Just-opened Le Petit Belge, a tiny storefront near Union Square, serves street-style Belgian waffles, made-to-order. Street-style waffles, or liege waffles, are somewhat different from the puffy Brussels waffles served with syrup at pancake houses throughout the US. The Liege waffle is smaller, flatter and irregular in shape; with a distinct crunchy texture. Instead of batter, Liege waffles are made with dough mixed with pearl sugar. The sugar kernels caramelize on the crust; forming a sweet, crunchy outer layer around a chewy middle. While street waffles are generally eaten plain on the go, Le Petit Belge offers a load of tempting toppings, including berries, caramel, frozen yogurt, and chocolate ganache.

I got my waffle ($3.50) with strawberries and whipped cream (.75/topping) but I wish I’d gotten it plain. The crunch and extra-sweetness of the liege waffles made the toppings seem superfluous. Plus, my tiny order came packaged in a bright-red barn of a box that looked like it was built to take thirty Dunkin Donuts munchkins on a trek into the wilderness. The waffle itself, however, traveled extremely well, and was delicious.

Le Petit Belge sells other Belgian goodies, such as chocolates, macarons (sweet merengue-like cookies), and poffies (mini crepes), as well as Tavalon teas. There’s no seating, but go on a nice day and you can snack in Union Square Park. With Le Petit Belge, in addition to the Wafels & Dinges truck parked just down 14th Street at Third Avenue, it looks like there may be a wave of waffle-appreciation afoot.

Le Petit Belge 22 E. 14th St., New York, NY
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm; Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 10am-10pm