Duck and Waffle: A Guide to London’s Iconic Dish

Duck and Waffle is an iconic dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. It is a unique combination of savory and sweet flavors that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. This dish is a staple of the menu at the Duck and Waffle restaurant, located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower in London’s financial district.

The concept of Duck and Waffle is simple yet brilliant. It is a dish that combines crispy confit duck leg with a perfectly cooked waffle, topped with a fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. This unusual combination of flavors and textures has made Duck and Waffle one of the most popular dishes in London’s culinary scene.

Duck and Waffle
Duck and Waffle

Key Takeaways

  • Duck and Waffle is a unique and iconic dish that combines sweet and savory flavors.
  • The Duck and Waffle restaurant, located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower in London, is a popular destination for food enthusiasts.
  • The dish’s popularity is due to its unusual combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for anyone visiting London.

Duck and Waffle: The Concept

Duck and Waffle is a gastro restaurant that originated in London in 2012. The restaurant is known for its namesake dish, the Duck and Waffle, which is a crispy confit duck leg served on top of a fluffy waffle and drizzled with mustard maple syrup. The concept behind the restaurant is to offer a unique dining experience that combines high-quality food, creative cocktails, and stunning views.

Origin and History

Duck and Waffle was founded by Daniel Doherty, a renowned chef who has worked in some of the best restaurants in London. The idea for the restaurant came from Doherty’s love of comfort food, and he wanted to create a dish that combined sweet and savoury flavours in a unique way. The Duck and Waffle dish quickly became a hit, and the restaurant has since expanded to other locations.

In 2022, Duck and Waffle opened a new location in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter. The restaurant’s interior design is inspired by the whimsical and vibrant atmosphere of the London location, but with a unique Scottish twist. The Edinburgh location offers panoramic views of the city and a chef’s counter where guests can watch their meals being prepared.

Culinary Inspiration

The menu at Duck and Waffle is inspired by British and European cuisine, with a focus on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers a range of dishes, from small plates to hearty mains, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include the Spicy Ox Cheek Doughnut, the Foie Gras Crème Brûlée, and the Whole Roasted Chicken.

In addition to its food, Duck and Waffle is known for its creative cocktail menu. The restaurant’s mixologists use fresh ingredients and unique flavour combinations to create signature drinks like the Bacon Old Fashioned and the Duck and Stormy. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, with a focus on natural and biodynamic wines.

Overall, Duck and Waffle offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that combines delicious food, creative cocktails, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re in London or Edinburgh, the restaurant is a must-visit for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Duck and Waffle: The Dish

Duck and Waffle is a signature dish of the eponymous restaurant located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower in London. This dish is a playful and awesomely executed take on comfort food that has become a sensation among foodies from all around the world. The dish features a crispy duck leg confit and a fried duck egg served on top of a savoury waffle, drizzled with mustard maple syrup.

Ingredients

The key ingredients of Duck and Waffle are duck leg, duck egg, waffle batter, and mustard maple syrup. The duck leg is first cooked in its own fat until it is tender and juicy. The duck egg is then fried and served on top of the duck leg. The waffle batter is made with flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, and yeast. The mustard maple syrup is prepared by mixing maple syrup with Dijon mustard.

Cooking Method

To prepare Duck and Waffle, the duck leg is first cooked in its own fat at a low temperature for several hours until it is tender and juicy. The duck leg is then removed from the fat and crisped up in a hot oven. The waffle batter is prepared by mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another bowl. The dry ingredients are then added to the wet ingredients and mixed until smooth. The waffle batter is then cooked in a waffle iron until golden brown. The duck egg is fried in a pan until the white is set and the yolk is still runny.

Serving Suggestions

Duck and Waffle is served hot and crispy with the fried duck egg on top of the duck leg and the waffle on the side. The mustard maple syrup is drizzled over the duck and waffle just before serving. This dish can be served as a main course for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted root vegetables, sautéed greens, or a simple salad. It is best enjoyed with a glass of champagne or a refreshing cocktail.

Duck and Waffle: The Restaurant

Duck and Waffle is a popular gastro restaurant that was established in London in 2012. It has since expanded to include a location in Edinburgh. The restaurant is known for its namesake dish, which has sold over 2 million servings. The dish is a unique combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that creates an unforgettable culinary experience.

Location and Ambience

The London location of Duck and Waffle is situated on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower in the City of London. The restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. The ambiance is sophisticated and modern, with an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the chefs at work.

Menu Highlights

Duck and Waffle’s menu features a variety of European and British dishes, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Some of the menu highlights include:

  • Crispy Leg Confit with Fried Duck Egg and Mustard Maple Syrup
  • Spicy Ox Cheek Doughnut with Apricot Jam
  • BBQ-Spiced Pig Ears with Sherry Vinegar Glaze
  • Foie Gras Crème Brûlée with Rhubarb Compote

The restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Customer Experience

Duck and Waffle is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. The restaurant’s unique location and menu make it a must-visit spot for foodies. Customers praise the attentive and friendly service, as well as the quality of the food. Reservations are highly recommended, as the restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours.

Overall, Duck and Waffle is a top-notch restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The combination of stunning views, delicious food, and excellent service make it a must-visit spot for anyone visiting London or Edinburgh.

Duck and Waffle: Cultural Impact

Influence on British Cuisine

Duck and Waffle, a dish that consists of a crispy waffle topped with a confit duck leg and a fried duck egg, has had a significant impact on British cuisine since its creation in 2012. The dish has become an iconic menu item at the Duck and Waffle restaurant in London, and has inspired many other chefs to create their own versions of the dish.

The popularity of Duck and Waffle has also led to an increased interest in using duck as a main ingredient in British cuisine. Duck dishes have become more common on menus across the UK, and chefs have started to experiment with new ways of cooking and presenting duck.

Global Popularity

Duck and Waffle has not only had an impact on British cuisine, but it has also gained global popularity. The dish has been featured in numerous food blogs, travel websites, and social media posts, which has helped to spread awareness of the dish to a wider audience.

The popularity of Duck and Waffle has also led to the creation of new restaurants and food trucks that specialize in serving the dish. These restaurants and food trucks have popped up in cities around the world, including New York, Paris, and Sydney.

Overall, the cultural impact of Duck and Waffle has been significant. The dish has not only become an iconic menu item at the Duck and Waffle restaurant in London, but it has also inspired chefs around the world to experiment with new ingredients and flavours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a reservation at Duck and Waffle?

To make a reservation at Duck and Waffle, you can visit their website at duckandwaffle.com and use the online booking system. Alternatively, you can call them at +44 (0)203 640 7310. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.

What is on the breakfast menu at Duck and Waffle?

Duck and Waffle offers a variety of breakfast options, including their signature dish, the Duck and Waffle, which consists of crispy duck leg confit served on top of a waffle with a fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. Other options include the Full English Breakfast, avocado toast, and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.

What are some reviews of Duck and Waffle?

Duck and Waffle has received generally positive reviews. On TripAdvisor, it has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with many reviewers praising the stunning views and unique dining experience. However, some reviewers note that the prices can be quite high.

What is on the drinks menu at Duck and Waffle?

Duck and Waffle offers a variety of drinks, including cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits. Some popular cocktails include the Duck and Stormy, which is made with Gosling’s Black Seal rum, ginger beer, and lime, and the Breakfast Martini, which is made with gin, Cointreau, lemon, and orange marmalade.

Is Duck and Waffle more of a bar or a restaurant?

Duck and Waffle is primarily a restaurant, but it also has a bar area where guests can enjoy drinks and small plates. The restaurant is located on the 40th floor of a skyscraper and offers stunning views of the city.

What is the dress code at Duck and Waffle?

Duck and Waffle does not have a strict dress code, but they do recommend smart casual attire. Guests are asked to avoid wearing sportswear or beachwear.

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