Waffle, why not! Here's what is getting this Belgian-classic a growing number of fans in Bengaluru

Waffle want First, it was the cupcake and doughnut onslaught.

Now, it's waffles all the way in Bengaluru's five star hotels, premium restaurants like Café Noir and Monkey Bar, dessert lounges like Movenpick Ice-Cream on Lavelle Road and Haagen Daaz at 1MG Mall, to exclusive places like Waffle Waale at Royal Meenakshi Mall, Belgyum at Phoenix Mall to Waffle Stories, the first waffle-only place, at Orion Mall.

Offering over 500 Customisable options, Waffle Stories opened three branches in two years. Partner Pranitha Darshak says, “Idea clicked when I was looking for a fun go-to place for just waffle last monsoon. People are bored of cupcakes and doughnuts.“

According to Bodhanwala, Waffles find most takers on weekends. “I easily sell 80 waffles between Saturday and Sunday. It's a 9-5 treat.“

Monkey Bar sells 30 to 40 portions a week. As waffles go practically with everything from bananas to bacon, butter and honey to fried chicken, they find its versatility the winning point.


Picture: HAZK (Instagram)

Waffle winners Red Fork ­ Sour-dough waffle with vanilla ice-cream, maple syrup and butter; Or fully loaded with green apple poached pears cookie-crumbs, marshmallows and ice-cream Waffle Stories -NutellaKitkat Snicker Savoury made using Italian seasonings and top pings in cheese, mayonnaise, salad Monkey Bar ­ Maple and chilli marinated fried chicken with black pepper waffles, bacon floss, bourbon honey and green Sriracha Movenpick ­ Swiss chocolate obsession

Future Indianisation could be the improvisation. “Future could see sour-dough waffle served with chutney or stew like a dosa,“ says Xerxes Bodhanwala.

What is a waffle? Cooked between two plates, waffle is leavened batter made using flour, butter, sugar, yeast, milk and eggs. The warm and fluffy resultant is decorated with sweet or savoury toppings. The former usually is with syrups, fruits and whipped cream. Savoury waffles with meat and veggie toppings are gradually foraying into the top-drawer menus.

History Theories trace its roots to Belgium. The word `waffle' first appeared in English in 1725.Chef and restaurateur Xerxes Bodhanwala, who serves sourdough waffles at his eatery Red Fork, says, “Like our idli, waffle was popular street food in Belgium served typically as hot waffle with icing sugar. It was later Americanised with whipped cream, ice-cream, syrups and fruits.“

Price Rs 150 to Rs 500 Waffle beverage pairing

A cup of hot coffee is the most sought-after beverage to wash down a heavy-duty waffle