Concession Obsession: Waffles
Waffle History
I just had a conversation with someone on this topic the other day – who invented the waffle? Possibly the Belgians, I was rooting for the Germans, but wouldn’t have been surprised if they actually originated at a concession stand at a State Fair.
Who Invented the Waffle?
The first waffle-like treats were made in Ancient Greece – they were called obelios, but the word ‘waffle’ comes from ‘wafer,’ as in communion wafer. I was also surprise to discover that the honeycomb pattern was not inspired by the honey that people use as a topping, but rather it was supposed to resemble interlocking crosses (time.com).
Waffle Culture
Soul Food (U.S.)
Chicken and waffles “is most commonly made by serving fried chicken with a waffle, the waffle then typically being covered with butter and/or syrup” (wikipedia). There is also a famous chain of Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles in various locations in Southern California – check out their menu here, you can also get fresh chicken livers with your waffle. I think I could live off of their side orders alone, so many tasty options.
Pennsylvania Dutch (U.S.)
The Pennsylvania Dutch also enjoy chicken and waffles – their version consists of “a plain waffle with pulled, stewed chicken on top, covered in gravy.” I think the soul food version sounds tastier, but that’s just my opinion.
Belgian (Belgium)
Belgians have been making waffles since the Middle Ages and, according to belgianwaffle.org, it is their most famous food. The Belgian waffle was first introduced at the 1964 World Fair in New York City – thus making it an important entry into Driving and Dining’s list of Concession Obsessions!
Originally cooked in a waffle iron that was held over an open fire, and a popular treat found at concession stands erected outside churches on religious holidays, Belgian waffles continue to be a popular concession food.
The image above is from the Wafels and Dinges site – if you aren’t already craving waffels by now, go check out the mouth watering waffle concoctions at their site – the toppings are amazing. If you are in New York City, sign up to their website and you could win free waffles – there is a new winner each week. The have a truck, mini truck and it looks like they are also at seasonal markets. If you’re too far away they also have an online store.
P.S. There are actually 2 types of waffles from Belgium – the famous Belgian Waffle and the less famous but more dense and sugary Liege Waffle.
The Eggo (U.S.)
If you were raised in North America in the 70s or 80s it is probably safe to assume that Eggo waffles were a part of your childhood breakfasts. I am proud to say that I am carrying on this important tradition with my kids. And I am not the only person who takes Eggos seriously. In fact, there were some desperate times back in 2009 when the Eggo factory flooded and Eggo shipments had to rationed over the period of one year (time.com).
