History
Jean-Francois Flechet, a Belgian native, opened the first Taste of Belgium stall at Findlay Market in 2007, importing Belgian pearl-sugar Liege waffles to Cincinnati. The dough is yeast-leavened (not batter) and the pearl sugar caramelizes on the iron, giving the signature crunch-and-tender texture. Cincinnati now has multiple Taste of Belgium locations, the OTR flagship the largest.
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Common allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs
Make it at home
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups Belgian pearl sugar (available from baking suppliers)
Method
- Bloom the yeast in warm milk with the sugar for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, butter and vanilla. Knead 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough will be soft and a little sticky.
- Cover and rise at room temperature for 90 minutes until doubled.
- Fold in the pearl sugar gently, distributing evenly.
- Divide the dough into 8 portions. Roll into balls and let rest 15 minutes.
- Heat a Belgian waffle iron and lightly oil. Place a dough ball in each section and close. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until deeply golden, the sugar caramelized on the surface.
- Serve warm. Liege waffles need no syrup; the pearl sugar provides the sweet.
Tip from the editors. Real pearl sugar is essential. American coarse sugar dissolves; Belgian pearl sugar holds shape and caramelizes for the trademark crunch-and-tender.
Where to eat liege waffle
Liege waffle in Cincinnati
Taste of Belgium OTR ★ 4.3
Taste of Belgium on Vine Street in OTR is Cincinnati's all-day Belgian bistro, with Liege waffles, mussels, frites and a Reds-game brunch crowd.
SignatureLiege waffle, Chicken and waffles
More places near Taste of Belgium OTR
Not on this list, but close by, nearest first. Every one is in our guide with its address, hours and what to order.
- Taste of Belgium OTR Brunch Brunch, under 100 m away
- Krueger's Tavern Gastropub, about 150 m away
- Bakersfield OTR Mexican, about 150 m away
- Bakersfield OTR Late Night Taqueria, about 150 m away
- Abigail Street Mediterranean, about 150 m away
- Sundry and Vice Late Night Cocktail bar, about 250 m away
More cities are in research. Want liege waffle covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.