What shape are Bergische waffles always made in?

Bergische waffles are traditionally made in a heart shape.

They come from the Bergisches Land region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and are closely associated with the Bergische Kaffeetafel, a regional coffee-table spread. Traditional waffle irons used cast-iron heart-shaped inserts, producing the distinctive outline.

The waffles are usually soft inside and lightly crisp outside. They are commonly served with hot sour cherries, whipped cream and rice pudding, although modern cafés may offer other toppings. The heart shape is not merely a romantic decoration: it is the defining traditional form of this regional waffle.

A common mix-up is confusing Bergische waffles with Belgian waffles. Belgian varieties are generally thicker and rectangular, while Bergische waffles are thinner, softer and heart-shaped. Individual modern recipes or commercial products can vary, but “heart-shaped” is the canonical answer for the traditional Bergische waffle.