Croffles: At the intersection of croissants and waffles

December 21, 2022 CanCulture Magazine

CanCulture visited Fuwa Fuwa and tried the newest addition to their menu: croffles

By: Apurva Bhat

The wind is cool, my face is numb and my friend and I can’t wait to reach Fuwa Fuwa to try their fluffy-looking croffles. With my university nearby in downtown Toronto’s Dundas Square, the franchise’s Bloor St. W. location is the closest and most accessible to me. When we enter the store, we are welcomed by the warmth and smell of fresh pancakes being cooked.

Known for their Japanese pancakes, Fuwa Fuwa began making croffles that gained immense popularity this summer at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). According to blogTO, they were nearly sold out each day. On Oct. 1, the restaurant announced that the affordable croffles - only $5.99 each (without tax) – would be a permanent addition to their menu.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fuwa Fuwa Pancakes (@fuwafuwapancakes)

These croffles come in four flavours - signature, tiramisu, cocoa banana and cookies and cream. We ordered the signature, tiramisu and cookies & cream.

As we were waiting for our food to be made, we could see other orders being freshly prepared - an employee flipping a batch of fluffy Japanese pancakes and another employee whisking batter for more pancakes. The store is clearly popular. Despite coming in an hour before closing, there was lots of traffic and online orders dinging in.

This location was fairly compact, but we didn’t have difficulty finding a seat. After seven minutes, our desserts were brought to our table. The portion was what one would expect for the price - not too huge and not too small.

Each croffle, as explained by a front staff member, has the same base - a croissant. It is then toasted in a waffle maker and topped with whipped cream.

Depending on the flavour, the ingredients differ. My personal favourite was the cookies and cream which happens to be one of the more popular flavours according to an employee. It was topped with crushed Oreos and was extremely delicious. I especially liked the balance between sweet and savoury.

The cookies & cream croffle is one of Fuwa Fuwa’s more popular flavours. (Apurva Bhat/CanCulture)

The one thing I didn’t enjoy was that the croffles were slightly undercooked in the middle. I’m someone that appreciates flaky and crispy croissants, but the texture of these was softer. I also couldn’t taste the waffle aspect of the croffles as much - it majorly tasted like a slightly undercooked toasted croissant.

The signature flavour offers customers a simple, uncomplicated flavour for the less adventurous eaters - topped with a handful of strawberries and blueberries, it wasn’t very extraordinary.

Contrary to what a video on Fuwa Fuwa’s Instagram suggests, the signature croffle didn’t have any syrup or powdered sugar on top. Because of this, it wasn’t extremely sweet but was actually refreshing which I appreciated.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fuwa Fuwa Pancakes (@fuwafuwapancakes)

The tiramisu flavour was a big no for me. Like the other flavours, the middle was slightly undercooked. Also, the combination of coffee syrup and cocoa powder wasn’t ideal – it left an extremely bitter aftertaste. I also didn’t like the excess overload of cacao powder, but if you love bitter desserts, this might be what you’re craving.

The tiramisu croffle topped with cacao powder and coffee syrup (Apurva Bhat/CanCulture)

The order total was $20.31 with taxes which wasn’t too bad. But as a student living in an expensive city like Toronto, I wouldn’t necessarily purchase all flavours - rather stick with one or two.

The price per croffle is what makes these treats an attractive purchase - only $5.99 a piece! I wouldn’t have the signature or tiramisu flavours again, but I would definitely return for the cookies and cream ones.

Overall, If I were to rate Fuwa Fuwa out of 10 based on the croffle’s flavour, quality, service, ambiance and price, I would give it a six. I would love to try their pancakes and perhaps even the cocoa banana croffle, which happens to be another popular choice for other customers!

What Canadian Halloween candy are you based on your zodiac sign?

October 29, 2022 CanCulture Magazine

How about a Big Turk, eh?

By: Aru Kaul

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to try out different kinds of candy. If you’ve never given much thought to where the sweets you’ve been munching on this season come from, you’ll be surprised to learn that so many of your favourites originate from Canada! Keep reading to find out which ones and get a recommendation for what you should try based on your zodiac sign.

**BIG TURK** ┃
ARIES

(March 21 to April 19)
Like this exclusively Canadian candy, you aren’t suited for everyone’s taste buds. But this also means that you’re a crowd favourite among those who appreciate you and among the ones that matter! Ignore the haters and just be you babe.

**AERO** ┃
TAURUS

(April 20 to May 20)
You’re bubbly and sweet, just like this 87-year-old chocolate bar. When life gets too hectic, you know just how to wind down and take a breather. After all, what could be more relaxing than biting into an Aero and feeling the bubbles melt on your tongue? Just make sure your relaxing breaks don’t make you lose track of reality.

**WINE GUMS** ┃
GEMINI

(May 21 to June 20)
Don’t be fooled by the name, wine gums sadly don’t have any wine in them, and lucky for your friends, neither do you. Like these elastic bonbons, you’re the sober driver mom friend everyone can count on after a party. Some people might think this makes you boring and it kind of does, but you embrace this title and take your role very seriously.

**COFFEE CRISP** ┃
CANCER

(June 21 to July 22)
Just like their chocolatey exterior and coffee-flavoured inside, you have a personality that makes you perfect for all kinds of people! Kids love your sweet personality, adults love your strong disposition…you’re really killing it out here, crowd-pleaser! Just make sure you don’t lose your own identity while trying to make everyone else satisfied.

**MALTESERS** ┃
LEO

(July 23 to August 22)
These small round chocolate balls are the perfect light snack to satisfy your sugar craving! Similarly, you add sweetness to everyone’s life in doses - and that’s why they can’t get enough of you! But you should watch out for anyone who tries to take advantage of your sweetness.

**THRILLS GUM** ┃
VIRGO

(August 23 to September 22)
You might recognize this purple gum by its distinct colour and soapy taste. Some people might think this is weird and it is - but it’s also innovative and unique. After all, no one ever went down in history for being normal. We’re looking at you trailblazer.

**CARAMILK** ┃
LIBRA

(September 23 to October 22)
You’re just like the *mystery* of how the caramel gets inside the chocolate bar, in that no one really gets you. But you’re completely okay with that. You like being enigmatic and keeping others on their toes. You believe that the less people know, the better.

**CRISPY CRUNCH** ┃
SCORPIO

(October 23 to November 21)
This crunchy treat was introduced to shelves in 1912, making it one of the longest-running chocolate bars in Canada. You can’t go wrong with a chocolate and peanut butter combination. Just like the Crispy Crunch, you’ve also been around for a while (maybe not literally, but definitely spiritually) and you feel like you’ve seen it all. Remember that this is far from the truth and there’s always something more to discover!

**BOUNTY** ┃
SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 to December 21)
Who would've thought that chocolate and coconut could go so well together? They’re such different flavours, but together they make sense. Remind you of anything? This is similar to you and your aspirations. People might think that your goals don’t make any sense or that you’re not capable of achieving them, but you prove them wrong every time!

**GLOSETTE** ┃
CAPRICORN

(December 22 to January 19)
Just like these easy-to-eat raisins, you value the simple things in life. You don’t need a luxurious lifestyle to be happy. You would rather spend your time and money on the ones you love than on fancy things. After all, you can’t take ‘em with you.

**EAT-MORE** ┃
AQUARIUS

(January 20 to February 18)
The aromatic dark chocolate and crunchy nuts in this bar will leave you wanting to eat more–hence the very appropriate denomination. Not only is this a great combination, but it’s also a great marketing tactic. This chocolate is representative of your mind. You always know how to make full use of your ideas and turn them into a fruitful reality.

**MR. BIG** ┃
PISCES

(February 19 to March 20)
Mr. Big - We saved the best for last! With chocolate, peanuts, wafers and caramel, Mr. Big is a combination of different sweets. In the same way, Pisces is thought of as a combination of all the signs, containing traits from each one and transforming into whatever costume they need to be for the night. Way to go, you wild shape-shifter!

New food options available for commuters as Union Food Court opens

January 24, 2019 CanCulture Magazine

By Severina Chu

Commuters now have a variety of new and tasty meal options with the opening of the Union Food Court at Toronto’s Union Station.

Part of the Union Station revitalization project, construction for the food court was first approved in 2009 and originally scheduled to be completed by 2015. Several delays later, the food court finally opened in late November of 2018.

It is located on the lower level of the GO York Concourse and offers 10 new food retailers and seating for up to 600 people. Many of the food vendors offer meals that cost $15 or less which allows students to grab a bite to eat before class, work, or on their way home.

The Union Food Court offers food from local vendors around the city. While commuters can still buy from familiar chains like McDonald’s, Tim Hortons, and Pizza Pizza, they now have the option of choosing healthier and more culturally diverse meals. Here’s a closer look at what’s on the menu.

Loaded Pierogi

In its newest Toronto location, this retailer serves the traditional Polish dumpling dish with a twist. Customers can get pierogies, either fried or boiled, loaded with various meat and vegetable toppings.

Bangkok Buri

Inspired by the street food served in Bangkok, Bangkok Buri serves traditional Thai cuisine with a modern influence. The menu includes noodles, rice, and salad dishes, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian choices.

Roywoods

Known for being an authentic taste of the Caribbean, this established Toronto business has now made its way to Union Station. They are well-known for their jerk chicken, which they offer either in a platter meal or on a sandwich with Jamaican coco bread.

The jerk chicken sandwich ($10) is served on Jamaican coco bread and comes with a beverage. (CanCulture/Severina Chu)

Paramount Fine Foods

Paramount Fine Foods is serving up authentic Lebanese cuisine, including classics like shawarma and falafel served in a wrap, on rice, or on salad. The Union Station location also offers fresh bread and house-made sweets.

Scaccia

A family-owned and operated Italian restaurant in Toronto, Scaccia has expanded its brand to a quick service location. The scaccia, a stuffed flat bread from Sicily, is made with various combinations of meats, vegetables, and cheeses that makes for the perfect meal on-the-go.

Shanghai 360°

Shanghai 360° serves dishes typical of northern Chinese cuisine. With familiar Chinese takeout favourites such as fried rice and dumplings, the Union Station location also offers a noodle bar with your choice of noodle and soup base.

Sushi Shop

Despite the simple name, Sushi Shop is not your traditional Japanese menu. Here you can get sushi in creative forms, such as burgers, tacos, and burritos, along with unique flavour combinations.

The Union Food Court is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Here's How to Order Vegan at Your Fave Fast Food Restaurants

March 6, 2018 CanCulture Magazine

By: Natalie Michie

Many vegans might agree that fast food restaurants aren’t their first choice when it comes to getting a proper meal. However, sometimes these pit stops are unavoidable. My shift to a vegan lifestyle has certainly not stepped in the way of my love for junk food, so I can relate first-hand to having moments when you just want to go to your favourite drive-thru, burger joint or sandwich shop and pig out.

If you’re vegan and are at a loss at the fast food counter (because let’s face it - it’s a stereotype that all vegans are healthy), go ahead and try out some, or all, of the items listed below!

Taco Bell

The Crunchwrap Supreme made vegan (PopSugar)

Taco Bell has a wide range of vegan options. If you’re looking for a quick bite, they do a great job of accommodating plant-based diets. Although there aren’t many meals on the Taco Bell menu that are originally made vegan, it is very easy to “veganize” most items.

For any items with beef or chicken, you can easily swap out the meat for hardy black or refried beans. Plus, for any meal that has cheese or a dairy-based sauce, you can ask for it to be made “fresco-style,” and Taco Bell will replace the dairy with guacamole or pico de gallo. Add to this any of their salsas and their vegan seasoned rice, and you’re good to go. This method will allow you to stay ethical without feeling like you are losing out on the substance of the meal.

Along with swapping out animal products for vegan substitutes, Taco Bell also has some delicious items that are accidentally vegan, such as the chips, fries and cinnamon twists! The Mexican restaurant chain also added a “How to eat vegan at Taco Bell” section to their website, so props to you for thinking of us, Taco Bell.

Starbucks

As a frequent consumer of overpriced specialty coffee drinks, the vegan options offered at Starbucks are of great importance to me. Not only do they offer dairy-free milk alternatives like soy, almond and coconut, as well as vegan syrups like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut and mocha,, but if you’re looking to grab a snack or even a quick meal, they’ve got you covered.

Most bagels at Starbucks are vegan, like multigrain, plain and cinnamon raisin. My all-time favourite snack to get when I’m on the go is a multigrain bagel with a packet of the organic jalapeno avocado spread. It’s delicious!

If you’re looking for a hot breakfast to go with your coffee, you can also opt for their whole grain oatmeal with any of the topping choices. One of my favourite treats from the coffee company are Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups. Don’t let the “contains milk” message on the back of the package steer you away - the company added that to their packaging a few years ago because they process their chocolate in a facility that processes products with dairy as well. Although the peanut butter cups are dairy-free, the company included this as a precautionary message to help customers who are severely allergic to dairy.

In August 2017, Starbucks came out with a more substantial meal option for vegans, which was a welcome change. The baby greens and brown rice protein bowl has 15 grams of protein, and I can assure you that it will fill you up.

Tim Hortons

Being that Tim Hortons is the staple fast food restaurant in Canada, they’ve got to have some vegan options, right? Fortunately, the renowned doughnut chain has a vast selection of vegan-friendly items! Although they have not yet hopped on the dairy-free milk bandwagon for their coffee and teas, they do have a pretty good selection of vegan food options if you’re looking for something to eat with your (black) drink.

Similar to Starbucks, Timmies offers some helpful breakfast options for those who follow a plant-based diet. Their menu offers oatmeal with two different flavours to pick from, maple or mixed berry. Plus, most of their bagels are vegan, including plain, blueberry, everything, cinnamon raisin, sesame seed, poppy seed, and pretzel. For spreads, you can opt for jam or peanut butter. I recommend trying the cinnamon raisin bagel with peanut butter, it’s amazing!

If you want to get some in your five a day, the harvest vegetable soup is a warm, hearty option that is perfect for a cold Canadian winter day.day. They also have a vegan garden salad, which you can eat on its own or on a roll for a makeshift sandwich. Just make sure you steer clear of the specialty bagels, 12 grain bagel and any croissants, as they have animal products in them, according to the company’s Ingredient Information guide.

If you’re a carb addict like me, you’ll be pleased to know that both the savoury potato wedges and the hash browns made at Tims are vegan-friendly. This is ideal when paired with a salad or coffee, or even juston their own. And for those who argue that a meal can’t solely consist of potatoes, to that I say, who hurt you?

Subway

Subway is definitely my favourite fast-food restaurant if I’m looking for a satisfying quick meal. With the bread options ranging from hearty Italian bread to wraps and ciabatta, stopping at Subway for a veggie sub is always a good option when you’re on the go.

Go ahead and pile on any of the vegetable toppings, and then top it with your choice of sauces. Options include yellow mustard, oil, vinegar, sweet onion sauce, Italian dressing and Buffalo sauce. You want to avoid any dairy-based sauces, so just keep an eye out for sauces that look creamy. Don’t be afraid to clarify with employees which sauces have dairy and which don’t. You also want to avoid sauces that have animal products other than dairy, such as the honey mustard sauce.

My favourite is a veggie sub on toasted Italian bread with sub sauce and salt and pepper, simple but so tasty!. If you’re a first-time Subway visitor and you don’t know what veggies you want, you can make it easy by ordering the Veggie Delite, which is just an assortment of vegetables with your choice of sauce.

Specific options vary per location, so feel free to visit your favourite fast food restaurant and ask what options they have that suit your diet. Most places have vegan bread and non-dairy spreads that you can order if you’re in a pinch. No matter how meat-based a restaurant seems, there is almost always something you can find to eat, even if it’s just grabbing a salad and some bread and passing it off as a sandwich.

Point is, it’s not as hard as you might think to find vegan options at any food joint. I hope you found this helpful, and I encourage you to go out and try "veganizing" menu items at a fast food franchise near you!

At the end of the day, despite our differences, junk food holds a special place in all of our hearts!

This piece was edited by Sukaina Jamil.