At which Brussels exposition were Belgian-style waffles originally showcased in 1958? They were showcased at Expo 58.
Expo 58 was the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, formally the Brussels International Exposition. Held in Belgium's capital, it presented technological achievements, national pavilions and cultural attractions to an international audience. Belgian-style waffles were among the foods associated with the exposition.
The date and location can cause confusion because Belgian waffles became much more famous in the United States at later world's fairs. Walter Cleyman introduced them at Seattle's Century 21 Exposition in 1962, while Maurice Vermersch helped popularize them at the 1964 New York World's Fair.
Expo 58 therefore marks the earlier Brussels showcase, not the American introduction. The waffles served in the United States were based largely on Brussels waffles, a lighter style with deep pockets, traditionally served with confectioners' sugar, whipped cream or fruit.