Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: Exploring savoury and sweet options at Geraldton’s waffle hub, Syrup Trap

When my thoughts drift to waffles, I often envisage a delightful sweet treat — maybe piled high with syrup and whipped cream, or elevated with a touch of extravagance by fruit, ice cream and other sugary delights. As mentioned in a review from early 2023, Syrup Trap has a knack for delivering top-notch sweet waffles. But what about exploring a savoury option? The diner offers ample parking and seating, and caters well to adults and children. Board games and activities on the tables keep everyone — from the little ones to the older kids — occupied while waiting for their food. These thoughtful touches contribute to the warm, fun atmosphere. During our recent visit to the cozy cafe/diner tucked away in Penny Arcade, we opted for the Chorizo Scramble. True to its name, it features two liege waffles accompanied by sliced chorizo sausage, scrambled eggs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A liege waffle is a type of Belgian waffle. Of course, we couldn’t resist ordering a couple of sweet options as well — Cookies and Cream and Sweet as Pie. Additionally, we couldn’t turn down the offer of a fresh shake and cappuccino, because simply — why not? The total bill, just under $75, leans towards the pricier side but remains in line with other options in our region. However, judicious choices of more economical waffles can bring the cost down. The food arrived within 15 minutes, with the drinks following shortly. The service, as always, was cheerful, polite, and helpful. Despite the staff being busy, the quality of service remained top-notch. Our focus was on the chorizo scramble — a generous serving of spicy sausage and firm scrambled eggs. Personally, I would have preferred the eggs a bit looser, but my partner favoured the omelette-like consistency. The waffles, while not as crispy on the outside as desired, were commendably made. The two sweet waffles were a delight, with generous portions and well-balanced accompaniments. None of the offerings were overly sweet, and all three were devoured within minutes. Surprisingly, the highlight of this visit wasn’t the waffles; it was the drinks. The Cookie Monster freakshake was delicious — a Biscoff shake with full cream milk, plant-based cream, Biscoff biscuits, and Biscoff sauce. Despite not being vegan, we found the vegan adaptation didn’t compromise the taste or texture — simply delightful. The coffee was good, not mind-blowing, but certainly commendable. I would absolutely recommend Syrup Trap. They are earnestly striving to create something unique in our small city, and your patronage will undoubtedly contribute to their growth. If you haven’t visited yet, I suggest giving it a try; sweet or savory, there are options to suit all tastes.