Belgium has two main waffles, and Brussels sells both. The Brussels waffle is light, crisp and rectangular, best eaten at a table with a dusting of icing sugar. The Liège waffle is dense, chewy and studded with caramelised pearl sugar, sold warm from street kiosks for about €2.50–€4. Locals eat both plain or lightly topped; the towers of cream and fruit near the Grand-Place are mostly for tourists.
| Details | Brussels waffle | Liège waffle |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangular, deep squares | Round-ish, uneven edges |
| Texture | Light, airy, crisp | Dense, chewy, sticky |
| Sweetness | Plain; sweetness comes from toppings | Sweet on its own from pearl sugar |
| How it is eaten | Sitting down, with a knife and fork | Walking, from a paper sleeve |
| Typical price | About €6–€12 in a tearoom | About €2.50–€4 from a kiosk |
Brussels waffle or Liège waffle?
If you want the classic sit-down experience, order a Brussels waffle (gaufre de Bruxelles) in a tearoom or brasserie, with icing sugar or a little whipped cream. It is made from a thin, yeast-raised batter and is almost fragile.
If you want a snack on the go, get a Liège waffle (gaufre de Liège). It is made from a brioche-like dough with pearl sugar that melts and caramelises in the iron. It needs no topping at all and is best eaten warm.
Where to eat waffles in Brussels
- Maison Dandoy – a historic Brussels biscuit maker (founded in the 1820s) whose tearooms near the Grand-Place serve both Brussels and Liège waffles. A good place for a first sit-down waffle.
- Street kiosks and waffle vans – you will smell them around the city centre and at markets. Choose one that makes waffles fresh rather than reheating a stack.
- Neighbourhood tearooms and brasseries – outside the tourist centre, waffles are cheaper and simpler.
Check current opening hours before visiting any specific shop.
How to order
| Say | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Une gaufre de Liège, s’il vous plaît | A Liège waffle, please |
| Une gaufre de Bruxelles au sucre impalpable | A Brussels waffle with icing sugar |
| Avec de la chantilly | With whipped cream |
| Nature | Plain, no topping |
Local tip: try a Liège waffle plain first. Toppings hide the caramelised sugar, which is the whole point.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Brussels and a Liège waffle?
A Brussels waffle is light, crisp and rectangular and is usually eaten sitting down with toppings. A Liège waffle is dense and chewy, sweetened with pearl sugar, and eaten plain as a street snack.
How much does a waffle cost in Brussels?
A Liège waffle from a kiosk costs roughly €2.50–€4. A Brussels waffle in a tearoom is about €6–€12 depending on toppings (2026 prices).
Do Belgians eat waffles for breakfast?
Not usually. Waffles are an afternoon snack or treat, often with coffee.
More in Brussels: Belgian fries and where to eat them and chocolate in Brussels. Browse all Belgium food guides.
Sources
- visit.brussels – official Brussels tourism site.
- Belgian waffle – Brussels and Liège styles explained.
