Picture this: a slow afternoon, the soft hum of chatter in the background, the rhythmic tapping of your laptop keyboard, or the gentle rustle of a turning page. Music drifts through the air, setting the perfect mood—yet something is missing. The scent of freshly brewed coffee takes you by surprise, a perfect addition to your already ideal afternoon and to make it the most memorable, you have waffles on the side, a blissfully warm and delicious experience for your palate.
So, whenever you have a pile of work ahead of you or just want to relax, the perfect coffee with the most delicious waffles is a go-to. And when it comes to indulgence done right, Taste of Belgium is the place to be.
Let’s take a closer look at how waffles and coffee make the perfect combination.
The Science Behind the Pairing
Close your eyes and think about the first time you had pancakes with maple syrup, cookies with milk, or even a PB&J sandwich. These combinations are universal and comforting. Similar is the case with waffles and a hot cup of coffee.
The combination of coffee and waffles complement each other perfectly. Waffles are typically sweet, buttery, and slightly caramelized while coffee has bitter, roasted, and slightly acidic notes, a combination that balances the flavor spectrum, a perfect blend.
Here, the bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the waffle, preventing both of them from being overwhelming. Additionally, waffles are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. And coffee is smooth which makes a bite of waffle followed by a sip of coffee the most satisfying experience.
The History of Belgian Waffles
Our beloved waffles have a beautiful history. Initially, the concept of cooking batter between heated iron plates originated in Europe in the medieval period. By the Middle Ages, the waffle as we know it today came into being, with sweeter flavor and decorations. The decorations were based on “waffle irons” with intricate patterns that became extremely popular in Belgium and the Netherlands. By the 17th century, waffles in Belgium saw a significant change with recipe variations and such that gave rise to the soft and fluffy waffles as we know them today.
Belgium arose as a major waffle hub, developing two styles of waffles: Brussels waffles with a lighter, airy texture, traditionally made with yeast-leavened batter, and Liege waffles which are denser and sweeter made with pearl sugar that caramelizes during cooking.
Out of the two, Brussels waffles go on to evolve into the waffles that we love today. Similarly, the waffles as they are known worldwide are generalized as such whereas in Belgium there is a clear distinction between the variations.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Brussels waffles gained popularity in Belgium. Finally, at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, Maurice Vermesch, a Belgian chef introduced waffles to the world labeling them as “Belgian waffles.”
The Best Coffee Roast
After your search for ‘waffle near me’ leads you to Taste of Belgium, in Rookwood, be prepared to be amazed by our blissfully curated menu. As far as coffee is concerned, we offer a wide variety of selections. So, let us walk you through what will best work with your waffle.
Light Roast
Tart, vibrant, and light-bodied, it has fruity and floral undertones. Light roasts usually use the ‘pour over’ method which provides excellent control over-extraction, allowing the delicate flavors and acidity of light roasts to shine. They pair best with fresh fruit or citrus-topped waffles.
Medium Roast
Balanced and smooth, often with notes of chocolate, nuts, or caramel. Medium Roasts usually use drip coffee or French press both of which work well with their balanced profile. They pair well with classic syrup-drenched waffles.
Dark Roast
Bold, intense, and often with notes of chocolate, caramel, and spice. To bring out these flavors, dark roasts often employ espresso, French press, or Moka pot. They go perfectly with chocolate, caramel, or nutty waffle toppings.
Popular Waffle Toppings and the Coffee Pairings That Elevate Them
Classic Pairings:
- Butter and Maple Syrup & Smooth, Creamy Latte: The buttery richness and warm maple sweetness pair beautifully with a mild, creamy latte, enhancing the cozy flavors.
- Chocolate and Hazelnut & Bold Espresso: The deep, nutty, and chocolatey richness needs the strong kick of espresso to balance out the sweetness.
- Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream & Fruity Light Roast: Berries have natural acidity, making them a great match for a bright, fruity Ethiopia or Kenyan light roast.
- Honey and Nuts & Warm Spiced Cappuccino: The earthy sweetness of honey and crunch of nuts shine with a cinnamon or nutmeg-dusted cappuccino.
Savoury Waffle Creations:
- Chicken & Waffles, Dark Roast: Savoury, crispy, and indulgent waffles need a bold, smoky dark roast to complement the saltiness and umami flavors.
- Brie & Caramelized Onions and Nutty, Medium Roast: Creamy brie and sweet onions call for a nutty, medium-roast coffee.
Belgium waffles and coffee are your ultimate breakfast treat. Any Monday morning can be made better with this combo on your plate!
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Why Belgian Waffles are the Ultimate Brunch Staple
Taste of Belgium supports the growing brunch culture, so much so that waffles have become an essential part of our brunch menu. Waffles provide the versatility of being paired with a variety of beverages that complement your brunch choices.
They are sweet, savory, light, or indulgent. They are the food of every occasion. Doesn’t matter if it’s a lazy Tuesday afternoon (when ToB has Happy Hour from 3 to 9 PM) or a Sunday brunch, waffles fit right in.
Taste of Belgium will bring the best brunch experience in OTR.
Finding the Best “Waffles Near Me” – What to Look For
Finding the best waffle place near you is not an easy task. A simple search for “waffle near me” will give you a list, no doubt, but what guarantees that those places would have the best waffles?
Thus, when looking for waffles near you, keep in mind a few things about a great waffle:
- It has a crispy exterior and a soft and airy interior.
- The usage of authentic ingredients like real pearl sugar, and Belgian-style batter.
- The waffles are handmade and not pre-frozen or mass-produced.
And can you guess which locations in Cincinnati check all the above-mentioned boxes, Taste of Belgium!
How Taste of Belgium Creates the Perfect Coffee and Waffle Experience
Taste of Belgium is a scratch kitchen and bar, meaning everything is made fresh with high-quality ingredients and an innovative touch. We blend traditional Belgian cooking techniques with American flavors, creating a menu that’s both innovative and exciting.
Our coffee experience is just as unique. With a carefully curated espresso bar featuring seasonal offerings, we have something for every coffee lover. One standout? Our signature Waffle Latte—is the perfect companion to your warm, golden waffle.
ToB is a renowned brunch experience that has been vouched for by Guy Fieri. Now, it’s your turn to book your tables and experience the delicacies we have to offer!
Your Next Brunch Destination: Taste of Belgium
Your perfect coffee-and-waffle experience awaits at Taste of Belgium. Whether you’re kickstarting your morning, taking a midday break, or brunching with friends, we serve up handcrafted waffles and expertly brewed coffee that make every bite and sip unforgettable. Stop by and taste the difference—because once you’ve had a Taste of Belgium, no other waffle will compare.
