Waffles: A Popular Concession Stand For Hundreds Of Years

One of the most popular and versatile foods found in concession stands at today's carnivals and fairs is waffles

. Did you know that waffles have been sold as street food for hundreds of years? Although a form of waffles dates back to ancient Greece, during the Middle Ages in Europe these flat cakes, cooked in early waffle irons (between two hot plates of metal over a fire which were flipped to insure that both sides were done) were sold outside churches on holy days. The competition between waffle vendors was so fierce that the government had to institute regulations that stated the vendors had to stand at least six feet away from each other.

The historical connection between waffle bakers and street food continued in the U.S. at several World's Fairs. First, although there is some controversy surrounding who invented the waffle ice cream cone, most sources say it was created at the World's Fair in St. Louis in 1904. An abundance of waffle concession stands and ice cream vendors dotted the Fair, and when one ice cream stand ran out of dishes to serve their ice cream, a nearby waffle vendor baked a fresh waffle and then rolled it into a cup for the hapless ice cream vendor. The waffle cone was born. News of this delicious new way to serve ice cream spread rapidly at the Fair, and other ice cream and waffle concession carts began teaming up.

Another innovation in waffles was introduced to the U.S. at the World's Fair in New York, in 1964, by a Belgian waffle maker. We're referring to Belgian waffles, of course, which are made with a yeast leavened batter, instead of the standard American use of baking powder to make the batter rise. For many Fair goers that year, Belgian waffles were a highlight of the exhibition.

Innovations and creative new variations in waffles for concession stands continue to this day. Have you ever heard of a Fudge Puppie? It's a very popular Fair fooda Belgian waffle on a stick that has been dipped in chocolate, and sometimes rolled in nuts or sprinkles. Another treat that keeps carnival concession stands hopping is fried waffle balls, which are made by wrapping chocolate covered strawberries in waffles and then deep frying them. Perhaps inspired by the invention of the waffle cone, there are also stands that offer waffle ice cream sandwiches today: two fresh waffles with a scoop of ice cream between them.

Waffles are not only used for dessert treats at concession carts, though. They also provide tasty sandwiches for carnival attendees. A very popular one is a twist on the Southern favorite, chicken and waffles. At many fairs you can get chicken waffles on a sticka kind of shish-ke-bob made with chunks of fried chicken and pieces of waffles. Another savory sandwich is the ham-and-cheese waffle on a stick.

Finally, there are also of course, many waffle makers at fairs and carnivals that specialize in waffles onlyno chocolate or chicken needed. They're usually available in three varieties, traditional, Belgian, and French waffles. French waffles are the smaller, crispier rosette shaped variety.

No matter which type of waffle treat you opt for at your local State Fair or other event, you will not only be creating a delicious memory for yourself, you will also join a long history of waffles as one of the world's most popular street foods.

by: Sundar K

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