A waffle is a leavened batter or dough cooked between two metal plates of a waffle iron until it is golden-brown. The metal plates are patterned to give the waffle its characteristic size, shape and surface impression. There are many variations based on the type of waffle iron and recipe used. Waffles are eaten throughout the world, particularly in Belgium, France, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Scandinavia and the United States, with over a dozen regional varieties in Belgium alone.