Waffle alternative: like a cream-filled beignet

Not speaking specifically about Bruges, maybe you mean smoutebollen [Dutch word], like quarkbollen in Germany. I don't remember injected cream, but a soft interior on a hot-from-the-fat beignet. In Antwerp, they are sold at both Desire de Lille locations, and they have some locations in other cities. Another source of the "cream" idea is that smoute and quark mean something between yougurt/creme fraiche/clotted cream/farmer's cheese/cottage cheese-an ingredient in the batter. I don't know the exact translation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliebol

Likely youre looking for “roomsoezen” a kind of (with or without chocolate glazing) beignets filled with sweetened wipped cream. Or “eclairs” who are actually almost the same but oblong. Both baked in the oven. As most bakeries sell pastry they are easy to get in Bruges and anywhere else in Belgium. Smoutebollen are a Belgian version of the Dutch doughnut and baked in oil and usually sold at special stalls at markets and around New Year.

Try also rijsttaart (Rice Cake, my favorite), roomhoorntjes, mattentaart, tompouces etc.

http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclair
http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soesje

Thanks! I wrote all these down and will go on a quest. It's Sunday so not sure if bakeries will be open. But we have tomorrow here as well. What a beautiful place.

Many bakeries are open on Sunday in Bruges, anyway in the morning and still around noon, you can start your quest already now.

Have you tried the app Pocket where you can put documents from all sorts of places?

No, I hadn't heard of Pocket but it sounds like what I need! I'll check into it when I get home. Thank you.

A quick follow-up: our quest for these treats took us to a lovely neighborhood bakery off the tourist trail. We only found one of the recommended pastries but tried others at random. Absolutely delicious, much better than a waffle. And like Venice, Brugge gets magically deserted (and almost more picturesque) once you get to the little side streets.

"And like Venice, Brugge gets magically deserted (and almost more picturesque) once you get to the little side streets."

Yessssssss!!! Two blocks off the city center in any direction, and 'ahhhhhhh'.

Now I have yet another reason to return to Bruges, but with the beer, mussels & frites, and chocolate - where will I find the tummy room?!?

Try the cherry beer! Neuhaus chocolates are my favorites (stores in all major cities), and you can order them online from the US.