Words by Aude Camus
Ah, the French. While the world obsesses over January detoxes, we kick off the new year with buttery, sweet indulgence. Epiphany on 6 January is my excuse (not that I need one) to celebrate one of my all-time favourite French traditions: savouring the Galette des Rois. Nothing screams “French state of mind” quite like swapping salads and detox juices for flaky puff pastry stuffed with almond cream. And lucky for us in Hong Kong, there are some truly spectacular options to satisfy that galette craving.
Here’s my handpicked guide to the best galettes des rois in town this year. Will you go for a classic almond frangipane or try something new, like pistachio? Either way, don’t forget to let me know if you found the fève!
Ah, the French. While the world obsesses over January detoxes, we kick off the new year with buttery, sweet indulgence. Epiphany on 6 January is my excuse (not that I need one) to celebrate one of my all-time favourite French traditions: savouring the Galette des Rois. Nothing screams “French state of mind” quite like swapping salads and detox juices for flaky puff pastry stuffed with almond cream. And lucky for us in Hong Kong, there are some truly spectacular options to satisfy that galette craving.
Here’s my handpicked guide to the best galettes des rois in town this year. Will you go for a classic almond frangipane or try something new, like pistachio? Either way, don’t forget to let me know if you found the fève!
Butterfly Patisserie at Rosewood Hong Kong
The epitome of elegance
Pastry Chef Jonathan Soukdeo has crafted a galette des rois that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Featuring his signature almond frangipane layered within golden puff pastry, this galette is all about timeless perfection. Bonus points for the sophisticated packaging that will elevate any gathering. For a special twist, opt for the Chesnut Wild King Cake.
Order online
Price: HKD 428 for 6-8 people
When: Available 1 - 12 January 2025
LMO Freshly Baked by Richard Ekkebus
Pastry Chef Jonathan Soukdeo has crafted a galette des rois that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Featuring his signature almond frangipane layered within golden puff pastry, this galette is all about timeless perfection. Bonus points for the sophisticated packaging that will elevate any gathering. For a special twist, opt for the Chesnut Wild King Cake.
Order online
Price: HKD 428 for 6-8 people
When: Available 1 - 12 January 2025
LMO Freshly Baked by Richard Ekkebus
A royal treat with a touch of Bourbon Vanilla
For those who love a classic with a refined twist, Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus and Executive Pastry Chef Carles Codina fron The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, bring the galette des rois to Hong Kong as part of the LMO Freshly Baked series. Made with A.O.P. French butter for the ultimate flaky texture, this golden pastry is filled with almond frangipane infused with bourbon vanilla. Each galette comes with a specially designed fève and crown, so you can declare your own king or queen at home.
Order online or purchase at LMO Freshly Baked at BASEHALL, Jardin House (limited daily quantities)
Price: HKD 398 for 6-8 people
When: Available until 18 January 2025
The Mandarin Cake Shop at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
For those who love a classic with a refined twist, Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus and Executive Pastry Chef Carles Codina fron The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, bring the galette des rois to Hong Kong as part of the LMO Freshly Baked series. Made with A.O.P. French butter for the ultimate flaky texture, this golden pastry is filled with almond frangipane infused with bourbon vanilla. Each galette comes with a specially designed fève and crown, so you can declare your own king or queen at home.
Order online or purchase at LMO Freshly Baked at BASEHALL, Jardin House (limited daily quantities)
Price: HKD 398 for 6-8 people
When: Available until 18 January 2025
The Mandarin Cake Shop at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
A failproof classic
When it comes to indulgent sweet treats and celebratory cakes, The Mandarin Cake Shop is always a safe bet. Their galette des rois keeps things delightfully traditional, with buttery puff pastry and luscious almond frangipane—exactly the way it should be.
Call +852 2825 4008 or email mohkg-cakeshop@mohg.com to enquire. Available in shop only.
Price: HKD 498
When: Available 2 - 15 January 2025
Island Gourmet at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong
When it comes to indulgent sweet treats and celebratory cakes, The Mandarin Cake Shop is always a safe bet. Their galette des rois keeps things delightfully traditional, with buttery puff pastry and luscious almond frangipane—exactly the way it should be.
Call +852 2825 4008 or email mohkg-cakeshop@mohg.com to enquire. Available in shop only.
Price: HKD 498
When: Available 2 - 15 January 2025
Island Gourmet at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong
For the pistachio lovers
Executive Pastry Chef Julien Gourmelon takes a creative twist on the classic almond galette. Think velvety Sicilian pistachio cream sandwiched between layers of perfectly crisp puff pastry. It’s luxurious, nutty, and utterly irresistible. But you can obviously also opt for a traditional, and not less indulgent, version.
Order online or at Island Gourmet directly
Price: HKD 550 for 4-5 people / HKD 650 for 6-8 people / HKD 750 for 8-10 people
When: Available 2 - 31 January 2025
Chocolatier at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Executive Pastry Chef Julien Gourmelon takes a creative twist on the classic almond galette. Think velvety Sicilian pistachio cream sandwiched between layers of perfectly crisp puff pastry. It’s luxurious, nutty, and utterly irresistible. But you can obviously also opt for a traditional, and not less indulgent, version.
Order online or at Island Gourmet directly
Price: HKD 550 for 4-5 people / HKD 650 for 6-8 people / HKD 750 for 8-10 people
When: Available 2 - 31 January 2025
Chocolatier at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
A timeless classic
Grand Hyatt’s galette des rois keeps things traditional with rich almond frangipane encased in golden, flaky pastry. It’s the kind of galette that transports you straight to a Parisian boulangerie, and it even comes with a crown and fève - because no galette is complete without the chance to be crowned king or queen for the day.
Order online or purchase at Chocolatier at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Price: HKD 398
When: Available 4 – 31 January 2024
Frenchie Toquée
Grand Hyatt’s galette des rois keeps things traditional with rich almond frangipane encased in golden, flaky pastry. It’s the kind of galette that transports you straight to a Parisian boulangerie, and it even comes with a crown and fève - because no galette is complete without the chance to be crowned king or queen for the day.
Order online or purchase at Chocolatier at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Price: HKD 398
When: Available 4 – 31 January 2024
Frenchie Toquée
Authentically French, straight to your door
If you’re after a no-fuss, traditional galette des rois that feels like home, look no further. Frenchie Toquée offers a perfectly flaky puff pastry filled with creamy almond frangipane. The pièce de résistance? It’s delivered right to your doorstep. And to all the chocolate lovers out there, you can alternatively opt for the Chocolate and Hazelnuts version.
Order online
Price: HKD 380 for 6-8 people
When: In January
If you’re after a no-fuss, traditional galette des rois that feels like home, look no further. Frenchie Toquée offers a perfectly flaky puff pastry filled with creamy almond frangipane. The pièce de résistance? It’s delivered right to your doorstep. And to all the chocolate lovers out there, you can alternatively opt for the Chocolate and Hazelnuts version.
Order online
Price: HKD 380 for 6-8 people
When: In January
