For every KyoChon and Pappa Rich that’s managed to integrate successfully into the American fast food landscape, there’s a Hollys Coffee to balance things out. While I still believe that Korea has the world’s tastiest chains, not all are created equal. Whereas the aforementioned eateries have mastered their signature dishes—fried chicken and buttery buns, respectively—Hollys Coffee can’t quite seem to execute a decent Belgian waffle.
In addition to “fresh coffee [and] romantic space,” Hollys Coffee promises authentic Belgian waffles from the eastern city of Liège. I encountered my first Liège waffle not in Belgium, but in Philadelphia. Whereas waffles I’d eaten prior were fluffy things made with a loose batter poured onto a hot iron, these dough-based creations were dense, chewy, caramelized, and embedded with beads of pearl sugar. Served warm and without maple syrup, a Liège waffle was the perfect sweet for an afternoon pick-me-up.
There were half a dozen waffles sitting idle behind a glass case when I walked into the shop. After confirming with the person behind the counter that I’d be receiving a fresh one, I placed my order and took a seat. Two minutes later, a waffle tucked into a paper bag arrived.
Even before I took a bite, the waffle’s tepid temperature and limp appearance signaled that I had been duped. I should’ve known better than to seek out Belgian fare at a Korean establishment, but I figured that if a Japanese chain could execute a decent French cream puff then a Korean one could pull off a Belgium waffle. Alas, my logic was flawed.
Now, where can I find a legit Liège waffle in Los Angeles?
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Hollys Coffee
3450 W 6th Street, Ste. 111
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Phone: 213-389-4553
Syrups Desserts in Downtown. They have what you are looking for made fresh. Delicious!
Thanks, Ruby! I hit up Syrup last fall when they first opened. The waffle was tasty, but not quite right. No sign of pearl sugar.
I definitely agree on the waffle, but did you get a sweet potato latte at Holly’s? That is the thing they do best.
Korean chain mania!
I love liege waffles! I used to eat them all the time when I worked at Le Pain Quotidien (a Belgian company), they were hot, doughy, and had the delicious sugar pearls throughout. I think they changed the ingredients a bit since they have gone organic and sustainable, but hopefully that did not take away from the taste (i haven’t tried one in ages). Give them a time, there is an LPQ in Pasadena.
Too bad. I was ready to drag my Korean friend over. And the search for the perfect Belgium waffle continues!
awww 🙁 getting duped sux. i’ll keep an eye on you to see what you find. i love waffles.
The best Liege waffle I’ve ever had was at The Bruery first year anniversary party. They’re getting ready to open a craft beer cafe in Placentia, and plan to offer those waffles once a week.
http://www.foodgps.com/the-bruery-1st-anniversary-party
http://www.foodgps.com/the-bruery-plans-craft-beer-cafe
they just don’t do this well at the Holly’s Coffee in LA. They are done well in Korea.
You got duped! 😛
Aw, that’s too bad. There’s nothing worse than a tepid, limp waffle.
that parlour needs to come to australia!
too bad they gave you a soggy one :-
when i was a kid in hiroshima, we frequented a belgian waffle place that’s kind of like this. i might give it a try just for memory’s sakes, and then get duped.
What is the most upsetting to me is that the company decided to put MY logo on their menu. It’s a blatent violation of Intelectual Property and affects the perceived quality of my brand. We have a store in Cincnnati and Columbus, OH. We make authentic Belgian waffles.
If anyone knows how to reach the owner of the business, please let me know. My attorney would like to talk to him.
info@tastefrombelgium.com
You can also find us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tasteofbelgium or on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tasteofbelgium
Hi Gastronomer,
Thanks for the report and warning. Bummer that they sold you sub-par product. 🙁