Where to Celebrate International Waffle Day (March 25) in Vancouver

In the debate between pancakes, French toast, and waffles, the latters always wins out for me. Because of my love for waffles, I’m especially looking forward to the upcoming International Waffle Day on March 25, 2017!

Brunch is also one of my favourite meals of the day, whether it’s a fun mid-day date with my boyfriend, or a catch-up with some of my favourite pals. Plus, I get to mix the savoury with the sweet on my plate for the ultimate meal combination.

If you’re wanting to enjoy waffles this Saturday, here are few recommended spots:

Café Medina
780 Richards St

Café Medina has basically become synonymous with breakfast and brunch in this city. They’re also very well known for their stellar Belgian waffles. On March 25, 2017, the café is planning on celebrating International Waffle Day by making their Liège waffles a Mealshare item. In other words, when you buy a waffle, the restaurant will buy a meal for a youth in need. I simply adore their yeast-leavened waffles adorned with pearl sugar. I usually add a topping (eg salted caramel, milk chocolate lavender) or Betterwith ice cream. Get there early or during off-peak hours to avoid long waits (open everyday for breakfast/brunch).

Chambar
568 Beatty St

If you’re looking for another Liège waffle option, Chambar is an excellent spot (they serve breakfast Monday to Friday and brunch on weekends). This ode to Belgian cuisine was originally affiliated with Café Medina (the owners opened Café Medina with former employee Robbie Kane who now runs it on his own). Chambar serves waffles, made in-house daily. Optional toppings include bacon caramel, maple syrup, yogurt, and white chocolate pistachio rosewater.

Jam Café
556 Beatty Street

Get to Jam Café soon after it opens (8am) since this place has a very loyal and eager following. Originally from Victoria, the café took its concept to Vancouver, to great success. Diners love Jam Café for their rustic décor and generous portions that maximize cravings for home-style comfort food. Go for the waffle board, which consists of a waffle topped with your choice of sautéed apples and cinnamon, blueberry, or strawberry banana. The last time I went to Jam Café, I had the chicken ‘n’ waffles, a waffle topped with a boneless buttermilk fried chicken breast with house made pork gravy, a sunny side egg, and green onion. It’s unbelievably satisfying.

Catch 122 Café Bistro
122 West Hastings Street

Another very popular breakfast/brunch establishment is Catch 122, known for a host of brunch items $13 and under. The restaurant prides itself on its local sourcing and commitment to making most everything from scratch and with love. They offer a decadent Belgian waffle served with maple syrup, citrus compote, whipped cream, and shaved white chocolate. Brunch is offered daily until 4pm.

Cora Breakfast and Lunch
1368 Robson Street

A good option for the family is Cora Breakfast and Lunch, originally started in Montreal by Cora Mussely Tsouflidou and now grown to a brand with over 130 franchised locations across the country. There are oodles of breakfast options, including savoury crêpes, omelettes, and eggs benny. For International Waffle Day, go for a waffle topped with a mountain of fresh fruit, strawberries, or banana with caramel. For something more savoury, the cheddar waffle is served with two eggs, bacon, and sausages.