There’s a new waffle in town. A franchise of Wannawafel, a company originally out of Victoria, B.C., opened up in Edmonton recently. They serve Liège waffles, just like Eva Sweet does. Let’s compare them, shall we? (I apologize in advance for the missing waffle parts. It was vital to taste them while they were hot and could not wait for my photographic efforts.)
Eva Sweet
Eva Sweet sells their Liège waffles out of a food truck, and charges $3 for a waffle without toppings (or at least they did last summer, not sure if the price has changed or not). They have three different flavours – vanilla, cinnamon and maple – and have numerous toppings available at an additional cost.
I’ve tried all three flavours without any toppings. The vanilla flavour is a little plain and the maple is a little too sweet for my personal tastes, but for me the cinnamon one is near perfect. The amount of cinnamon is just right. These Liège waffles use pearl sugar, which provides a great caramelized crust. My only issue with the sugar is that sometimes you find chunks of grainy, uncooked sugar inside the dough of the waffle.
Wannawafel
Wannawafel uses a cart, complete with waffle irons. They charge $4 per Liège waffle, and at this point are serving only one plain flavour with no toppings. Wannawafel in Victoria does serve their waffles with toppings.
These waffles are made with beet sugar and are a bit smaller than the ones I had at Eva Sweet. The beet sugar melts and caramelizes very well; there were no discernible chunks of uncooked sugar in the waffle. The dough is a more eggy and light than Eva Sweet’s, but the waffles are less sweet and as a result tastes a little more plain. If you find Eva Sweet’s waffles too sweet, then these waffles are the ones for you.
My verdict
I would be happy with either of these companies’ waffles. I liked Wannawafel’s dough better, but preferred the sweetness and flavour of Eva Sweet’s waffles. Eva Sweet’s waffles are also cheaper.
Eva Sweet
www.evasweet.ca
Their location changes a lot, so your best bet is to check their Twitter @evasweetwaffles.
Wannawafel
www.wannawafel.com
Wannawafel Edmonton’s Facebook page
Currently located at 108 St and 99 Ave during the work week. Also planning on appearing at various festivals and events around the city.
Great comparison!
Detail:
It is typical to have chunks of sugar still sitting in the waffle, this makes a true Liège waffle!
We wish them both great success!
Renaat
Thank you for the info. I kind of figured that was the case!
Indeed!
Each waffle is like a work of art and each waffler an artist:) There will be many interpretations. Best of luck in your business as well!
I just looked at my photos again and now I’m having a craving for one of your waffles.
Those waffles look awesome. Do you know if there is anything like that in Calgary ?
I think there’s a Wannawafel that opened in Calgary too!
WAFFELS!
But I need maple syrop and whipped cream on mine, which may make it messy to eat in the street?
That’s what hand sanitizer and pre-moistened wipes are for. 😉
Wannawafel is the company that got a deal on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, IIRC – so they’ve got a potential bunch of customers out there who’ve watched the show and remember the name. I remember seeing the episode and when all the Dragons were saying things like “wow, I’ve never seen/tasted anything like it” thinking “but Eva Sweet beat you to it here in Edmonton!”
That’s right. I read an article that said something about them not going through with the deal though, because they weren’t ready to expand that season.
Great looking waffle. Some maple syrup would just do fine right now. Thanks. Can I have two to go?! 😉