Belgian waffles: history of origin and interesting facts
If you ask anyone what Belgium is associated with, most people will name three things — a sculpture of a boy in Brussels, beer and, of course, waffles. Flavorful, airy and crispy, they have long ceased to be just a dish on restaurant menus and have become a real culinary landmark of the country.
Back in the past
Surprisingly, the history of the most famous waffles originates not in Belgium, but in the United States. During the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, Belgian pastry chef Walter Clement introduced his unique dish to the Americans. The waffles, served with strawberries and whipped cream, were so well liked by the local population that they soon spread throughout America. It is said that in the first four months after the «premiere» more than half a million waffles were sold in the United States.
It is believed that the name «Belgian» was established because not all Americans knew where Brussels was located. In their homeland, Belgium, the famous waffles are called only Brussels waffles.
Did you know that...
Brussels waffles are made from yeast dough in cast iron waffle makers, which makes them soft on the outside and crispy on the inside. Some pastry chefs add a secret ingredient to it, but what it is they don’t reveal. There is speculation that it could be one of the beers, but there is no proof for this theory.
Brussels waffles are often confused with Liege waffles, which are also made in Belgium, in the city of Liege. But these are different dishes: Liege waffles are drier, more like buns, and their dough contains bits of caramelized sugar.
Classic Belgian waffles are sweet, served with coffee or tea. But there are also unsweetened waffles with different fillings.
Where to try
Of course, it is better to taste any national dish at home, but if you can’t go to Belgium yet — come to Lambic! Our Belgian beer restaurants have everything to feel the real taste of this wonderful country: dozens of varieties of beer, national cuisine and cozy atmosphere. And for Belgian waffles we have allocated a whole section with sweet classics with strawberries and ice cream, and unsweetened potato positions with fish, meat and other fillings. Come — it will be delicious!
Fourchette Blonde beer: created by the best
Despite the fact that beer can be both expensive and unique, it is not often served at high receptions. For some reason, it is tacitly considered to be a less refined beverage than, for example, wine or champagne. But Fourchette Blonde can give a head start even to collector’s labels — both in terms of taste and history of origin. In this article we will tell you what this variety is, what makes it so famous and why it should be served at least in Michelin restaurants. One such Fourchette Blonde is probably the most gastronomic beer in the world. And it’s all about the fact that the best chefs in Belgium took part in its creation. Especially for this performance Van Steenberge brewery gathered in 2017 in Ghent, at a specially organized event, 11 recognized masters of their craft. And a unique format began. The vast experience of the Van Steenberge brewers and the exquisite taste of the best chefs could not fail to bear fruit. Thus came Fourchette Blonde, a multi-grain golden strong ale with an incredibly rich, complex flavor. Most drinkers will perceive it as fruity and floral. Notes of apple, peach and tropical fruits are felt thanks to a unique yeast strain, and wheat malt gives the drink floral and honey nuances. But the real connoisseurs will feel in the flavor also shades of citrus, coriander, nutmeg. But everyone without exception, regardless of the experience of tasting, will appreciate the velvety taste, in which floral freshness and soft bitterness are perfectly balanced. To make Fourchette Blonde, in addition to the traditional water, barley malt, hops and yeast, interesting ingredients were used — wheat, rice and sugar. There seems to be no magic, but that’s just for the first sip. For special occasions Fourchette Blonde is definitely not a beer for every day. The producers themselves also recommend to drink it on special occasions, combining it with exquisite dishes. Fourchette Blonde was invented and realized exclusively for culinary impressions, and the drink gives them in full. Where to try Fourchette Blonde in Moscow, if there are no Michelin restaurants anymore? Come to Lambic beer restaurants! Our drink list includes the best beers from all over the world, including truly unique varieties. And thanks to our extensive menu we will offer a good gastronomic pairing for even the most refined drinks. We look forward to seeing you!
24 March 2025
Winter flavor: A Winter Carol spiced cider
What could be better on a cold winter evening than a spicy warming drink? And we’re not talking about traditional mulled wine or glögg. There is a great alternative among beer drinks as well — for example, A Winter Carol cider. Its name literally translates as «winter history», the manufacturer is domestic — support is always nice, and the taste — above all praise. But about everything in order. Taste the winter A Winter Carol is a luxurious spicy cider from the line of Specials from the Moscow craft brewery Rebel Apple. The drink was inspired by Charles Dickens’ stories, which are as mystical and magical as the cider itself. A Winter Carol is made from pure direct-pressed apple juice with the addition of orange zest, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. The result is a unique drink — bright, with a sweet, mild flavor, in which you can feel the nuances of orange zest, honey and spices for mulled wine. The aroma is rich, apple, with notes of citrus and spices. The producer recommends to consume the cider in its pure habitual form or, if you want to feel the real Christmas spirit, in a slightly heated one. It will be a good gastronomic pairing with pastries (for example, cinnamon buns or gingerbread) and various desserts. Everything you need for a cozy winter dinner! A few words about the manufacturer Rebel Apple is a unique Moscow cidery, the only full-cycle production facility in the capital, where drinks go from the first apple to the final packaging. The company’s creator and ideological inspirer is Alexander Ionov. He is also one of the pioneers of domestic cider-making. He created the first batches of his drinks in his Moscow apartment, where a separate room with air conditioning was allocated for production. Today Rebel Apple is one of the most popular cideries in the country. Apples for the production of drinks are brought here from the best Russian orchards. And all ciders are aged for up to 18 months in neutral containers, oak barrels or bottles. This approach to flavor and quality has already borne fruit: the brand has a lot of fans, and their number continues to grow. Looking for a place to try A Winter Carol cider or other Rebel Apple beverages? Come to any Lambic beer restaurant! Our menu features these and other unique beers from all over the world, as well as a large selection of delicious dishes and always cozy atmosphere. We are waiting for you!
24 March 2025