King or queen for the day: Celebrate Epiphany with a delicious galette des rois
Forget yule logs, the feasting season is now bracing itself for the almond pastry confection known as King Cake. Particularly popular in francophone countries, Galette des rois, or Driekoningentaart in Dutch, is traditionally eaten on 6 January to ce
Forget yule logs, the feasting season is now bracing itself for the almond pastry confection known as King Cake.
Particularly popular in francophone countries, Galette des rois, or Driekoningentaart in Dutch, is traditionally eaten on 6 January to celebrate Epiphany.
While its origins date back to both pagan and Roman customs, the name denotes the practice of according the title of king – or queen - for the day to the person who discovers a lucky trinket hidden in the bake.
As the pastry is typically shared between families, friends and colleagues, it’s one of the most sociable gourmet traditions in Belgium.
Here’s some of the bakeries and patisseries in Brussels who are serving up the delicious frangipane treat this season, accompanied by charms and crowns.
The long-established city family bakery does not only cook up spicy biscuits. Its tasty specialities extend to two varieties of galettes at this time of year: almond and speculoos. For 2025, Brussels artists Hélène Bedouet and Hélène Drénou have conjured up four unique porcelain charms. On sale for €29 (eight portions). Rue au Beurre 31, Galerie du Roi 2 and boutiques around the city
The celebrated artisan patissery also uses top quality butter and almonds to confection its frangipane galettes, while a chocolate version is sure to please younger epicureans. €28 (four portions); €39 (six portions). Place du Grand Sablon 12; Rue Edith Cavell 22 &Chaussée de Waterloo 1359A (Uccle)
Three versions of the seasonal pastry await at this popular quality cake and tart outlet. Choose from apple, chocolate hazelnut or frangipane, available in either 4-6 or 6-8 portions, €18 or €27. Rue Joseph Stevens 34, Avenue de l’Hippodrome 75 (Ixelles), Rue Vanderkindere 367 (Uccle), Chaussée de Wemmel 10 (Jette) and other stores in the city
A prize trinket awaits the king or queen for the day lucky enough to pick the winning slice of flaky frangipane pastry. Find a golden charm and win a King’s cake for 12 (up to 10 January) or land on a red charm and enjoy a complementary takeaway Belgian hot chocolate (until 31 January). Galerie de la Reine 11, Rue des Sablons 11, Parvis Saint-Pierre 16 (Uccle), Rue des Tongres 71-73 (Etterbeek) and outlets around the city and the country
The city-centre patissier is famous for its Epiphany specialities containing porcelain figurines. This year, it offers two sorts: almond frangipane or raspberry and frangipane, both for six people (€30). Rue du Congrès 3 (pick up orders from atelier Rue Royal 53)
Take your pick from either apple or frangipane galettes, which are on sale in the quality bakery until 31 January. Prices from €16.50 to €30.95 for four, six and eight portions. Place Fernand Cocq 3 (Ixelles)
This is another landmark address in the capital that proposes a classic frangipane version of the seasonal pastry. €26 (four portions); €39 (six portions); or €6.50 (single portion). Chaussée de Vleurgat 111
Artisan p tissier Ginkgo offers almond frangipane galettes in the form of a square and employs quality Montaigu butter for a rich flaky bake. A nutty praline frangipane is an alternative option. This year, a pretty collection of glass beans in the form of hens are a surprise addition. €36 (six servings), available from 3 January. Place Julien Dillens 8 (Saint-Gilles)
Photos: (main image) Wittamer; Dandoy ©Fred Uyttenhove
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