For years I’ve thought of buying a good waffle maker, one that rotates to make proper Belgian waffles. Now, after discovering this new Belgian waffle shop, I don’t have to.

Bloem ‘n Sugar (Bloem is flour, in Dutch) occupies the left corner of the Westfield mall entrance, on the Powell Street BART station level. Currently, the only place in the city that makes both Brussels and Liege waffles.

Liege waffles are dense and take longer to cook, so they’re made in advance and reheated before serving. The light and crisp Brussels waffles are always made to order. You can buy them plain for $4, add toppings for 50 cents each (ice cream is $1.50), or pick any of their signature combinations with catchy names ($5-$7.50).

My favorite was the decadent “Very Berry Belgian” combo ($7.50) on a hot Brussels waffle, covered with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and handfuls of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. I also enjoyed the energy boosting “Bananutella” combo ($5.50) on a Liege waffle, with bananas, nutella, whipped cream and peanuts.

And be on the look out for new specials. For example, some unique smoothies were recently added: “Nutelatte,” made with Nutella and Belgian coffee latte, and a “Waffle Smoothie” mixed with bits of Liege waffles.

Bloem ‘n Sugar

Westfield San Francisco Centre

865 Market Street – Concourse Level

San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 615-0064

Hours: Mon – Thu 7am – 9pm, Fri 7am – 10pm, Sat 10am – 10pm, Sun 10am – 8pm

Photo Credit: Luis Chong

• Tag: Belgian waffles, Bloem 'n Sugar, Brussels waffles, coffee, Liege waffles, Restaurants, smoothies, waffle smoothies