If you've ever been to the Netherlands you'll know exactly what a huge deal Caramel Waffles are, with the sweet treat considered a must-try for anyone visiting the country.
When Timothy Schelhaas, 26, moved to Edinburgh last year, he quickly found himself missing what he says was his favourite comfort food from a young age. Deciding to do something about it, the young foodie set out to bring the Dutch must-try, freshly-baked Stroopwafels, to the streets of the capital.
"I am originally from Scheveningen, a seaside city district of The Hague, and after moving to Edinburgh last year, I noticed a distinct absence of Dutch representation in the Scottish Capital City’s diverse food scene," Timothy explained. "It wasn’t long until I came up with the idea to introduce freshly-baked Stroopwafels — also known as Caramel Waffles — to the city I had come to call my home."
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Now based in Corstorphine, Timothy has set up his own mobile venture, Wholly Waffles, a one-man show that will see him baking the quintessential Dutch treat fresh, with each warm, diamond-patterned waffle, which is sliced in half and filled with a smooth caramel sauce, coming with an exciting array of toppings.
"In Scotland and the wider UK, people will often be familiar with Caramel Waffles through supermarket offerings," explained the young entrepreneur. "And perhaps through their visit to Holland. I wanted to bring the magic of seeing your Caramel Waffle baked right in front of you to really give people a unique new food experience.
"Sustainably is one of our core values, we thrive to minimise our effects on the environment by limiting food waste, sourcing our ingredients locally in the UK, and only using recyclable or biodegradable product packaging."
And the self-professed perfectionist explained that as well as being as green as he possibly could, getting the quality right off the bat was the most important element to get right.
He said: "To achieve this, I travelled back to the Netherlands last summer to learn the craft of baking artisan Caramel Waffles and to build a network within the Dutch Stroopwafel industry.
"We use traditional baking methods and locally sourced ingredients to bring the homely flavours of Holland to bonnie Edinburgh.
"I am proud to say that as a result, Wholly Waffles will serve the true Dutch Caramel Waffle: a warm, freshly-baked waffle oozing with a soft homemade caramel. Customers can add a layer of milk chocolate and a sweet topping of choice for the ultimate waffle experience."
Timothy is already excited that the reaction so far to his concept has been overwhelmingly positive" partly he believes, thanks to the fact that the caramel waffles being made fresh in front of them is such a completely new experience for people.
He added: "The taste is often described as homely and comforting — a treat unlike any other. The Dutch community in Scotland has been very excited too. Many have expressed enthusiasm over the prospect of fresh Stroopwafels coming to Scotland for the first time.
"I for one can't wait to share my passion for Caramel Waffles with our diverse community."
Wholly Waffles is open for bookings from June for private events but is also set to appear at markets and events throughout 2023 with Timothy adding that people can follow them on Instagram (@whollywaffles) for updates on when and where.
He added: "We can’t wait to share our Caramel Waffles with the lovely people of Edinburgh this summer."
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