It’s that time of year again — the season for one of France’s most beloved traditions: Galette des Rois. Here’s where you find King’s Cake 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 charm of Galette des Rois lies in its details. Enjoyed traditionally on Epiphany (January 6), it 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.
The Fève & The Game
Hidden within the Galette is the fève, originally a humble bean but now replaced, due to popular demand, with a tiny figurine. The fève tradition was first popularized in the 19th century, and the galette itself, according to some sources, goes as far back as ancient Rome.
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. Enthusiasts even collect fèves, adding a layer of whimsy to the tradition.
The “game” involves the youngest member of the group crawling under the table to randomly assign slices, ensuring the fève’s discovery is a surprise.
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.
Where To Find Galette De Rois in Shanghai
Luneurs
Bakery and ice creamery Luneurs goes all out with FIVE flavors: classic almond (¥288), caramel and hazelnut (¥328), blueberry (¥328), Valrhona dark chocolate (¥328), and yuzu (¥338). While the fillings may deviate from tradition, the buttery pastry, made with Echire AOP French butter, is as authentic as it gets.
The fèves, imported directly from France, are provided as gifts on the side. Galettes are available whole or by the slice in-store (¥38-¥48/slice) until February 4 at six locations: Huashan Lu / MixC / Qiantan Taikoo Li / Pudong Kerry Centre / Rockbund / Gubei. Available via their mini-program too.
Click here for venue listings.
La Parisienne
French bakery La Parisienne has two kinds of Galette De Rois, traditional frangipane and one with matcha.
Available in two sizes; a serving for one is ¥45, and the traditional size for six to share is ¥198. Order via their mini-program, delivery fees apply, or pick-up at any of their five locations in Shanghai: BFC / Hong Shou Fang / Qiantan Taikoo Li / Zhangyang Lu / Hongfeng Lu. Available until January 31, 2025.
Pain Chaud
French bakery Pain Chaud has a traditional Galette de Rois made with Lescure AOP French butter. Three sizes available: ¥168/6-inch, ¥268/8-inch, and ¥378/10-inch. Pre-order six hours in advance to ensure availability. The galette is sold by the slice in stores for ¥45 and is available at all nine outlets until February 1. Delivery is accessible via popular apps and their mini-program.
Crave
Address: 208 Xinle Lu 新乐路208号
Tel: 18964622405
Address: 88 Xizang Zhong Lu 西藏中路88号
Tel: 13817025184
Bakery and French bistro Crave has two flavors, original frangipane and black sesame, available until January 10, 2025. Both are six-inch galettes for ¥138 each. Orders can be placed via phone call, WeChat official account, and their Red Book store. Get them by the slice in-store at Crave (Huangpu).
Stone Sal
Address: 9 Donghu Lu 东湖路9号
Tel: 54641765
Steakhouse Stone Sal 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 daily for pick-up from 9:30am to 9:30pm, with delivery available for an additional fee. Pre-ordering two days in advance is recommended, and availability is limited.
