Waffles are proof that civilisation occasionally gets things spectacularly right. From buttery Liège waffles in Belgium to chicken-and-waffle legends in America, pandan-scented creations in Asia and absurdly decadent dessert towers elsewhere, the humble grid cake has travelled remarkably well.
This SEO-friendly guide to the best waffle places around the world rounds up 20 iconic destinations where crisp edges, fluffy centres and questionable amounts of whipped cream are taken very seriously.
The Belgian waffle tradition alone has centuries of history: Brussels waffles are typically light and crisp, while Liège waffles are richer, softer and studded with caramelising sugar pearls.
1. Maison Dandoy — Brussels, Belgium
History: Founded in 1829, Maison Dandoy began as a celebrated Brussels biscuit house and became deeply associated with the city’s sweet traditions. Today, its waffle programme brings both major Belgian styles under one delicious roof. The brand still operates multiple Brussels boutiques, including its Charles Buls tearoom.
Year Founded: 1829
Address: Rue Charles Buls 14, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Waffle Style: Brussels and Liège waffles
Toppings: Icing sugar, homemade chocolate, whipped cream and seasonal additions
Texture & Flavor Profile: Brussels-style is light, airy and crisp; Liège is buttery, warm, caramelised and chewy with crunchy sugar bits
Most Iconic Waffle: Classic Brussels Waffle with icing sugar
Approx. Cost for Two: €18–€30
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisondandoy/
Website: Maison Dandoy Official Website
Maison Dandoy is where a waffle stops being “just breakfast” and starts demanding a small amount of respect. The Brussels version is airy and crisp, while the Liège waffle arrives buttery and gloriously caramelised. Founded before Belgium itself existed as an independent country, this institution knows a thing or two about staying deliciously relevant.
2. Maison des Gaufres — Brussels, Belgium
History: Antoine Akayyan has been passionate about waffles since 1982, building a reputation around combining Belgian tradition with inventive flavours and formats. The establishment is particularly known for putting a modern spin on a deeply traditional treat.
Year Founded: 1982
Address: Brussels city centre, Belgium
Waffle Style: Traditional Belgian and oversized “King Size” waffles
Toppings: Chocolate, fruit, cream, sugar and seasonal combinations
Texture & Flavor Profile: Light interior, crisp exterior, sweet buttery finish
Most Iconic Waffle: King Size Light & Crispy Waffle
Approx. Cost for Two: €15–€25
Website: Official venue information via Visit Brussels
Maison des Gaufres takes the Belgian waffle and politely asks, “What if we made it bigger?” The result is a glorious exercise in crispy engineering. Since 1982, the shop has balanced tradition with playful experimentation, producing waffles that remain light despite looking capable of requiring their own postal code.
3. The Waffle — Brussels, Belgium
History: The story behind this Belgian waffle institution began in 1950, when Yvonne and Clément Vangoidsenhoven launched points of sale based on a family recipe. The business later evolved through the Vigaufra and Belgaufra eras.
Year Founded: 1950
Address: Multiple locations, Brussels, Belgium
Waffle Style: Liège-style Belgian waffles
Toppings: Pearl sugar, chocolate and sweet sauces
Texture & Flavor Profile: Dense, buttery, chewy and caramelised
Most Iconic Waffle: Classic Pearl Sugar Liège Waffle
Approx. Cost for Two: €10–€18
Website: The Waffle History & Official Website
This is the sort of waffle with proper Belgian credentials and absolutely no interest in pretending to be diet food. Its story stretches back to 1950, while its pearl-sugar-studded Liège waffles offer buttery chewiness and caramelised crunch. One bite is elegant. Three bites are a lifestyle decision.
4. Gaufres & Waffles — Brussels, Belgium
History: Created by Sébastien Mattagne, Michael Chiche and David Ghysels, with recipes developed by Michelin-starred chef Yves Mattagne, this concept opened its original Brussels location in 2019. It famously reimagined the Brussels waffle as both dessert and proper meal.
Year Founded: 2019
Address: Original location: Galerie du Roi 6, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Waffle Style: Sweet and savoury Brussels waffles
Toppings: Chocolate, blueberries, yoghurt, beef tartare, shrimp, cheese and more
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crisp, light and structured enough for elaborate toppings
Most Iconic Waffle: Waffle & Chocolate
Approx. Cost for Two: €25–€40
Website: Gaufres & Waffles Official Website
Gaufres & Waffles looked at the traditional Brussels waffle and decided dessert was thinking far too small. Here, waffles get dressed with chocolate, seafood and even beef tartare. Yes, tartare. Chef Yves Mattagne’s recipes transform the humble grid into serious gastronomy, proving that squares can indeed contain multitudes.
5. House of Waffles — Bruges, Belgium
History: A popular modern waffle stop in Bruges’ historic centre, House of Waffles serves visitors exploring one of Belgium’s most picturesque cities. Its central location makes it ideal for combining medieval architecture with an extremely non-medieval quantity of whipped cream.
Year Founded: Modern independent establishment
Address: Wollestraat 31, Bruges, Belgium
Waffle Style: Brussels and Liège
Toppings: Strawberries, chocolate, cream, fruit and sauces
Texture & Flavor Profile: Light and crisp Brussels waffles; richer, chewy Liège options
Most Iconic Waffle: Belgian Waffle with Strawberries and Chocolate
Approx. Cost for Two: €15–€25
Bruges already looks suspiciously like a fairy tale, and House of Waffles adds the edible special effects. Choose between airy Brussels-style grids or richer Liège waffles, then pile on fruit and chocolate. It’s strategically positioned for travellers who believe sightseeing burns enough calories to make mathematics irrelevant.
6. Chez Albert — Bruges, Belgium
History: Located near Bruges’ famous Markt and Burg areas, Chez Albert has become a recognisable stop for Belgian waffles in the historic city centre. Its busy pedestrian-street location has made it particularly popular with visitors hunting a quick, authentic sweet snack.
Year Founded: Modern Belgian waffle institution
Address: Breidelstraat 16, Bruges, Belgium
Waffle Style: Liège-style Belgian waffle
Toppings: Pearl sugar, chocolate, fruit and whipped cream
Texture & Flavor Profile: Soft, buttery centre with caramelised edges and sugar crunch
Most Iconic Waffle: Classic Liège Waffle
Approx. Cost for Two: €10–€20
Chez Albert understands the important relationship between tourists and snacks: sometimes you need sugar immediately. Its Liège waffles are compact, buttery and caramelised, making them perfect for eating while wandering Bruges. Pearl sugar provides little crunchy surprises, because apparently waffles needed to become even more entertaining.
7. GO.FRE — Bruges, Belgium
History: A contemporary Bruges waffle destination located in the city’s busy historic core, GO.FRE has become part of the modern generation of Belgian waffle counters serving classic styles to an international audience.
Year Founded: Modern establishment
Address: Breidelstraat 11, Bruges, Belgium
Waffle Style: Belgian street-style waffles
Toppings: Chocolate, fruit, sauces, cream and sugar
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crisp exterior with a warm, soft centre
Most Iconic Waffle: Chocolate-Topped Belgian Waffle
Approx. Cost for Two: €12–€22
GO.FRE is built for people who spot a waffle, smell caramelised sugar and suddenly forget every other plan for the afternoon. Expect warm Belgian-style waffles with a satisfying crispness and a parade of toppings. It’s casual, quick and dangerously convenient when you’re trying to “just walk around Bruges.”
8. Wafels & Dinges — New York City, USA
History: Founded in 2007 by Thomas DeGeest, Wafels & Dinges began as a New York food-cart concept bringing Belgian-style waffles to hungry city dwellers.
Year Founded: 2007
Address: Multiple locations and carts, New York City, USA
Waffle Style: Brussels and Liège Belgian waffles
Toppings: Belgian chocolate, strawberries, bananas, whipped cream and signature “dinges”
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crisp and airy Brussels style or dense, buttery Liège style
Most Iconic Waffle: Throwdown Wafel
Approx. Cost for Two: US$25–$40
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wafelsanddinges/
Website: https://www.wafelsanddinges.com/
New York moves fast, but Wafels & Dinges gives commuters a compelling reason to stop. The Belgian-inspired carts serve fluffy Brussels waffles and rich Liège versions buried beneath their famous “dinges”—the wonderfully vague Flemish word for toppings. Chocolate, fruit and cream turn each order into edible Manhattan chaos.
9. Clinton St. Baking Company — New York City, USA
History: Founded in 2001, Clinton St. Baking Company became a Lower East Side breakfast legend through its indulgent American comfort-food approach.
Year Founded: 2001
Address: 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Waffle Style: Classic American buttermilk waffle
Toppings: Butter, maple syrup, berries and seasonal additions
Texture & Flavor Profile: Fluffy, tender, buttery and gently crisp
Most Iconic Waffle: Buttermilk Waffle with Maple Butter
Approx. Cost for Two: US$45–$65
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clintonstbakingcompany/
Website: https://clintonstreetbaking.com/
Clinton Street Baking Company treats breakfast as a competitive sport. Its waffles are fluffy, buttery and built for generous applications of syrup, while the surrounding menu has earned cult status among brunch pilgrims. Come hungry, because “I’ll just have one waffle” has historically proven to be a wildly optimistic statement.
10. Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles — Los Angeles, USA
History: Founded in 1975 by Herb Hudson, Roscoe’s helped turn chicken and waffles into one of America’s most famous soul-food combinations.
Year Founded: 1975
Address: Multiple locations, Los Angeles, California, USA
Waffle Style: American-style savoury-and-sweet pairing
Toppings: Fried chicken, butter, syrup and gravy-style accompaniments
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crisp waffle edges, fluffy interior, salty fried chicken and sweet syrup contrast
Most Iconic Waffle: Herb’s Special
Approx. Cost for Two: US$40–$60
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roscoeschickenandwaffles/
Website: https://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/
Roscoe’s solved a problem nobody knew they had: why choose breakfast when you can put fried chicken on top of it? Since 1975, its sweet-and-savoury combination has become legendary. Crispy chicken meets soft waffles, syrup joins the party, and suddenly every dietary rule you ever learned becomes purely theoretical.
11. Waffle House — Atlanta, USA
History: Founded in 1955 in Avondale Estates near Atlanta by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner, Waffle House grew into an American roadside institution.
Year Founded: 1955
Address: Multiple locations; Atlanta metropolitan area, Georgia, USA
Waffle Style: Classic American diner waffle
Toppings: Butter, maple-flavoured syrup, pecans and breakfast sides
Texture & Flavor Profile: Soft, golden, buttery with lightly crisp edges
Most Iconic Waffle: Pecan Waffle
Approx. Cost for Two: US$20–$35
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wafflehouseofficial/
Website: https://www.wafflehouse.com/
Waffle House isn’t fancy, and that’s precisely the point. This is America in a yellow sign: hot coffee, sizzling bacon and waffles arriving at suspiciously convenient hours. The pecan waffle is a classic, offering nutty crunch against a soft, buttery base. Fine dining? No. Essential waffle anthropology? Absolutely.
12. Bruxie — Orange County, USA
History: Founded in 2010, Bruxie helped popularise the idea of using Belgian-style waffles as sandwich bread.
Year Founded: 2010
Address: Multiple locations; Orange County and Southern California, USA
Waffle Style: Belgian-inspired savoury waffle sandwich
Toppings: Fried chicken, eggs, cheese, maple syrup and sweet dessert fillings
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crisp, slightly chewy and buttery
Most Iconic Waffle: Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffle Sandwich
Approx. Cost for Two: US$30–$45
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruxie/
Website: https://www.bruxie.com/
Bruxie took one look at ordinary sandwich bread and apparently said, “You can do better.” Its answer: waffles. Fried chicken, eggs and cheese get trapped between crisp Belgian-inspired grids, producing the sort of lunch that makes sliced bread feel deeply insecure. Dessert waffles are available for anyone still standing afterwards.
13. MAX BRENNER — New York City, USA
History: Established as a chocolate-focused brand in 1996, Max Brenner built an international following around extravagant cocoa desserts.
Year Founded: 1996
Address: 841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, USA
Waffle Style: Dessert-focused Belgian-style waffles
Toppings: Melted chocolate, strawberries, bananas, ice cream and sauces
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crisp outside, soft centre, intensely chocolate-forward
Most Iconic Waffle: Chocolate Waffle
Approx. Cost for Two: US$35–$60
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxbrennerusa/
Website: https://maxbrenner.com/
Max Brenner approaches waffles with the restraint of a child left alone in a chocolate factory. Which is to say: not much restraint at all. Expect warm waffles loaded with chocolate, fruit and ice cream. This is dessert for people who hear the phrase “too much chocolate” and require immediate clarification.
14. Kith Treats — Manila, Philippines
History: Founded in 2009, Kith Treats became known for custom ice-cream creations and playful dessert combinations.
Year Founded: 2009
Address: Multiple locations, Metro Manila, Philippines
Waffle Style: Modern dessert waffle
Toppings: Custom ice cream, cookies, cereal, chocolate and sauces
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crisp, warm waffle contrasted with cold, creamy toppings
Most Iconic Waffle: Waffle with Custom Ice Cream Creation
Approx. Cost for Two: ₱700–₱1,200
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kithtreats/
Website: https://kithtreats.com/
Kith Treats understands that choosing between waffles and ice cream is an unnecessary hardship. Its solution is simple: have both, then add cookies and cereal while you’re at it. The warm-cold contrast is glorious, the combinations are endlessly playful, and your inner ten-year-old will probably want to order twice.
15. Taiyaki NYC — New York City, USA
History: Founded in 2016, Taiyaki NYC helped popularise Japanese fish-shaped waffles filled with soft-serve ice cream in New York.
Year Founded: 2016
Address: 119 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Waffle Style: Japanese taiyaki waffle cone
Toppings: Soft serve, mochi, cookies, sprinkles and sauces
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crisp edges, chewy interior and a lightly sweet batter
Most Iconic Waffle: Fish-Shaped Taiyaki Cone with Soft Serve
Approx. Cost for Two: US$15–$25
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taiyakinyc/
Website: https://taiyakinyc.com/
Taiyaki NYC proves that waffles are even more fun when shaped like fish. The chewy Japanese-style shell becomes a cone for colourful soft serve, creating a dessert that is almost too photogenic to eat. Almost. One bite destroys the evidence, but honestly, that’s what memories are for.
16. Puffle Bee — Hong Kong
History: Puffle Bee represents Hong Kong’s modern obsession with reimagining the traditional egg waffle for contemporary dessert lovers.
Year Founded: Modern concept
Address: Multiple locations, Hong Kong
Waffle Style: Hong Kong egg waffle / bubble waffle
Toppings: Ice cream, fruit, chocolate, cookies and sauces
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crisp shell, chewy bubbles and custardy interior
Most Iconic Waffle: Bubble Waffle with Soft Serve
Approx. Cost for Two: HK$120–$220
Hong Kong’s bubble waffle looks as though a regular waffle briefly entered a laboratory and emerged considerably more interesting. Each little bubble is crisp outside and chewy within. Add soft serve, fruit and chocolate, and you’ve got dessert architecture so charming it practically demands a photoshoot before the first bite.
17. Oddies Foodies — Hong Kong
History: A modern Hong Kong dessert concept, Oddies Foodies became known for playful combinations of local street-food traditions and inventive frozen desserts.
Year Founded: 2015
Address: 45 Gough St, Central, Hong Kong
Waffle Style: Bubble waffle paired with artisan gelato
Toppings: Gelato, caramelised crumbs, fruit and sauces
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crunchy and chewy waffle with rich, creamy gelato contrast
Most Iconic Waffle: Egg Waffle Gelato Dessert
Approx. Cost for Two: HK$160–$280
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oddiesfoodies/
Website: https://www.oddiesfoodies.com/
Oddies Foodies takes Hong Kong’s beloved egg waffle, then casually introduces it to artisan gelato and lets sparks fly. The result balances crunch, chewiness and cold creaminess in every bite. It’s messy, imaginative and dangerously easy to photograph—assuming you can resist eating it for approximately seven seconds.
18. The Waffle House — Seoul, South Korea
History: Seoul’s café culture has enthusiastically embraced elaborate waffles, turning them into towering dessert centrepieces.
Year Founded: Modern café concept
Address: Seoul, South Korea
Waffle Style: Korean café-style dessert waffle
Toppings: Fresh strawberries, whipped cream, ice cream, chocolate and fruit
Texture & Flavor Profile: Crisp exterior, soft interior and fresh-creamy sweetness
Most Iconic Waffle: Strawberry & Cream Waffle
Approx. Cost for Two: ₩25,000–₩45,000
Korean dessert culture does not believe in being boring, and these waffles got the memo. Expect generous piles of strawberries, cream, ice cream and enough decorative enthusiasm to make the plate look like it has its own social-media manager. The waffle underneath remains warm, crisp and remarkably capable of supporting the spectacle.
19. Waffle Magic — Tokyo, Japan
History: Japan’s specialty waffle culture combines precise technique with a love of seasonal ingredients and carefully balanced sweetness.
Year Founded: Modern specialty concept
Address: Tokyo, Japan
Waffle Style: Japanese-inspired dessert waffle
Toppings: Matcha, red bean, seasonal fruit, cream and chocolate
Texture & Flavor Profile: Delicate crispness with a soft, lightly sweet interior
Most Iconic Waffle: Matcha & Red Bean Waffle
Approx. Cost for Two: ¥2,000–¥4,000
Tokyo’s waffle scene proves that precision and indulgence can peacefully coexist. Think crisp grids paired with matcha cream, sweet red beans and beautifully arranged seasonal fruit. Every topping appears to know exactly where it belongs. Meanwhile, you will know exactly where the waffle belongs: in your mouth, immediately.
20. Gelato Messina — Sydney, Australia
History: Founded in 2002, Gelato Messina grew from a Sydney gelateria into one of Australia’s most influential dessert brands.
Year Founded: 2002
Address: Multiple locations; flagship stores in Sydney, Australia
Waffle Style: Dessert waffle paired with artisan gelato
Toppings: Gelato, chocolate, sauces, fruit and rotating specials
Texture & Flavor Profile: Warm crisp waffle with dense, intensely flavoured gelato
Most Iconic Waffle: Waffle with Messina Gelato and Seasonal Special Toppings
Approx. Cost for Two: A$30–$50
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gelatomessina/
Website: https://gelatomessina.com/
Gelato Messina is famous for taking dessert seriously while refusing to take it solemnly. Pairing warm waffles with its intensely flavoured gelato creates a temperature contrast that deserves applause. Seasonal specials can become wonderfully ridiculous, making every visit feel like a delicious experiment with very low risk and extremely high reward.
Final Bite: Where Are the World’s Best Waffles?
If you’re searching for the best waffles in the world, Belgium remains the spiritual headquarters. Brussels offers airy, crisp rectangles, while Liège delivers buttery chewiness and caramelised pearl sugar. Maison Dandoy is particularly iconic for experiencing both styles, and its official waffle description captures that contrast beautifully.
But waffle greatness has clearly escaped the Belgian borders. New York adds food-cart chaos, Los Angeles brings fried chicken, Hong Kong creates bubble-shaped magic, Tokyo contributes precision, and Sydney throws gelato into the equation.
In other words, the world has taken a batter, poured it into a grid and collectively decided that moderation was optional.
Our advice? Start in Brussels. Wear stretchy trousers.
