It’s that time of year again, the season for one of France’s most beloved traditions: Galette des Rois, or the King Cake, and here’s where you can find it in Shanghai.
- What is Galette de Rois?
- The Best Galette de Rois in Shanghai
What is Galette des Rois?
This flaky, golden pastry is more than a dessert — it’s a celebration steeped in history, ritual, and a touch of playful competition. At its core, Galette des Rois is deceptively simple: layers of buttery puff pastry encasing a rich frangipane almond cream.
The Origins of Galette de Rois
Enjoyed traditionally on Epiphany (January 6), the galette commemorates the arrival of the three wise men to Baby Jesus. Beyond its religious roots, the cake symbolizes prosperity, indulgence, and a sense of fun — a treat to ring in the New Year.
What is The Fève in Galette de Rois?
Hidden within the galette is a fève, originally a humble bean but now replaced, due to popular demand, with a tiny figurine as enthusiasts have started collect them.
Finding the fève requires a little game. The youngest member of the group craws under the table to randomly assign slices, ensuring the fève’s discovery is a surprise. Whoever finds the fève in their slice is dubbed king or queen — literally with a paper crown that usually comes with the galette — earning them both bragging rights and a festive title.
Though, not all galettes have fèves (ahem choking hazzard) and some opt for placing the figurine outside the cake so you can add it as you like.
Galette De Rois Hype in Shanghai
In Shanghai, the Galette has become a seasonal must-have. In Chinese, it’s called 国王饼 (guó wáng bǐng), a literal translation of “King’s Cake.” It is an alluring name for a pastry/cake and is probably one of the reasons why it’s taken off in recent years.
Many of Shanghai’s bakers have reimagined the classic with creative flavors like matcha, black sesame, chocolate, and blueberry.
It is often consumed between Christmas and Epiphany, but in Shanghai, you’ll find it as early as the end of November through to February.
Whether you’re a pastry lover or simply looking to add a touch of fun to your celebration meal, the Galette des Rois delivers both indulgence and a dash of playful charm.
The Best Galette De Rois in Shanghai
Pain Chaud
French bakery Pain Chaud has three flavors this year, the traditional Galette de Rois with frangipane (¥38/slice, ¥196/7-inch, ¥340/10-inch), one with pistachio (¥45/¥214/¥358), and another with sesame and yuzu (¥38/¥196/¥340), all made with AOP Lescure butter for that flaky finish.
Baked fresh and delivered to your door under six hours! Available at all Pain Chaud stores and via their mini-program.
Here, the fève is not baked in, but provided within the box so you can place it when you play the game!
Pain Chaud Flagship
256 Jianguo West Road 建国西路256号
+86 15317816105
Check the “Pain Chaud” mini-program on WeChat for more locations.
VERIE Bakehouse
VERIE Bakehouse has a gourmet Galette de Rois filled with rum and almond cream for ¥490 or ¥498 with cutlery box. Pre-order minimum one day in advance. Pick-up in store or delivery; delivery fees apply. Order via their WeChat mini-program, “VERIE Bakehouse.”
Porcelain fève is provided outside the galette.
VERIE Bakehouse
Click here for the venue listing.
Luneurs
Luneurs has two flavors of Galette de Rois this year, a classic almond (¥268/whole, ¥35/slice) and a Japanese Yuzu (¥288/whole, ¥38/slice), available until Feb 28. Slices are only available in store. You can pre-order the whole galettes via the Luneurs mini-program.
Store pickup only. Available at locations: Rockbund, Qiantan Taikoo Li, Gubei, and Pudong Kerry Parkside.
Click here for their Rockbund flagship.
Mr & Mrs Bund X ZIKO
This year, Paul Pairet via Mr & Mrs Bund is joining forces with Zikoland for their Galette de Rois this season for an exclusive price of ¥288 via flash sale on Ziko Kitchen. Flash sale date is Dec 25 — scan the QR code above to join the group to shop. Delivery fees apply.
La Parisienne
French bakery La Parisienne has two kinds of Galette De Rois, traditional frangipane and one with chocolate, available until January 31.
Available in three sizes; a serving for one is ¥45, one for 9-inches (¥208) and one for 11-inches (¥278). Order via their mini-program, delivery fees apply, or pick-up at stores Zhangyang, BFC, and QPLFS in Qingpu.
The fèves here are not baked into the galette, but are provided for you to place within when you play the game!
Moofin
Moofin has a traditional frangipane Galette de Rois for ¥258, suitable for eight people to share, available from now until January 18. Pre-order via regular delivery platforms, minimum one day in advance.
Here, the fève is placed outside the galette, but can be set inside by request, one day’s notice required.
Moofin
Click here for the listing.
Stonesal
Stonesal restaurant offers a unique take on the galette with an almond and coconut-filled filo pastry version priced at ¥458 for a 10-inch cake. It’s not exactly conventional and is lighter than the traditional versions. Available for purchase until Dec 31, pick-up between 9:30am to 9:30pm; delivery fees apply. Pre-order one day in advance, limited quantities available.
Porcelain fève is baked inside.
