BRUSSELS — A new pop-up shop in Brussels is challenging tradition with a fresh take on one of Belgium’s most beloved delicacies — the waffle.
Lehios, a local company known for its innovative approach to food, has opened its doors in the city centre, offering vegan waffles with an array of unique and unexpected flavours.
For a country deeply devoted to its waffle heritage, which dates back to the 15th century, altering the recipe is a bold move.
Typically served with nothing more than a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, the Belgian waffle is a symbol of national pride and culinary tradition.
Any deviation from the classic formula has often been dismissed by purists as culinary heresy. Yet, the early response to Lehios suggests that Belgians may be ready for a change.
The shop’s vegan waffles, made without eggs or dairy, are light, crisp, and remarkably flavourful.
Customers can choose from toppings that range from coconut yogurt and dark chocolate shavings to more unconventional options like avocado mousse and spicy mango chutney.
For those with a taste for the exotic, the matcha and pistachio combination has emerged as a crowd favourite. The founder of Lehios, Amélie De Smet, explained that the idea was to create a guilt-free version of the classic treat without compromising on taste.
“We wanted to prove that waffles can be both delicious and healthy,” De Smet said. “Belgian cuisine is rich and indulgent, but there’s a growing demand for plant-based alternatives. Our goal is to honour tradition while making it more inclusive.”
Lehios’ emphasis on health doesn’t stop at vegan ingredients. The waffles are also made with organic whole grain flour and sweetened with agave syrup instead of sugar.
This approach has been particularly popular among younger customers and those with dietary restrictions.
“It’s exciting to see someone reinvent the waffle without losing what makes it special,” said Camille, a 22-year-old student who visited the pop-up on its opening day. “The hazelnut spread with sea salt was incredible.”
However, not everyone is enthusiastic about the changes. Some traditionalists have voiced their discontent, arguing that waffles should be left untouched. Pierre Dupont, a local food critic known for his staunch defence of Belgian culinary customs, described the vegan versions as “an unnecessary reinvention of a perfectly good tradition.”
Despite the criticism, Lehios is thriving. Lines have stretched down the block since the pop-up’s debut last week, and the company has already hinted at plans to extend its stay or even open a permanent location if the popularity continues.
The shop’s success reflects a broader trend in Belgium, where interest in vegan and plant-based diets has been steadily growing.
For now, it seems that Brussels is ready to embrace a more flexible approach to its favourite treat. As one customer put it, “If there’s one thing Belgians love more than waffles, it’s arguing about waffles. But in the end, taste speaks for itself.”
