The present-day waffle scene is a world waiting to be explored. Waffles are a low-cost, versatile category loaded with potential, offering chefs a blank canvas for inventiveness across dayparts. What’s more, an unconventional journey into the savory realm amplifies its reach.

As an example, mobile concept Roon’s Savories, which pops up at events, stadiums and more around Minneapolis, transforms the sweet waffle cone (often associated with ice cream parlors) into a freshly prepared, savory and portable experience. Its signature gluten-free Parmesan-herb blend waffle cones can be filled with an array of hot and chilled signature fillings: American Taco, Chicken Tinga, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Classic Chicken Salad and BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese.

To match the high caliber of contemporary menus and flavors, waffle dishes can’t coast on their comfort food appeal alone—they need some culinary swagger. What follows are six restaurants sporting a strong savory waffle game. Each boasts a unique approach and modern offerings, as well as actionable takeaways. Through these examples and a bit of brainstorming, operators across categories and dayparts can griddle up to sensational spins on savory waffles.

1

O.G. Upgrades

Gaufres & Waffles in Brussels—aka birthplace of the most ubiquitous waffle variety—embodies a refined approach with its traditional waffle (or, gaufre in French) and savory global interpretations. At present, the concept is only operating at private events, but its selection of unconventional builds continues to inspire.

• Gaufre & Beef Tartar: essentially toast cannibal atop a Brussels-style waffle, with beef tartare, pickles, onions, herbs
• Gaufre & Nobashi Shrimp: Japanese-style stretched shrimp, homemade sweet-and-sour sauce
• Gaufre & Veggie: biquinho peppers, carrot matchsticks, pickled daikon,Thai basil, pickles, scallions, Thai seasoning
• Gaufre & Ham and Cheese: essentially an open-faced croque monsieur with three-cheese espuma, truffle cream

The Takeaway: Incorporating global stylings in a flavor-first, artistic manner updates the norm by pushing savory waffle boundaries. Take inspiration from Gaufres & Waffles’ sophisticated approach and treat waffles like a delicacy, providing guests with extravagant comfort.

2

Global Mastery

In Cincinnati, Taste of Belgium illustrates a nimble path for savory waffles, creatively executing a multitude of Liège waffle dishes throughout the day. The concept describes its menu as “present-bold and continuously shifting with our community’s flavor.” And in that spirit, international and Midwestern flavors alike are at home on the menu.

• Waffle Birrira: Liège waffle, Belgian beer-braised beef, Mexican spices, red onion, cilantro
• Waffle & Lox: Liège waffle, cold smoked salmon, whipped cream cheese, tomato, cucumber, hard-boiled egg, red onion, arugula, lemon vinaigrette
• BelTucky Hot Brown: Liège waffle, roasted turkey, candied bacon, tomato, cheddar sauce

The Takeaway: Positioning savory waffles as main dishes highlights the many flavor realms that waffles can explore. Create signature stylings and embrace a mantra like Taste of Belgium, where the menu responds to current consumer tastes—or leads guests into entirely new waffle adventures.

3

Infused for Success

Credit: Funk’n Waffles

Funk’n Waffles uses the batter as a vehicle for savory flavor in its bacon-potato-stuffed Carry On My Wayward Spud (left) and spinach-feta-stuffed Florentine (right), topped with smoked salmon and sour cream.

Funk ’n Waffles in Syracuse, N.Y., serves a lineup of savory-style waffles, with headlining flavors infused directly into the waffle batter.

• Smoked Gouda & Herb: smoked-Gouda-and-herb-stuffed buttermilk waffle, topped with sour cream
• Carry On My Wayward Spud: bacon-and-mashed-potatoes-stuffed buttermilk waffle, topped with green onions and sour cream
• Mackinac: spinach-and-mozzarella-stuffed buttermilk waffle, topped with smoked turkey and sour cream
• Florentine: spinach-and-feta-stuffed buttermilk waffle, topped with smoked salmon and sour cream
• Vegan Bootsy Brunch: vegan-sausage-stuffed vegan waffle, with seasoned tofu and vegan mozzarella cheese

The Takeaway: Infusing all manner of mouthwatering savory flavors into waffle batter is a flavorful way to update a classic or create savory sensations. Bolster waffles with infusions of melty or crumbly cheeses, fresh herbs, global spices, seeds, granola, vegetables and crispy meats. Traditional, specialty and gluten-free flours are also wonderful additions to savory batters.

4

Chicken-and-Waffle Evolution

SugarJam: The Southern Kitchen in Scottsdale, Ariz., turns ordinary chicken and waffles into next-level flavor experiences, imbuing Southern brunch with a vibrant twist.

• Baked Jerk Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffle: baked jerk chicken thigh and leg, sweet potato waffle, peach cobbler crème drizzle, orange habanero maple syrup, butter, side of jerk au jus
• Savory Waffle N’ Country Fried Chicken Breast: signature Belgian waffle, shredded cheddar and chives, buttermilk-fried chicken tenders, country pork sausage white gravy, smoked peppered bacon, eggs

The Takeaway: Evolving approaches to chicken and waffles prove that the ubiquitous dish can still be refreshed through current trends and hearty indulgences. SugarJam uses Southern cuisine as an ideal platform for savory waffle exploration, but operators can also venture beyond regional boundaries. Just take note of how SugarJam’s memorable chicken-and-waffle creations reveal unexpected layers of delectable comfort.

5

Game-Changing Proteins

Duck & Waffle, a hip British-American concept with locations in London, Scotland and Dubai, brings a gourmet touch to savory waffles, infusing them with sophisticated flavor and hints of natural sweetness. The menu offerings pair playful coziness with premium ingredients.

• Duck & Waffle: waffle, crispy duck leg confit, fried duck egg, side of mustard maple syrup
• “Wanna Be” Duck & Waffle: waffle, crispy tempura oyster mushrooms or hen of the woods mushrooms, fried duck egg, mustard maple syrup
• Duck Benedict: waffle, braised duck leg, poached eggs, hollandaise, sriracha

The Takeaway: The popularity of the namesake dish (more than 2 million orders to date) prove game waffles have earned a seat at the dining table. Restaurants seeking alternatives to a chicken-centric pairing, can look to a variety of game meats, sausages, lamb or gourmet mushrooms for differentiated combos that guests will repetitively crave. The same holds true for waffle Benedict adaptations.

6

Carrier Upgrades

Credit: Krystal

Krystal’s new line of sweet-and-savory waffle sandwiches demonstrates both the handheld possibilities and wide appeal of waffles.

In April, quick-service chain Krystal launched an LTO lineup of mainstream waffle sandwiches, delivering a new guest experience that complements its existing steamed bun and buttermilk biscuit breakfast sandwich offerings.

• Bacon, Egg & Cheese Waffle Sandwich
• Sausage, Egg & Cheese Waffle Sandwich
• Maple Waffle Chik Sandwich: crispy chicken patty drizzled with sweet glaze

The Takeaway: Innovation doesn’t have to be an entire flavor reset; it can be a simple switch-up, as evidenced by Krystal’s latest waffle-centric offerings, which merge value, convenience and craveable comfort. To capitalize on waffle mania and contrasting textures, use waffles as distinct carriers that give beloved classics—or trending sandwiches—a new attitude.