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
Mélilot Pâtisserie, on Laurier Ouest Avenue, is offering its galette des rois again this year: a beautifully flaky puff pastry filled with a rustic almond frangipane, as well as its rois brioche, topped with candied fruit and finished with a Mélilot pastry cream. Available from January 6 to 17.
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 11th.
Montréal
Patisserie Rhubarbe
You can always count on Rhubarbe, one of our favourite pâtisseries on the island, for beautifully crafted treats made with care. For Epiphany, they’re offering two galette des rois flavours: almond, rum and vanilla, or hazelnut, apricot and orange blossom. Both 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 galette des rois), 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). Available in-store from January 2 to February 1, no pre-order required. Limited quantities—first come, first served.
Montréal
Aube Boulangerie
This bakery in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is offering three galette des rois flavours: almond with vanilla from Épices de Cru, pecan-maple with Avril amaretto, and Qantu chocolate with hazelnut, blueberry, and dulce de leche. Available from January 3 to 11.
Montréal
Automne Boulangerie
Rosemont’s beloved bakery has once again put together a gorgeous galette des rois this year: a classic frangipane galette, available in a 6–8 serving size.
Montréal
Guillaume
An absolute Mile End staple rooted in French tradition, Boulangerie Guillaume is one of the neighbourhood’s best. They offer a wide range of seriously tempting baked goods. For Epiphany, they’re serving a classic galette des rois: deeply buttery, flaky puff pastry, almond frangipane, a perfectly golden bake—and a fève cleverly hidden inside.
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
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
Jarry Bakery offers healthy, locally sourced products in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This year, for Epiphany, they’re offering a traditional galette des rois as well as their signature pistachio & raspberry version.
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 Inédit. It is also available frozen.
Montréal
Boulangerie Le Toledo
Toledo is a bakery with locations in the heart of the Plateau on Avenue du Mont-Royal Est and on Wellington Street in Verdun. Known for excellent-quality bread and indulgent pastries, they’re offering a traditional galette des rois filled with frangipane delicately scented with rum.
Montréal
Boulangerie les Co'pains d'abord
Les Co’Pains d’Abord brings together three artisanal bakeries where the craft of great bread is truly mastered. Breads, viennoiseries, and flaky pastries—everything is delicious. Go for the classic frangipane galette des rois, or try their new one: hazelnut with apple jelly and tonka bean, available starting January 10.
Montréal
Madeleine Pastry Shop
Pâtisserie Madeleine is a lovely spot on Beaubien Est where you’re almost guaranteed to leave with delicate pastries and viennoiseries, any time of day. They’re offering their galette des rois again this year, made with delicate puff pastry and filled with a generous, lightly vanilla-scented almond cream. Available from January 4 to 18, or while supplies last.
Montréal
Joe la Croûte
Joe la Croûte is offering two galette des roisversions for Epiphany, including a square Dubai chocolate edition. It’s available in-store starting in late December, with online pre-orders as well.
Montréal
Boulangerie de Froment et de Sève - Maison Mère
Froment et de Sève is offering a particularly generous classic King Cake: beautifully golden, perfectly flaky, and filled with a silky almond cream. Available in a 6–8 serving size. And of course, there’s a fève hidden inside—who’s going to find it and wear the crown this year?
Montréal
Croissant Croissant
Croissant Croissant is offering three versions this year: the TRADITION, with Madagascar vanilla frangipane and a tonka-bean scented puff pastry; the SIGNATURE, with frangipane and chestnut cream; and the VEGAN, with vegan frangipane and dark chocolate (available starting January 5). Pre-orders are open now, and in-store availability begins January 2.
Montréal
Fous Desserts
This French-Japanese pastry and chocolate shop also has its take on the iconic King Cake. They’re offering a classic galette, along with a special version featuring coffee frangipane with house-made pecan praline, finished generously with toasted pecan pieces.
Montréal
Chez Potier - Épicerie gourmande
Here as well, there are three great options: the classic frangipane galette, a chocolate version, and a roasted pineapple–passion fruit galette with toasted almond frangipane. We definitely recommend pre-ordering for pickup starting January 3.
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
La bête à pain (Laval)
La Bête à Pain Laval is a must-visit bakery, offering an irresistible selection of fresh breads, decadent viennoiseries, and a refined à la carte menu. This year again, Marc-André Royal and his team are bringing back their galette des rois perfectly golden—just the way we like it.
Laval
Pâtisserie Ô Gâteries Vieux-Longueuil
On Saint-Charles Street in Vieux-Longueuil, Ô Gâteries has been a neighbourhood fixture for over thirty years. It’s the kind of place you keep coming back to for its consistency, its generosity, and the reassuring feeling that everything is made with care—no fuss, no pretension. For Epiphany, they’re offering their galette des rois: all-butter puff pastry, a generous frangipane filling, and of course, a hidden fève inside. This year again, the fèves are beautiful handmade pieces created by ceramic artist Roxane Charest—each one unique. Available from January 3 to 31, in-store and online.
Longueuil
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Photography by Boulangerie Toledo
