Where Does The Galette Des Rois Tradition Come From?

In France, the Christmas feasting doesn’t end when the New Year rolls around. The Epiphany, a Christian holiday which takes place on 6 January, is associated with a delicious food: galette des rois, also known as a king cake. But where does the culinary tradition come from? And how can Londoners get involved with the fun?

What Is Galette des Rois?

Galette des rois is a French cake which traditionally sees puff pastry filled with frangipane made with butter, sugar, eggs and almonds. But that’s not the only thing inside: a small charm known as a fève is also hidden within the cake, and, as tradition goes, the lucky person who finds it becomes the king or queen of the day. Historically, the fève was a fava bean, but nowadays it’s most commonly a figurine of the baby Jesus.

There are slightly different varieties across France. The frangipane galette is particularly popular in the Paris region, while in Provence king cake usually takes the form of brioche topped with glazed fruit and decorated with sugar crystals. Further north, you’ll often find the butter galette, which features a butter custard filling.

What’s The History Of Galette des Rois?

This French culinary tradition has been around for hundreds of years. It’s thought galette des rois was introduced in the Middle Ages by the Benedictine monks, who celebrated the holiday of Epiphany by preparing a special pastry. This was an ode to Epiphany, a Christian feast day commemorating the day the Three Wise Men, also known as the Magi, visited the baby Jesus after he had been born. Designed to be shared, galette des rois symbolises family and friendship. 

Where To Try Galette des Rois In London 2025

The Connaught Patisserie, by Nicolas Rouzaud

French pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud has crafted a beautiful cake for the occasion, available at The Connaught Patisserie. It features a pattern of wildflowers, which celebrate new life and renewal, encapsulating the spirit of Epiphany and the new year. Inside lies an almond frangipane filling, as well as a traditional fève, which comes here in the form of a Connaughty Hound token symbolising fortune and tradition.

Available 1 – 31 January 2025, the-connaught.co.uk

Julie’s

Head to revamped Notting Hill eatery Julie’s this January to try its galette des rois. If you’re the lucky recipient of the fève, you’ll be given ‘royal’ status for the day, complete with a paper crown. Alongside this, diners can enjoy stylish French cooking from chef patron Owen Kenworthy.

Available 6 – 13 January 2025, juliesrestaurant.com

Brasserie Zédel

On 6 January, Piccadilly’s’ grand Parisian brasserie will be treating its diners to a complimentary slice of galette des rois, made with pastry and fresh frangipane – alongside a glass of crémant and a crown. The youngest member of each group will have the chance to win a free meal by cutting into the galette, hoping to discover the fève inside. Alongside this, guests can enjoy live music and classic French fare.

6 January 2025, brasseriezedel.com