussels.

Other celebrated outlets include Veganwaf’ (Galerie Agora 48) and the fittingly named Belgian Waffles (Rue du Marché aux Poulets 51).

Le Roi de la Gaufre

• Rue de la Fourche 41, 1000 Brussels
• Opening hours vary
• Toppings to try: crème fraîche or ice cream

The popular spots tend to be in the Old Town near major city centre hotels, so it’s easy to stop by and discover why these waffle shops are so adored.

A family-owned business that has been producing gourmet delights since 1829, Maison Dandoy is so popular that these makers of biscuits and waffles have several locations across the city. To sit and savour waffles at your leisure, head to the Maison Dandoy - Tea room & Waffles branch off Grand-Place, the city’s most famous central square. The scent of freshly baked waffles warms the heart as you enter, and you can choose a seat in the chic interior or at al fresco tables.

Aux Gaufres de Bruxelles (Rue Marché aux Herbes 113) is another very popular sit-down spot with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a window if you’d prefer to get your waffle to go.

Maison Dandoy - Tea room & Waffles

• Rue Charles Buls 14, 1000 Brussels
• Open 10am-6pm Monday to Friday; 9am-6pm Saturday to Sunday
• Toppings to try: caramel sauce, or cooked strawberries with vanilla ice cream

The skilled team at Gaufres & Waffles have reinvented one of the most popular foods in Belgium, each recipe having been developed by Michelin-starred chef Yves Mattagne. Creative waffle toppings include beef tartare and nobashi shrimp. Sweet toppings like apple or blueberry may sound simple, but the presentation is an exquisite work of art that could be found on the plate at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Gaufres & Waffles

• Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, Galerie du Roi 6, 1000 Brussels
• Open noon-7pm Wednesday to Sunday
• Toppings to try: veggie, beef tartare, apple

The Sister Brussels Café is tucked away down a side street and could be easy to miss. This gem focuses on organic ingredients, local produce and a zero-waste approach. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu, which includes intriguing waffle toppings like goats cheese, avocado, mushroom and arugula. Consider staying for an evening event like improv or paint-in-the-dark workshops.

Food trucks around the city are renowned for crafting some of the best waffles in Brussels. Look out for Jean Gaston trucks in particular, which are often found at food markets like the one at Stockel (held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays), 30 minutes east of Grand-Place on metro line 1. The food trucks’ presence is never guaranteed, but maybe that’s part of what makes the waffles taste so good.

The Sister Brussels Café

• Rue Chair et Pain 3, 1000 Brussels
• Open 10am-11pm Monday to Friday; 9am-midnight Saturday; 9am-11pm Sunday
• Toppings to try: dark and white chocolate, or pomegranate, banana, almonds and agave syrup

At Los Churros & Waffle, the display of waffles with generous toppings is like a piece of 3D artwork created every day. Some of the colourful toppings are piled so high that the balancing act is as impressive as the culinary artistry. If you can take some photos before the urge to eat becomes overwhelming, then Instagram likes should be as abundant as the toppings. Los Churros & Waffle has two locations in the Old Town, and both have Instagram-worthy presentations. The artisanal ice cream is displayed equally beautifully.

Of course, the masterful styling of the toppings at Gaufres & Waffles also makes for very eye-catching photos that are sure to impress.

Los Churros & Waffle

• 87 Rue du Marché aux Herbes, 1000 Brussels & 4 Rue de Tabora, 1000 Brussels
• Open 09:30am-11pm daily
• Toppings to try: caramelised hazelnuts, or marshmallow

If you book a room at ibis Brussels off Grand-Place, you can enjoy waffles for breakfast without leaving your hotel. Los Churros & Waffle, Aux Gaufres de Bruxelles and Veganwaf’ are all within two minutes’ walk of the hotel, so the location is also ideal for a decadent treat on your way back.

Waffles in Brussels are tasty enough to eat without any toppings at all, and many people do just that—including locals getting a quick bite. But don’t miss the chance to try some of the mouth-watering combinations, both sweet and savoury, that make for a truly memorable and indulgent stay in the city.

Sampling a savoury waffle is essential, like the leek waffles with poached egg and smoked salmon at Woodpecker 47 (Rue du Marché aux Poulets 47).

Obe Belgian waffles just off Grand-Place lets you ‘build your own’ toppings, so you can try out your favourite version of sweet combinations of fruit, chocolate sauce, powdered sugar, cream and nuts. Simple blends of strawberries with chocolate sauce, banana with Nutella, or mixed nuts with maple syrup never fail to please. You could also get creative by including marshmallows or frozen yoghurt, which is a speciality of the outlet.

Obe Belgian waffles

• Rue de l’Etuve 4, 1000 Brussels
• Open 10am-10pm every day except Tuesdays
• Toppings to try: pistachio with chocolate sauce, or caramel crunch with caramel sauce

If you’re eating waffles in Brussels, you’re already on the way to finding the fluffiest treats in the country. Brussels’ light and crispy waffles are often compared with those from Liège, in eastern Belgium, which are more dense and rich.

Plenty of waffle shops in Brussels claim to have the lightest, fluffiest versions, and one location to rely on for cloud-like waffles is Mokafé Taverne in the elegant Galeries Royales Saint Hubert shopping arcades. This brasserie has a variety of famous Belgian food on the menu along with their waffles, which can be enjoyed with coffee, hot chocolate or beer.

Mokafé Taverne

• Galerie du Roi 9, 1000 Brussels
• Open 7am-11pm daily 
• Toppings to try: chocolate sauce or Chantilly cream (or both!)

Veganwaf’ is acclaimed for its exceptional plant-based and gluten-free waffles that are homemade every day. The venue has the vibe of a cute garden shed, yet it’s conveniently set right in the middle of the Old Town. Some of Europe’s most majestic architecture will be your backdrop as you take your first exquisite bite.

Along with The Sister Brussels Café, Pardon Brussels at Rue de Moscou 36, 1060 Saint-Gilles is another place whipping up some of the best vegan waffles in Brussels to pair with their specialty coffee.

Veganwaf’

• Galerie Agora 48, 1000 Brussels
• Open 11am-7pm daily
• Toppings to try: vegan ice cream, or berries with chocolate

Enjoy your gastronomic treasure hunt as you seek out the best waffles in Brussels!