A few weeks ago, I did a review on Cafe Eggstatic from Burnaby and ever since then, I've been craving my favourite waffle from the Bubble Waffle Cafe.
In my family's Chinese new year tradition, we always get ourselves a Hong Kong street snack. Wayy back in the 90's, char grilled squid, fish balls and bbq skewers were all available from the hawker stands. Sadly, they are all gone now. So now we just alternate with our picks between bubble waffles and Hong Kong style waffles with peanut butter and condensed milk. This year I chose bubble waffles to satisfy my craving and to complete the family ritual.
I don't know how to even begin but their waffles are just THE best bubble waffles I've ever had, and I've had tons throughout my lifetime. Their waffles here at the Aberdeen food court is usually fresh, and I was pleased to receive a piping hot waffle immediately without waiting. I was slightly concerned since bubble waffles normally needed to be cooled down with those flimsy fans, but my concern was unnecessary. What's mind blowing is that a simple waffle could have so many levels of food feels! It's more than just a crunch. Even when you're trying to put out your best manner to eat silently, it is impossible to hide that crunching noise with your mouth closed. As you give it a few more chew, a contrasting texture unfolds. The inside of each bubble is fluffy, chewy, and has a slight warm goo accompanied by a strong aroma of custard flavour, which resembles a lot like a combination of butter and vanilla.
Note, I used the word crunchy instead of crispy. Unlike the bubble waffle from Cafe Eggstatic, their waffles were crispy. Now let's take a look at the definitions from Food52:
The journal defines a crispy food as: “a dry rigid food which, when bitten with the incisors [Ed. Note: the four pointy teeth at the front of your mouth], fractures quickly, easily, and totally while emitting a relatively loud, high-pitched sound.”
While a crunchy food is: “a dense-textured food which, when chewed with the molars, undergoes a series of fractures while emitting relatively loud, low-pitched sounds.”
The majority of the bubble waffles I've had had always been crispy, but nothing beats a crunchy bubble waffle with so much fluff inside. I dare to say that this is the best bubble waffle in the world? I can't imagine any bubble waffles that could beat this one.
I'll probably never try to copy-cat this since I will need a commercial waffle maker to make one, but I am SOOO curious! I'm guessing that they've added tang flour to yield the chewiness, and undercooking it slightly will yield the fluffiness, but why is it so crunchy? Is cornstarch their secret? Or is it beer? But I think Beer would be too expensive and would not be economical, so I'm ruling that out. WHAT'S THEIR SECRET?!
Location:
Steveston, Richmond (Ironwood) -- would not recommend
Blundell, Richmond (Blundell Mall) -- Haven't tried this location
Richmond Center -- Haven't tried this location either
Other locations (including Vancouver and Burnaby): Here
Price: $5 per waffle (including tax) or $1.50 add on to any meal you purchase
Taste: 5 / 5
atmosphere: NA
seating: NA
Price Performance ratio: 4.9/5
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