The humble waffle is one of life’s greatest tea-time indulgences. Whether enjoyed American-style or in the traditional Belgian fashion, these gloriously crunchy squares are always satisfyingly nostalgic. From the simple syrup-drenched version to stacks smothered in toppings like lemon meringue or rich chocolate, here’s our recommendation of five spots serving irresistible golden waffles in the Western Cape.
The Belgian Waffle House (Strand)
This speciality restaurant serves up a whole menu of authentic Belgium waffles in sweet and savoury. Go plain or try banoffee, lemon meringue, chocolate chip or chocolate mousse. Savoury options include bobotie, chicken mayonnaise, chicken a la king, mild chicken curry and steak and kidney.
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Big Dog Café (Franschhoek)
Big Dog Café is well-known for its outstanding coffee, but make sure to get your cup with the Asian chicken or the red velvet waffle.
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Bootlegger Coffee Company (Sea Point)
Pair your cuppa with an all-day waffle at this popular coffee joint. For a sweet hit, try the Belgian chocolate-chip version with vanilla-and-cinnamon cream and maple syrup. On the savoury front, there’s a hearty ham-and-cheese option with two fried eggs, rocket and parmesan.
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Coco Safar (Sea Point)
This classy coffee and patisserie spot doesn’t hold back when it comes to decadent breakfasts. For your waffle fix, there’s a light and fluffy lemon poppy-seed waffle topped off with a tart berry compote, cooling crème fraîche, and honey. For something salty, the Belgian waffle with slow-cooked chicken, rooibos honey mustard, lamb bacon and a fried egg should hit the spot.
The Creamery (Durbanvile Cafe, Newlands Cafe, Mouille Point Cafe and Palmyra Junction Cafe)
Waffles at this stylish ice cream parlour are made to order and can be built according to your sweet tooth. The standard version is served with one or two scoops of the naturally flavoured ice cream in a range of seasonal flavours. You can also order sauces, which include chocolate, salted caramel or honey. Extra toppings include toasted home-made marshmallow, cookie dough, shortbread crumble, and brûléed banana.
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Hudson’s The Burger Joint (Claremont, Green Point, Gardens, Stellenbosch)
If there’s space after smashing a few of Hudson’s gourmet burgers, satisfy the sweet tooth with one of the dessert waffles. The simple Belgian waffle is topped with ice cream and loaded with syrup. Or go big and order the Nutella waffle with cookie crumbs, chocolate sauce and ice cream. (You can also get a version of this in milkshake form…)
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Jerry’s Burger Bar (Sea Point, Willowbridge, Blouberg, Gardens and Observatory)
It’s not only burgers, dogs and wings at this burger joint. The Candy Corner section on the menu offers three different waffles from which to choose. The freshly made fluffy squares can be topped with maple syrup, wild berries or fried banana and caramel. Pair it with a gingerbread shake for good measure.
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Jessy’s Waffles (Gardens)
Looking to feel good about your dessert? Jessy’s Waffles is just the spot for it. The little spot is whipping up gluten-free waffles with vegan toppings like peanut butter glaze, hazelnut sauce and yoghurt. Savoury options are also available, featuring toppings like spicy beans and guac, melty vegan cheese with a side of creamy tomato soup, and pulled BBQ jackfruit.
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Syrup (City Bowl)
The city’s hottest new brunch spot would be remiss if it didn’t have any waffles on its menu. Tuck into the sweet cream waffle simply sprinkled with powdered sugar and ready for toppings of your choice. There’s also the waffle sundae – a house waffle topped with vanilla-bean ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and your choice of sprinkles, chocolate chips or pecans. If you’d rather go savoury, try the waffle toastie, with your choice of ham, bacon, chicken, cheddar, tomatoes or spinach and onions as fillings.
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Tashas (Constantia)
The dedicated waffle café at Tashas in Constantia offers different bases for your waffle-building experience. Choose from a plain, chocolate-chip or even red-velvet base, which can be topped with Italian gelato, sorbet or frozen yoghurt. For a final flourish, toppings include golden syrup, chocolate sauce, halva, Oreos, Turkish delight, strawberry coulis, Smarties, muesli, nuts, marshmallows and wafers. If the options are too daunting, opt for one of the signature waffles like the lemon meringue or the red-velvet cheesecake.
Crème de Levain Patisserie (Stellenbosch)
Located on historic Church Street in Stellenbosch, this all-time favourite ice-cream shop stays putting smiles on people’s faces. Chocolate-lover? Try the fluffy waffle smothered in Nutella. Otherwise opt for the classic blueberry waffles.
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De Warenmarkt (Stellenbosch)
This market-style restaurant is equipped with a butchery, a wine bar and a champagne-and-oyster bar. The waffles and crêpes are to die for, especially the bacon-and-maple waffle.
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The Thirsty Scarecrow (Stellenbosch)
Make sure to grab the Belgium waffle at this vibey pub-style restaurant, which comes topped with condensed milk, flaky almonds and ice cream.
Did we miss your favourite waffle spot? What makes it great? Let us know in the comments below, or review your experience using our free app.
You forgot about I Love Waffles in Simon’s Town!! They are amazing! @ilovewafflessa