Brussels: The land of waffles

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Swearengin
  • 31st Fighter Wing
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  One Saturday morning, while watching the movie Shrek, I hear "Donkey" (Eddie Murphy) say, "And in the morning...I'm making waffles!" and like anyone else, I instantly wanted waffles. This is how I began to plan my weekend trip to the waffle capital of Europe, Brussels.

After jumping on a few websites, I had my plane tickets and room booked for my weekend getaway. Soon I was standing in the Treviso airport patiently waiting to board my flight for Belgium. After one and a half hours I had reached the Charleroi-Brussels airport, located just 45 minutes south of Brussels center. Just outside the terminal, I was able to buy my bus ticket, which was 17 euro since I purchased the ticket on-site instead of online, which would cost only 5 euro. Nonetheless I was on my way to my hotel, but had to make one more stop at the main Brussels railway station (Brussels Midi), where I found the city's Metro station. After a few stops and one transfer, I was able to find my hotel. After seeing my room and speaking to the front desk about where I should go first, I was ready to head out the door to explore, but most importantly to find waffles.

My hotel was in a great spot next to the Leopold Park just south of the Schuman Metro stop, but more importantly it was the home to one famous cuisine. No not waffles, but the famous Frites or fries, from Maison Antoine. You absolutely cannot miss it and all you need to look for is three things: two very long lines, hungry faces and paper cones overflowing with fries.

Although the fries were delicious, they did not curve my appetite for what I truly craved, waffles.

So I began walking through the Leopold Park, making my way to the famous Grand Place, known simply as the center square of Brussels.

Grand Place is one remarkable square surrounded by the town's beautiful city halls, and if you look closely you can spot a well known restaurant or maybe even a popular chocolate store or two. After taking a few photos, which including a number of tries of my favorite "hey let's jump in the photo!" I was ready to continue my journey for the one thing I had yet to find. You guessed it, waffles. The city is filled with waffle vendors left and right, and yet none of them seemed to appeal my appetite to stop and have a bite. I eventually stopped for a moment to have a chuckle or two at the famous Manneken Pis fountain, or in simple terms the little boy urinating in the fountain, and enjoyed listening to all the tales of how and why it was built.

The night began to fade as I walked away from the fountain, and I started to lose hope of finding my waffle until my nose began to retrieve a sweet subtle smell and my eyes moved upwards to catch a glimpse of three great words: "The Waffle Factory". I moved quickly across the street and I felt like I had finally found what I was looking for. As soon as I stepped through the door I noticed six waffle makers, which meant one thing to me and my belly, the waffles are made fresh! So I went straight into decision mode of choosing which waffle I was going to try.

I instantly began to read over the menu, however something else caught my attention instead. I noticed the young cashiers face, and how he looked disappointed every time someone ordered a waffle covered in Nutella, bananas and strawberries or even cream. Finally it was my turn and I asked him what he recommends I try? I sparked excitement in the young man and he began to tell me how I needed to try the Liege Waffle and keep it plain because by adding all the toppings, like most tourist do, you ruin the beauty of the waffle and all the wonderful flavors. So the liege waffle is what I tried, and something about that doughy, sweet, warm waffle hit my taste buds like nothing I had ever had before, and I wanted neither seconds nor thirds, but to buy the whole place if I could. My waffle craving was finally over, and I was pleased at my patience for waiting until I found the perfect spot.

After finally leaving the waffle restaurant, I decided to continue walking through the city and enjoy the scenery of Brussels at night. Shops close early in the evenings, but there are plenty of flea markets that stay open a little later and you might find a few street performers or bands playing in or near the center. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants on every corner if you want to have a meal and beer or to plan your events for the following day. I would recommend one thing though, in the morning try the waffles.