When: Annually, September 30.
Every year, the Dutch tribute to the Stroopwafels takes place on September 30. The day is an initiative of the city of Gouda, the city in the Netherlands that likes to present itself as the city of Gouda Cheese and Stroopwafels.
Stroopwafels?
The Dutch Stroopwafel (officially without a capital letter, i.e. stroopwafel) is best translated as syrup waffle. It’s considered a delightful treat by many, and has transcended its humble beginnings to become a beloved snack worldwide. It’s a testament to the simple yet profound joy that traditional recipes can bring. Originating from the city of Gouda, the stroopwafel’s history is as rich and layered as the cookie itself. It is believed to have been invented in the late 18th to early 19th century by a baker who sought to repurpose leftover crumbs by binding them with a sweet syrup.
This ingenious solution not only prevented waste but also gave birth to a new culinary delight. The stroopwafel consists of two thin, crispy waffles fused together with a luscious filling of caramel-like syrup, often flavored with cinnamon. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that dance on the palate. Traditionally served resting atop a hot cup of tea or coffee, allowing the steam to gently warm the syrup, this practice elevates the experience, making the center deliciously gooey and amplifying the aromatic spices. Today, stroopwafels are not just a treat to enjoy on the streets of the Netherlands; they have found their way into the hearts and homes of people around the globe, symbolizing the universal language of comfort food.
History
Much as people in Gouda would like this to be true, it is not very likely that Pieter Willem Kamphuisen invented the syrup waffle in the nineteenth century. What is true is that he decided to start selling the cakes around 1810, when his shop was doing badly. He was selling stockings. In 1829, he decided to devote himself entirely to “biscuit baking. That is why Kamphuisen himself holds this year as the year of introduction. However, this still does not mean that it is a Gouda invention.
Moreover, there is still something to be said about waffles as we know them today. These are only possible to prepare when you have the right ovens. Ovens that at the time could only be supplied with the right fuel, and that was only available after the introduction of the first gasworks in Gouda. That was after 1853. However, a Gouda syrup factory was established in the city in 1837. This factory produced, among other things, apple syrup. Together with the arrival of that factory and the arrival of the gasworks, it could just be that modern syrup waffles were thus introduced later.
Adriaan de Groot
There’s also Adrian de Groot, who said was resonsible for introducing the waffle iron used to process syrup. That introduction did not follow until 1864. The exact history of these events is uncertain.
Finally, there is the recipe itself. This recipe is said to be much older than the nineteenth century and even dates back to the time of the Vikings. With that, the origin of the treacle waffle should therefore not be sought in Gouda, but in Scandinavia. This is not to say that Gouda did not play an important role in the development of syrup waffles.
At the peak of the syrup waffle trade, 17 factories were producing the waffles in the city (1960). In 2000, there were only four left. This didn’t mean Stroopwafels aren’t produced in other locations. Nowadays, they are sometimes produced with completely different ingredients. The factory of Kamphuisen, which was most likely the first bakery, existed for a long time. It was only in the 1970s that the bakery closed its doors. The now fifth generation of bakers has not succeeded. However, operations were taken over by Banketbakkerij Joh. Verweij, which was located at Markt 69. This marked the end of operations at Peperstraat 24.
Siroopwafels
When you translate the word Siroopwafels into English, it is exactly the same as the word previously proposed as the suggested translation for Stroopwafels. That is syrup waffles. Therefore, the translation of Stroopwafels is not entirely correct with this. A Stroopwafel is not the same as a Siroopwafel.A Stroopwafel is nog a syrup waffle, based on the ingredients and is in fact historically not correct. Even when at some point in time Kamphuisen made these Siroopwafels (plural). The name of the company is in fact: Kamphuisen Siroopwafels, meaning: Kamphuisen Syrup Waffles
Gouda Stroopwafelstad
Gouda Stroopwafelstad is the name the city likes to give itself. So at one time there were 17 factories in the city. Surely that makes the city a “Stroopwafel City.” A Stroopwafel City. Therefore, it is best to visit the city of Gouda on 30 September, Stroopwafel Day.
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