Apparently, Famous Belgian Waffles has been popular with Filipinos for a while now. However, you may be surprised to know that the creators were based not in Belgium, but in this very country!
In fact, it proudly brands itself as "the First & Original Waffle Sandwich in the Philippines that uses all premium fillings." These fillings include blueberry (which we'll be reviewing in a bit), chocolate, strawberry and more. Also, it offers three beverages: Malaysian Coffee, Malaysian Strong Coffee and Malaysian Hot Choco.
Kicking off in 2012 as a food cart franchising business, Famous Belgian Waffles now has over 100 branches all over the country. Its owner, Innovention Food Asia Co., has since boasted of changing "the way Filipinos eat freshly baked Belgian waffles," by selling their products at affordable prices (more on this later), and offering above-par service. Unsurprisingly, patrons would gladly endure long lines just to get a taste of their waffles.
Fast forward three years later, and this food cart outlet continues to draw and delight crowds. For our part, we'll evaluate whether Famous Belgian Waffles still deserve the hype.
Blueberry Creamcheese
When this writer asked about their "bestseller," the friendly man at the counter replied "Blueberry Creamcheese." So that's what was ordered.
In fact, it proudly brands itself as "the First & Original Waffle Sandwich in the Philippines that uses all premium fillings." These fillings include blueberry (which we'll be reviewing in a bit), chocolate, strawberry and more. Also, it offers three beverages: Malaysian Coffee, Malaysian Strong Coffee and Malaysian Hot Choco.
Kicking off in 2012 as a food cart franchising business, Famous Belgian Waffles now has over 100 branches all over the country. Its owner, Innovention Food Asia Co., has since boasted of changing "the way Filipinos eat freshly baked Belgian waffles," by selling their products at affordable prices (more on this later), and offering above-par service. Unsurprisingly, patrons would gladly endure long lines just to get a taste of their waffles.
Fast forward three years later, and this food cart outlet continues to draw and delight crowds. For our part, we'll evaluate whether Famous Belgian Waffles still deserve the hype.
Blueberry Creamcheese
When this writer asked about their "bestseller," the friendly man at the counter replied "Blueberry Creamcheese." So that's what was ordered.
Priced at Php55, it offers great value for money. The waffle is soft without being crumbly, and the fillings were… well, filling. The combination of blueberry and cheesecake was heavenly, as was the generous slathering of said fillings. No wonder it's a bestseller!
On another note, the waffles were created pretty quickly. (This writer estimates it took them only five minutes, at most.) Even though there were five or more people lined up at the time, the staff never let the pressure get to them. If anything, they took it as an incentive to whip up awesome snacks for each and every one of their customers.
If you take a closer look at the side of the packaging, you'll see instructions on consuming the waffles. Basically, the waffles are meant to be consumed ASAP, but if you need to take a little longer to do so (because you want to go home, or something like that), you can store it in a Ziploc bag, pop it in an oven and reheat for a few minutes. Yum!
The waffles range from Php45 to Php55 each, depending on the flavor. If you haven't tried them yet, try them as soon as you have the time!
Malaysian Hot Choco
By food cart standards, Php35 is a reasonable price for a hot beverage. However, this writer was disappointed to realize that the drink could've worked without the "Malaysian" label, because that's just what it is: ordinary hot chocolate.
On another note, the waffles were created pretty quickly. (This writer estimates it took them only five minutes, at most.) Even though there were five or more people lined up at the time, the staff never let the pressure get to them. If anything, they took it as an incentive to whip up awesome snacks for each and every one of their customers.
If you take a closer look at the side of the packaging, you'll see instructions on consuming the waffles. Basically, the waffles are meant to be consumed ASAP, but if you need to take a little longer to do so (because you want to go home, or something like that), you can store it in a Ziploc bag, pop it in an oven and reheat for a few minutes. Yum!
The waffles range from Php45 to Php55 each, depending on the flavor. If you haven't tried them yet, try them as soon as you have the time!
Malaysian Hot Choco
By food cart standards, Php35 is a reasonable price for a hot beverage. However, this writer was disappointed to realize that the drink could've worked without the "Malaysian" label, because that's just what it is: ordinary hot chocolate.
Perhaps there was a need to differentiate their hot choco from other hot chocos? That seems like an odd business strategy, considering that beverages aren't their main product. Still, no matter what drink you order, it will complement your waffle snack. For one, the hot choco was neither too sweet nor too bitter (like dark chocolate), so it's safe to assume their coffee products have the same quality.
All in all, you can get a quick, sweet snack for a little under Php100. Not bad, if you ask this writer!
Verdict
If you want something to fill your growling stomach to the brim, this isn't for you. Famous Belgian Waffles only offers snacks, after all, and if you're diabetic or averse to sweets in general, you'll want to pass on this one. (Granted, the waffles aren't that sweet, but to be on the safe side, don't risk it.)
If you want something to show off to your friends, this isn't for you either. The "Malaysian" beverages aside, Famous Belgian Waffles doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is: A food cart designed to make you stop, look and have a good time, if only for a moment. It doesn't offer the kind of meal you want to photograph and upload on social media, but it does have the type you can snack on while waiting for your friends at the mall.
And if you want a light meal that's affordable like a fast food's, yet as homey as a premium coffee shop's, then Famous Belgian Waffles has just the thing for you. Light, fluffy yet satisfying, the Famous Belgian Waffles will bring back those childhood memories of yummy breakfast mornings before heading off for school.
Other Information
In Makati, Famous Belgian Waffles has seven branches. They are in the Times Square Food Court (Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue), Cash and Carry Mall (Food Court, 2nd Floor, Palanan), PBCom Tower (6795 Ayala Avenue cor. V. A. Rufino Street), Waltermart (5th Floor, 790 A. Arnaiz Avenue), Glorietta 4 (Food Choices, Third Floor, Ayala Center), Legaspi Village (Lower Ground Floor, Makati Cinema Square) and LKG Tower (Food Odyssey, 11th Floor, Ayala Avenue). You can Like them on their Facebook page, or e-mail them at famousbelgianwaffles@gmail.com.
All in all, you can get a quick, sweet snack for a little under Php100. Not bad, if you ask this writer!
Verdict
If you want something to fill your growling stomach to the brim, this isn't for you. Famous Belgian Waffles only offers snacks, after all, and if you're diabetic or averse to sweets in general, you'll want to pass on this one. (Granted, the waffles aren't that sweet, but to be on the safe side, don't risk it.)
If you want something to show off to your friends, this isn't for you either. The "Malaysian" beverages aside, Famous Belgian Waffles doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is: A food cart designed to make you stop, look and have a good time, if only for a moment. It doesn't offer the kind of meal you want to photograph and upload on social media, but it does have the type you can snack on while waiting for your friends at the mall.
And if you want a light meal that's affordable like a fast food's, yet as homey as a premium coffee shop's, then Famous Belgian Waffles has just the thing for you. Light, fluffy yet satisfying, the Famous Belgian Waffles will bring back those childhood memories of yummy breakfast mornings before heading off for school.
Other Information
In Makati, Famous Belgian Waffles has seven branches. They are in the Times Square Food Court (Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue), Cash and Carry Mall (Food Court, 2nd Floor, Palanan), PBCom Tower (6795 Ayala Avenue cor. V. A. Rufino Street), Waltermart (5th Floor, 790 A. Arnaiz Avenue), Glorietta 4 (Food Choices, Third Floor, Ayala Center), Legaspi Village (Lower Ground Floor, Makati Cinema Square) and LKG Tower (Food Odyssey, 11th Floor, Ayala Avenue). You can Like them on their Facebook page, or e-mail them at famousbelgianwaffles@gmail.com.
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