A Waffle Lotta Fun! Waffle Day at ASI

What started as an accidental mishearing has become one of Sweden’s beloved secular holidays—Waffle Day!

In Sweden, March 25 was known as Our Lady’s Day, a day celebrating the Virgin Mary’s Annunciation. When people from Northern Sweden pronounced ‘Vårfrudagen’, it came across as ‘Vår Fru’ -the old Swedish word for waffle. So, the Swedes decided to celebrate  Vårfrudagen  by cooking waffles. Eventually, it became known as Våffeldagen, or “Waffle Day.” 

Swedish waffles are unique-they are heart-shaped, flat, and crispy. Common toppings include lingonberries or cloudberries and whipped cream. While not traditional, savory waffles are also becoming more popular in Sweden today. Unlike thicker American or Belgian style-waffles, Swedish waffles are thinner because they are cooked on special waffle irons. Waffles in Sweden aren’t just limited to breakfast menus, they are often served as snacks or desserts.  

You don’t have to travel to Sweden to enjoy this holiday. Every year, waffles are available for a short time only at the American Swedish Institute’s FIKA Café now through Easter weekend. There’s two waffle variations – one sweet and one savory. It makes for a great Sunday brunch! Pair the waffles with coffee or something stronger – FIKA makes “Bloody Swedes” – a take on a Bloody Mary but with Scandinavian aquavit.   

• Savory Waffle – Skagen, Lemon Aioli, Dill, Red Onion / $18
• Sweet Waffle – Rhubarb & Ginger, Cardamom Whipped Cream, Powdered Sugar /  $16
• Traditional – Lingonberry, Cardamom Whipped Cream, Powdered Sugar / $15
• Plain Waffle – $10
  
  *Gluten Free Waffles are available on request / $2 upcharge 

Want to try and make this treat at home? Kristi Bissel’s Waffle Day recipe can be found here.