For fans of the Korean boy band BTS, the fact that the singers are on a multi-city world tour called Arirang is excitement enough. They had to temporarily disband for around three years due to the mandatory military service that exists in South Korea. However, now that they are back, the band members—Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—have been ensuring each concert is special for their fans, lovingly called ARMY. While they give their all on stage, BTS has also been taking time to relax and enjoy themselves between shows. From launching their own brand of instant noodles and collaborating with Oreo for a South Korean food, to running a marathon like Suga and attending fashion weeks like V, Jimin, and J-Hope, the boys are doing it all.
The seven-member band has also been spotted by fans enjoying local sights, indulging in touristy activities, and even sampling local cuisine. For their latest stop in Brussels, Belgium, they enjoyed a table full of a variety of Belgian waffles. This moment quickly went viral among ARMY, who were delighted to see their idols enjoying a classic European treat. The sight of BTS with steaming waffles topped with whipped cream, fresh fruit, and drizzled chocolate syrup sparked a wave of interest in Belgian waffles and how to make them at home.
What Makes Belgian Waffles Unique?
Belgian waffles differ from other waffles mainly in texture, structure, and batter. They are thicker, with larger squares and much deeper pockets that hold more syrup, cream, or fruit, thanks to a special waffle iron. Their batter is traditionally lighter and often yeast-leavened (sometimes with whipped egg whites), which makes them crisp on the outside and very airy inside, rather than dense like regular American waffles. Regular waffles are usually thinner, made with baking powder (often with buttermilk), and have shallower grids, so they feel more cake-like and less pillowy. The origin of Belgian waffles can be traced back to the Middle Ages, but the modern version gained international fame at the 1964 New York World's Fair, where a Belgian vendor introduced them to American audiences.
BTS and Their Culinary Adventures
BTS has always had a close relationship with food, often sharing their favorite snacks and meals with fans through social media and variety shows. Members like Jin are known for their love of cooking, while others enjoy trying new dishes during tours. The Arirang tour, named after a traditional Korean folk song, has taken them across continents, and each city offers a new culinary experience. In Brussels, the band not only sampled waffles but also reportedly enjoyed other Belgian specialties such as moules-frites (mussels and fries) and chocolate. Their appreciation for local food has endeared them even more to fans, who see it as a way to connect with different cultures.
The Recipe by Holly Francis
This particular waffle recipe was shared by food content creator Holly Francis on Instagram, and it quickly gained traction after BTS's Brussels stop. The recipe is straightforward and uses common pantry ingredients, making it accessible for fans who want to recreate the experience at home. Below is a step-by-step guide, along with additional tips for achieving that signature Belgian crispness and airy interior.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups warmed milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Optional toppings: chocolate chips, syrup, bananas, peanut butter, strawberries, whipped cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Whisk together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, vanilla, melted butter, warmed milk, and maple syrup. Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to help the baking powder react properly.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick yet pourable. Let it rest for about 5 minutes while you preheat the waffle maker.
- Heat your Belgian waffle iron (the kind with deep grids) and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Pour about 2/3 cup of batter (depending on your iron size) onto the center and close the lid. Cook until golden brown and crisp, usually 3–5 minutes.
- Remove the waffle and place it on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Tips for Perfect Belgian Waffles
To achieve waffles as good as BTS enjoyed in Brussels, consider these expert tips. First, use a high-quality Belgian waffle iron with deep pockets; this is essential for the characteristic texture. Second, separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat the whites until stiff peaks form, then fold them into the batter just before cooking—this yields an even lighter, airier waffle. Third, don't overmix the batter; lumps are fine. Overmixing develops gluten, making waffles tough. Fourth, keep waffles warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack until ready to serve, but avoid stacking them as steam will make them soft.
The recipe above uses baking powder for convenience, but traditional Belgian waffles are yeast-leavened. For a more authentic version, replace the baking powder with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast (one packet) dissolved in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let the batter rise for about an hour at room temperature before cooking. This method produces a more complex flavor and even airier texture.
BTS's Arirang Tour: A Global Phenomenon
The Arirang tour kicked off in Seoul in early 2024 and has since traveled to major cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. It marks the band's first full tour after completing their mandatory military service, which began in late 2022 and ended in early 2024. The tour's name, Arirang, pays homage to Korean heritage, as the song "Arirang" is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage and a symbol of Korean identity. Each concert incorporates traditional Korean elements, such as hanbok-inspired stage costumes and reinterpretations of folk songs, blending modern K-pop with historical roots.
For BTS, food has always been a way to connect with fans and each other. The group has a long history of food-related content, from their "Run BTS!" variety show episodes where they cook and eat together, to personal vlogs featuring local dishes. The Brussels waffle moment is just one of many such occurrences that humanize the superstars and make them relatable to audiences worldwide. It also highlights the cultural exchange that happens through travel and tourism—fans not only enjoy the music but also get a glimpse into the places BTS visits.
The Impact on Fan Culture and Tourism
When BTS does something, it often becomes a trend. The waffle incident led to a spike in online searches for Belgian waffle recipes, and many cafes in South Korea and elsewhere began promoting "BTS waffle specials." Tourism boards in Belgium also leveraged the moment to attract Korean travelers, offering discounts on waffle tours and souvenirs. This phenomenon is not new; earlier this year, BTS's collaboration with Oreo led to a limited-edition snack that sold out within hours. The band's influence on food and lifestyle is undeniable, and their choice to indulge in local cuisine encourages fans to explore new flavors and dishes.
Belgian waffles themselves have a storied history. The recipe popularized at the 1964 World's Fair was called the "Belgian Waffle" by an enterprising vendor named Maurice Vermersch, who originally called them "Brussels waffles." They were an instant hit, and the deep-pocketed version has since become a staple at breakfast tables and dessert menus worldwide. In Belgium, waffles are often enjoyed as a street food, topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chocolate spread. Some regions prefer the Liège waffle, which is denser and made with pearl sugar that caramelizes on the outside. Understanding these nuances adds depth to the BTS experience, showing that the band members are not just eating waffles but partaking in a rich culinary tradition.
As the Arirang tour continues, fans eagerly await more behind-the-scenes glimpses of BTS's travels. Whether it's Suga running a marathon in Vancouver or V attending Paris Fashion Week, each activity reinforces the group's global reach and diverse interests. The waffle episode, though simple, is a reminder that even global superstars enjoy life's little pleasures—like a freshly made Belgian waffle with all the fixings. For ARMY, recreating that experience at home is a way to feel closer to their idols, transcending miles and cultural boundaries.
In the end, the story of BTS enjoying Belgian waffles is more than just a celebrity food moment. It is a celebration of culture, travel, and the unifying power of shared experiences. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, trying this recipe allows you to take a small bite of the world that BTS has been exploring—one waffle at a time.
Source: MSN News