by
Photo: Restaurant Zen, Visit Bruffles, Saint Pierre
Waffles are a much-loved confection around the world. Pandan waffles are a regular sight in neighbourhood bakeries around Singapore. In Sweden, there is a special day to celebrate waffles.
Waffle Day or Våffeldagen on 25 March marks the beginning of spring, and Swedes enjoy this treat with jam and whipped cream, or simply with coffee.
Swedish waffles are flatter than the more famous Belgian waffles; they are usually made in a special waffle maker which creates heart-shaped waffles.
The Belgian version was introduced to the world at the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958. They eventually became a hugely popular breakfast food in the US and other parts of the world.
In Singapore, waffles are typically eaten at brunch or as an indulgent snack topped with fruits, honey, maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or ice cream. We ask chefs in Singapore how they enjoy their waffles.
Read: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, New Business Lunch Menu
Kelvin Ng, Sous Chef, Restaurant Zén
Credit: Restaurant Zén
How do you usually enjoy waffles and with what kind of accompaniments?
I like all kinds of waffles as different types of waffles have their unique textures and flavours. I usually enjoy having my waffles with at least three scoops of ice cream. I also really like the waffles from PrimaDeli, which I always have with chocolate spread. It’s what I’ve been having since I was young.
Apart from eating these waffles, I also really enjoy creating our own waffle dessert at Zen – which we pair with signature Hokkaido milk ice cream, as well as tea and honey. It is an interesting combination of very different flavours.
What do you think is the perfect waffle?
The perfect waffle would be one that is crispy on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside – this is the texture that I love! Extra points if there is cold ice cream on top of that warm waffle for that contrast in temperatures.
Emmanuel Stroobant, Chef-Owner, Saint Pierre
Credit: Saint Pierre
What kind of waffles do you like and how do you usually enjoy them?
Just ask the Belgians anything about waffles! There are two kinds of waffles: the rectangular light and fluffy type called “gaufre de Bruxelles” (Brussels waffle) and the round, dense, gaufre de Liège (Liège waffle).
I am from Liège, which is in Wallonia, and we speak a dialect called “wallon”. The name for Liège waffle in the local language is “gallet”. They are also called “gaufre de chasse” (hunter’s waffle). Those round, dense, sweet waffles are my absolute favourite. I love them plain, warm and just out of the iron! I dip them in melting Belgian chocolate, but it is definitely not recommended if you are on a diet.
What’s the perfect waffle for you?
To me, the perfect waffle is served in October, during “la foire” (a major fun fair in Belgium) where a mini themed funfair will take place over 2km in the park separating the largest avenue of the city centre. During the whole month, the waffles served there are just magical! It’s everything, from the scent of the caramelised P8 sugar (a special type of sugar used for those waffles), eating the hot waffle during the cold weather to soaking in the carnival spirit.
Ming Choong Yong, Executive Pastry Chef, Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford
What kind of waffles do you like?
Belgian-style waffles are my favourite. Belgian waffles are usually thicker than their American counterparts. They are made using a yeasted batter which gives a lighter and fluffier texture. They also have extra-deep pockets making them ideal for add-on of delicious fillings.
What do you pair your waffles with?
I enjoy eating waffles with salted butter and maple syrup. The salt helps to offset the sweetness of the syrup making it the ultimate pairing and together, they enhance the overall taste profile of the waffles. The feeling when you bite into them is simply sublime!
How do you make the perfect waffle?
A good waffle machine is essential – you’ll want a cast iron or non-stick one. Butter is also important; you need the fat to create the perfect batter but it also works to really bring out the taste and fragrance of the waffle. Waffles are also a popular option on our breakfast buffets both at Prego within Fairmont Singapore and CLOVE at Swissôtel The Stamford.
Sam Tan, Pastry Chef, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Credit: Joyful / Unsplash
How do you usually enjoy waffles and with what kind of accompaniments?
Waffles are such a comfort food – I can have them for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. It is versatile – as dessert with sweet toppings or savoury with buttermilk chicken, stew, bacon etc.
Waffles for breakfast: Plain waffles, cut into quarters, with maple syrup and French butter. Waffles for dessert: A whole waffle served with ice cream, with no sauce or toppings.
What’s the perfect waffle to you?
Freshly-made ones that are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fluffy and slightly chewy on the inside. It is best served with ice cream and crème anglaise based sauce (Madagascar Vanilla ice cream, strawberry and thyme, espresso, hazelnut etc).
Maxine Ngooi, Executive Pastry Chef Tigerlily Patisserie
View this post on Instagram
What kind of waffles do you like, and what do you pair with them?
I love the kind of thick airy waffles that one would normally find paired with perfectly rounded scoops of ice cream. But my recent obsession is one served with spicy fried chicken, specifically the one served at Chix Hot Chicken at Jalan Pisang. They do incredibly good fried chicken that’s super juicy and tender, paired with sharp cheddar, butter and maple syrup. Anything that toes the line between sweet and savoury, done well, is totally up my alley.
What’s the perfect waffle and why?
Those that are light and crisp on the outside yet tender and soft on the inside. With that said, I do love a good old-fashioned local-style waffle that you’d typically find at your neighbourhood HDB bakery.
Ryo Suzuki, Executive Pastry Chef, Restaurant JAG
Credit: Visit bruffles / Facebook
What’s your favourite waffles and how do you enjoy them?
Gaufre liégeoise or waffles from Liège, Brussels. I like it because it is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and it has a nice buttery flavour. I usually enjoy waffles with Chantilly and fresh fruits, and less sugar.
What makes the perfect waffle?
Fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and beautifully caramelised
