Twelfth Night Delicacies in Paris: Where to Indulge Like a Local
Dining in Paris on Twelfth Night
Paris is famous for its gastronomy, and Twelfth Night is no exception to the rule. As a holiday celebrated across France, locals indulge in various delicacies to mark the end of the festive season. From January 5th to January 6th, it’s common to find an array of delicious sweet treats in bakeries, cafés, and restaurants across the city. However, if you’re looking for the most delicious and authentic Twelfth Night delicacies in Paris, these are the places to go.
A Delicious Tradition
The Galette des Rois is the star of the Twelfth Night festivities in Paris. This puff pastry cake filled with almond cream is available in almost every patisserie and bakery in Paris. The cake comes complete with a paper crown, symbolic of the three kings who arrived bearing gifts for baby Jesus. It’s customary for families and friends to share the cake at a celebratory dinner during the Twelfth Night festivities. The person who discovers the small porcelain figurine hidden inside the galette is declared the King or Queen for the day.
Le Dali restaurant
If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience on Twelfth Night, head to Le Dali restaurant, located in the luxurious Hôtel Le Meurice on the Rue de Rivoli. Their take on the Galette des Rois is a subtly sweet and nutty pastry served with a generous dollop of vanilla cream. The restaurant’s ambiance is elegant and refined, providing an opulent setting to partake in this French tradition.
Le Grenier à Pain bakery
For those who want to experience Twelfth Night like a local, Le Grenier à Pain should be your choice. This art-deco-influenced bakery on the Rue des Abbesses in Montmartre offers a Galette des Rois that’s crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and bursting with almond flavor. Their bakery is also renowned for its artisanal bread, which Parisians have enjoyed since 1994.
La Pâtisserie des Rêves
La Pâtisserie des Rêves, located in the chic 7th arrondissement, is home to a Galette des Rois that changes every year, depending on the inspiration of the pastry chefs. This modern patisserie infuses traditional French recipes with contemporary style, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience. The décor of the patisserie is also noteworthy, with ceiling-high glass jars filled with colorful candies and whimsical pastries on display.
Café Pouchkine
Located near the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, Café Pouchkine is a cozy and elegant café perfect for savoring Twelfth Night delicacies. The café offers a “Crown Cup” version of the Galette des Rois, consisting of a small pastry filled with almond cream and topped off with golden sugar. The design of the pastry is inspired by the crown shape, fitting for the celebration of the kings.
In conclusion, Paris’ culinary scene offers endless options for indulging in Twelfth Night delicacies. From elegant restaurants to cozy cafes, there’s a place for everyone to enjoy this French tradition. Whether you prefer a modern interpretation or a classic version of the Galette des Rois, the places mentioned above will satisfy your taste during this festive time of year.