Galette des Rois: A few suggestions for the Epiphany
Just because Christmas and New Year’s are over doesn’t mean there’s no excuse to celebrate! The beginning of the new year is more than just resolutions, it’s also a time to celebrate the Epiphany. Every 6th of January, or the first Sunday of the year, this Christian holiday is celebrated by eating a galette des rois. Needless to say, your healthy eating resolutions will have to be put on hold for a night!
This pagan holiday is much more popular on the other side of the Atlantic, but slowly we are adopting this celebration from our French counterparts, because who can refuse one more reason to celebrate by savouring a galette des rois! Beware, this galette is usually so good that you may feel a certain heaviness after the euphoria of the tasting. Even though we know that the galette des rois is rich in nature, we still have a hard time controlling ourselves to take only a reasonable portion. This “galette” is traditionally a puff pastry that envelops frangipane, a cream that includes butter, eggs, sugar and almond cream.
This irresistible treat would be incomplete without the cardboard crown of kings on top and the fève (often a very small porcelain figurine) that lies, well hidden, inside. Traditionally, the youngest member of the family sneaks under the table and selects the guests who then receive their share of the cake. Whoever finds the bean in his or her piece is proclaimed king or queen of the evening! This tradition – which originally sought to celebrate the Three Wise Men – has been part of French culture for centuries.
Although we are geographically far from France, Montreal bakeries and pastry shops work hard each year to create galettes des rois as delicious as those made in Europe. Here are a few suggestions of places that offer this French treat!
Special mention: Christian Faure’s virtual pâtisserie, Ôfauria, is one of the first of its kind. Order online and have your order delivered to your door. The pâtisserie has prepared a traditional galette des rois for 6 to 8 people; you can order now on their website.
Pâtisserie Mélilot
This chic Outremont bakery created two galettes for Epiphany : a classic frangipane version, and a magnificent pecan and maple one with pecan praline. Both will be available between January 4th and 19th.
Montréal
Feuilleté café
We love just about everything that comes out of this little neighbourhood café-pastry shop on Bellechasse Street. The vanilla and Avril amaretto-flavoured galette des rois is no exception. Available on-site from January 3rd to 12th.
Montréal
Pâtisserie Rhubarbe
You can always count on Rhubarbe, one of our favourite pastry shops on the island, to offer us delicious and meticulously prepared pastries. For Epiphany, Rhubarbe is making two different galette des rois: almond, rum, and vanilla, or hazelnut-chocolate. Both flavours are delicious, which one will you choose?
Montréal
Carlota Boulangerie Mexicaine
Looking for a bit of a change from tradition? Pâtisserie Carlota offers exquisite Rosca de Reyes (or king’s crown), the Mexican equivalent of the galette served on Día de Los Reyes. They offer a traditional version with orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon decorated with candied fruits, or a hazelnut and chocolate flavour. Both are available in three sizes : small (2-3 people), medium (8 people), or large (16 people). Pre-orders start on January 2nd.
Montréal
Aube Boulangerie
This Hochelaga-Maisonneuve bakery offers three flavours of galette des rois: almond and vanilla from Épices de cru, pecan-maple and Avril amaretto, and finally Qantu chocolate, hazelnut, and buckwheat. A tough decision to make, as all three are equally mouth-watering! Available from January 4th to 11th.
Montréal
Automne Boulangerie
Rosemont’s beloved bakery has once again crafted a magnificent galette des rois this year. It’s a classic frangipane recipe with melilot, eggs, and butter, available in 6-8 or 4-6 portion sizes.
Montréal
Guillaume
Rooted in French tradition, Boulangerie Guillaume is one of the best bakeries in Mile End, offering a wide variety of gourmet products. For Epiphany, the bakery offers a traditional galette as well as a signature version filled with almond cream and homemade blueberry jam. Additionally, the fève is a creation by a local ceramic artisan.
Montréal
Boulangerie Le Pain dans les Voiles
Le Pain dans les Voiles, now with four locations in Montreal and on the South Shore, is known for its irresistible pastries (including one of the best brownies in Montreal) and, of course, its delicious breads. They also offer an excellent galette des rois, featuring a ceramic fève crafted by Atelier Dompierre. You can order it online or in-store.
Montréal
Mollo Boulangerie - Lab
The galette des rois from Boulangerie Mollo is available at both of their locations, in Pointe-Saint-Charles and Saint-Henri. It’s highly recommended to reserve yours in advance!
Montréal
Paltoquet (Le)
A bakery-pastry shop that amazes with its quality products every time! Located in Outremont on Van Horne Avenue, it has become a must-visit spot for locals. As Epiphany approaches, it’s worth the trip, even if you’re coming from outside the neighbourhood!
Montréal
Jarry Bakery
Boulangerie Jarry offers healthy and local products in a warm atmosphere. This year, for Epiphany, they are offering a traditional galette des rois, as well as a signature pear and melilot version. You can also get a frozen galette des rois to bake at home.
Montréal
Arhoma
As always, Boulangerie Arhoma is on board for any special occasion, and Epiphany is no exception. They offer a galette des rois available through their website. It’s filled with an Avril amaretto frangipane and hides a beautiful fève created by Atelier Elisabeth Gauthier. It is also available frozen.
Montréal
Boulangerie Le Toledo
Toledo is a bakery located in the heart of Plateau on Avenue du Mont-Royal East and on Wellington Street in Verdun. They offer excellent-quality bread as well as indulgent pastries. For Epiphany, they offer a traditional galette des rois filled with a frangipane cream lightly flavoured with kirsch and rum. The fève is an eco-friendly porcelain piece, handmade in Quebec by Alexia from the company OKINI.
Montréal
Boulangerie les Co'pains d'abord
Les Co’Pains d’Abord is a group of three artisanal bakeries where the art of making good bread is perfected. Breads and pastries all are delicious. Closed on January 1st and 2nd, they will be back just in time for Epiphany with a traditional frangipane galette des rois.
Montréal
Madeleine Pastry Shop
Pâtisserie Madeleine is a charming spot on Beaubien East Street, where you’re almost certain to leave with delicate pastries and viennoiseries at any time of day. This year, they are offering their delicious galette des rois in various sizes. You can reserve online for pickup starting January 4th.
Montréal
Joe la Croûte
Joe la Croûte offers two versions of the galette des rois for Epiphany: a traditional one and a square version with raspberry and ruby chocolate. Another tough choice! It is available in-store starting late December and for pre-order online.
Montréal
Louise Boulangerie
The bakery in Petite Italie is spoiling us once again this year with a beautiful traditional galette, featuring a wonderfully crispy puff pastry. Hurry while they still have some left!
Montréal
Boulangerie de Froment et de Sève - Maison Mère
Boulangerie de Froment et de Sève offers a particularly generous classic galette this year. They’ve hidden gold fèves inside three of them, and the lucky ones who find them will win a prize of $400!
Montréal
Croissant Croissant
Croissant Croissant offers three versions: the TRADITIONAL with frangipane, the VEGAN with vegan frangipane, dark chocolate, and cranberries, and the SIGNATURE with lemon and coconut frangipane. Yum! Available for pre-order now and in-store starting January 2nd.
Montréal
Fous Desserts
This French-Japanese pastry and chocolate shop also offers its version of the famous galette des rois. They have a classic galette as well as a special one with hazelnut frangipane, citrus, and dark gianduja.
Montréal
Chez Potier - Épicerie gourmande
Here too, there are different galettes to choose from: the classic, the choco-pecan, and the rice pudding version. It’s highly recommended to pre-order for pickup starting January 4th.
Montréal
Un Instant en Provence
The festivities continue wonderfully at Un Instant en Provence with the galette des rois! Located on Notre-Dame W., this spot wins our hearts with every bite. The experience guarantees that the sun shines, whether in summer or winter, in the hearts of those lucky enough to visit this lovely pastry shop.
Montréal
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Photography by Boulangerie Toledo
