Chez Albert

Chez Albert is a small take-away waffle shop at Breidelstraat 16 in Brugge, in the Flemish Region of Belgium, on the short street linking the Markt with the Burg. It is a hole-in-the-wall counter serving waffles to be eaten on the move, which makes it a convenient, inexpensive stop for visitors who want a typical Belgian snack without sitting down for a full meal. The two styles on offer are the Liège waffle, a dense, sugar-caramelised waffle that is eaten plain and warm, and the Brussels waffle, a lighter rectangular waffle that is usually topped with fruit, cream, chocolate or powdered sugar. Waffles are made to order, so the Liège waffle arrives hot with its caramelised crust, and toppings are added at the counter. Drinks are limited to coffee and soft drinks. There is no real dining room: the premises are tiny, a few people can stand inside, and customers usually eat on the street or carry their waffle to a bench near the Burg. The mood is quick, casual and busy, with queues forming at midday and on weekends. A waffle costs about EUR 4-8 (about $5-9), depending on toppings. It is open daily from about 10:00 to 18:00, and no reservations are taken. Walk-in and takeaway are the only options. Visitors wanting a quieter experience should come mid-morning or late afternoon, and anyone with allergies should ask about ingredients at the counter, as waffles contain gluten, eggs and dairy.