I’m such a sucker for waffles. Before Belgian styled waffles became the in-thing, all we had were local waffles slathered with your choice of spread, freshly made on waffle irons at HDB bakeries. I grew up on these, and they always bring me back to my childhood years.
While I succumb to buying Prima Deli, Mirana, Dora Keiki, or other bakeries’ waffles from time to time when I have a craving due to sheer convenience, the one waffle I can never pass up when I’m in the area is from Queensway Lau Tan Tutu Kueh. Even after a full meal, I’ll make space for these waffles because they are just that good. They have three outlets - the original at Queensway, one at ION Orchard, and one at Chinatown Point (which I always patronise). The stall at Chinatown Point is manned by a friendly auntie who always has a smile on her face and truly endeavours to make delicious waffles.
The plain waffles are $1.50, while the peanut butter waffles that I always order are $2. There’s also the option for 2 fillings at additional cost. The waffles are lovingly made to order, which ensures they come fresh hot off the waffle grid every time. Unlike many other stalls, this auntie patiently waits for the waffle crust to crisp up. She doesn’t rush things, so you get a perfectly browned waffle exterior. Meanwhile, she’ll also try to sell you the other stuff on the menu - the kueh tutu, cup corn, curry fish balls, tea egg, etc. But seriously, as much as I want to help this lovely auntie out, I only made stomach space for the waffles.
What makes this the perfect waffle is the perfectly crispy exterior, with a soft, fluffy and chewy interior. Many places either undercook the waffles, resulting in soft and unsatisfying waffles, or overdo the crispiness, making even the interior crunchy and losing the fluffy soft texture of the waffles. The icing on the cake comes when your choice of spread is slathered generously on the hot waffles. I love it when the peanut butter melts into a gooey mess and drips into the paper carrier. A hot mess for sure, but this is one I love to bits.
To be honest, if you gave me a choice between these or the cafe-standard waffles, I would pick these every damn time. Comfort food at its finest and most affordable! 💕
